- Metformin is a biguanide, a type of medication used to treat type II diabetes.
- Multiple studies reveal metformin’s anti-aging benefits, including improved cognition in Alzheimer’s patients and a lower cardiovascular disease risk.
- A new study is investigating metformin’s anti-aging properties more thoroughly and includes 3000 participants from across the United States.
Worldwide, people take metformin to treat type II diabetes. Metformin reduces insulin resistance and decreases the amount of glucose the liver produces. Over time, scientists have found that metformin has other benefits as well. Multiple studies reveal how it comes with anti-aging perks, including less oxidative stress, improved cardiac profiles, and enhanced cognition.
Most recently, the Targeted Aging with Metformin (TAME) trial has investigated metformin’s anti-aging powers. While research is still ongoing, the TAME trial and other studies reveal a lot about metformin’s greatest anti-aging potential. Together, the TAME trial and existing evidence show just how powerful metformin is.
Metformin and Aging: Current Research
A lot of the research that looks into metformin and aging focuses on 5’AMP-Activated protein kinase (AMPK). It’s handy to think of AMPK as an energy sensor that’s inside all cells. When we run low on energy, AMPK kicks into gear and tells different cellular processes to produce more energy.
Metformin essentially makes AMPK more active, an effective way to lower blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity.
The Potential Benefits of Metformin for Healthy Aging
Since the early 2000s, a wealth of studies have found that metformin promotes healthy aging. Some of their findings include:
- Targeting metabolic pathways. Metformin decreases the liver’s glucose production and reduces insulin resistance. Regulating these processes allows metformin to optimize cellular energy and promote healthier aging.
- Anti-tumor benefits. Early evidence shows that metformin may encourage tumor cells to kill themselves. The trial cited suggests that breast cancer patients taking metformin experienced a reduction in cancer-causing cells.
- Preventing cancerous cells from spreading. Another study looks into using metformin to treat women with endometrial cancer. Its findings suggest metformin stops cancer cells from spreading into surrounding tissues.
- Improved memory and cognitive function. One study examined the use of metformin in non-diabetic patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Participants experienced improved memory and day-to-day functioning.
- Preventing fatty liver disease. Taking metformin may prevent and reverse steatosis, which is a condition where fatty cells build in the liver. Less steatosis may make it easier for your liver to clear toxins.
- Anti-inflammatory benefits. People with cardiovascular disease who use metformin experience a reduction in PARP-1 activity. Reducing PARP-1 activity means there’s less oxidative stress and inflammation in cardiac cells that need to heal.
- Reducing oxidative stress. One study examining the use of metformin in rats found it reduces oxidative stress—a harmful process that ages the body. The researchers also found that it promotes cell recycling, making way for new cells to form.
- Resisting oxidative stress. Even when oxidative stress does occur, metformin may resist it. One study reveals how it encourages a protein called FOXO3 to resist oxidative stress and suppress tumors. As a result, it may promote healthier cells and a longer lifespan.
- Improves mitochondrial function. Mitochondria are like the power houses of cells–they help cells produce energy. At a normal human dose, metformin makes it easier for mitochondria to do their job.
- Reducing appetite. Metformin may reduce ghrelin, which is the hormone that causes hunger. Having less ghrelin results in a reduced appetite, which may then result in weight loss.
Exploring the TAME Trial: A Milestone in Longevity Research
One comprehensive study looking into the link between metformin and anti-aging is the Targeted Aging with Metformin (TAME) trial. This trial is examining whether it’s possible to prevent aging in the same way science can prevent some diseases.
Overall, the TAME trial will feature 3000 people aged between 65 and 80. Each participant is at risk of an age-related degenerative condition, such as heart disease or cognitive decline. The trial will measure the time that elapses between someone not having an age-related disease and when (if ever) an age-related disease starts.
As a randomized controlled trial (RCT), the TAME trial compares two groups: one that’s taking metformin and one taking a placebo. None of the participants know which category they fall into. Thanks to this, it’s easier for the researchers to state whether any benefits that those taking metformin experience are due to taking the drug or other factors.
The TAME trial is a landmark study taking place at 14 different locations across the United States. The age-related events it’s looking for include:
- Cardiovascular (including stroke, heart attack, and death due to cardiovascular disease)
- Cancer
- Dementia
- Death
As we’ve already seen, other smaller studies show how metformin may protect against all the above. That’s not to say that the drug can stop them from happening entirely. However, it may decrease their frequency or prevent them from happening at too early an age.
Understanding the Risks and Considerations of Metformin Use
No medication is a wonder-drug and taking metformin comes with risks. Those risks include:
- Nausea. Metformin may induce nausea, but some users offset this by taking it with food.
- Diarrhea. Metformin may increase the amount of fluid in the small intestine, resulting in diarrhea.
- Stomach cramps. Stomach cramps may occur alongside diarrhea or due to stomach lining irritation.
- Loss of appetite. Metformin’s effects on ghrelin can cause loss of appetite. Loss of appetite stops being a positive side effect if it results in a major calorie deficit or nutritional deficiency.
- Metallic taste. Another side effect is altered taste perception, which may cause a metallic taste in the mouth.
- Low vitamin B12. Metformin may interfere with the way the small intestine absorbs some nutrients, resulting in low vitamin b12.
- Low blood sugar. At too high a dose, metformin may cause blood sugar to dip too low. Low blood sugar might result in headaches, dizziness, and loss of consciousness.
Final Thoughts: The Future of Metformin and Anti-Aging Studies
To date, studies investigating the links between Metformin and various anti-ageing processes have delivered excellent results. The emergence of the TAME study is a step toward discovering the drug’s maximal benefits.
If the TAME study finds that metformin has a positive effect on lifespan extension, it could have a major impact on public health. Although metformin comes with side effects, it’s mostly safe and well-tolerated. Should the TAME trial’s results prove promising, millions of people worldwide could lead healthier lives as they age.
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Metformin FAQ
What is metformin and how does it work?
Metformin is a type of medication called a biguanide that treats type 2 diabetes. It works by increasing the body’s sensitivity to insulin, which is the hormone that helps cells use glucose for energy. Additionally, metformin reduces the amount of glucose the liver produces.
What are the common side effects of metformin?
Metformin has a few common side effects, including:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Weight loss
- Metallic taste in the mouth
- Blurred vision
- Headaches
- Rash
- Itching
- Insomnia
- Decreased libido
It’s important to note that not everyone will experience side effects. If you develop side effects while taking metformin, discuss them with your doctor.
How does metformin help manage type 2 diabetes?
Metformin helps to manage type 2 diabetes in the following ways:
- Increasing sensitivity to insulin so that cells can use glucose more easily. When more glucose moves into cells, blood sugar levels drop.
- Metformin also helps the liver reduce the amount of glucose it produces, which further lowers blood sugar levels.
- Metformin slows down glucose absorption in the slow intestines, which then prevents blood sugar from spiking too quickly after eating.
Can metformin aid in weight loss?
Although metformin is not a weight loss drug, it can help some people lose weight. Lowering insulin levels helps with weight loss, as when glucose levels are high the body stores more of it as fat. By slowing down food absorption at the intestines, metformin makes it easier to stay fuller for longer, resulting in less overeating.
Metformin isn’t a miracle weight loss drug, but it might make it easier to lose weight when exercising and eating a healthy diet.
Is metformin safe for long term use?
Metformin is safe for long-term use and is one of the safest diabetes medications on the market. Although it sometimes produces side effects, they’re usually temporary.
Can metformin be used for treating polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)?
Metformin isn’t a cure for PCOS, but it can treat some of the symptoms. Women who take metformin for PCOS often find that their regular cycles become regular, they no longer experience excess hair growth, and their fertility returns to normal. Metformin may be effective in treating PCOS as increasing insulin sensitivity can lead to weight loss.
Are there any potential drug interactions with metformin?
Metformin interacts with several drugs, including:
- Drinking too much alcohol while taking metformin may increase the risk of lactic acidosis.
- Some antibiotics, including clarithromycin and erythromycin, may make metformin less effective.
- Antifungals such as ketoconazole and fluconazole may make metformin less effective.
- Antivirals such as ritonavir and atazanavir may increase the risk of lactic acidosis.
- Medications for heart disease, including digoxin and verapamil, may make lactic acidosis more likely.
- Medications for high blood pressure, including hydrochlorothiazide and furosemide may cause lactic acidosis when taken with metformin.
- Seizure medications such as phenytoin and carbamazepine may make metformin less effective.
- Medications for some types of cancer, such as imatinib and dasatinib, may increase the risk of lactic acidosis when taken alongside metformin.
How does metformin affect kidney function?
Although metformin is mostly safe, it may cause lactic acidosis in rare cases. As lactic acid is removed via the kidneys, those who have kidney disease may struggle to dispose of it and have a higher risk of lactic acidosis as a result. Therefore, some doctors may exercise caution when prescribing metformin to those with existing kidney disease.
Can metformin be used to prevent or manage prediabetes?
Metformin can be used to manage pre-diabetes by reducing the amount of glucose the liver produces and increasing insulin sensitivity. Eating a healthy diet, exercising, and quitting smoking are also useful ways to manage pre-diabetes while taking metformin.
Are there any dietary restrictions or recommendations when taking metformin?
Overall, it’s advisable to take metformin while eating a healthy and balanced diet. It’s also a good idea to reduce alcohol as drinking it increases the risk of lactic acidosis. As grapefruit juice can interfere with the way the body absorbs metformin, it’s wise to stop drinking it while taking the drug.
