There’s new hope for people who have both diabetes and kidney disease.

Widely given to patients with type 2 diabetes, metformin has been linked to reducing the risk for many types of cancers. The medication, however, may not be effective against one certain cancer.

People with type 2 diabetes have higher cancer risks than the general population. The link may have to do with how diabetes affects the metabolism. Diabetes medications may also figure into the equation.

The most widely prescribed medication for diabetes, metformin, also has heart health benefits for diabetes patients. For those without diabetes, however, its effects on the heart may be limited.

As the obesity rate among young people has climbed, so has the rate of type 2 diabetes. Adolescents who get the disease may face more health problems than those who get it as an adult.