Metformin Magic: Unraveling the Secrets of a Type 2 Diabetes Wonder Drug

By Type2 Advice

May 5, 2023

Metformin is a medicine that can help you control your blood sugar levels if you have type 2 diabetes. But did you know that metformin can also do much more than that? Metformin may have benefits for your heart, your brain, your weight, and even your lifespan. In this article, we will reveal the secrets of metformin, a wonder drug that has been used for more than 60 years to treat type 2 diabetes and other conditions.

What is metformin and how does it work?

Metformin is a generic name for a medicine that comes from a plant called French lilac, which was used in folk medicine to treat diabetes. Metformin was approved by the FDA in 1994 and is now one of the most popular medicines for people with type 2 diabetes.

Metformin works mainly by reducing the amount of sugar that your liver makes and by helping your body use insulin better. Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells take up sugar from your blood. Metformin also lowers the amount of sugar that your intestines absorb from food and may have other positive effects on your metabolism, inflammation, and aging.

What are the benefits of metformin?

Metformin has many benefits for people with type 2 diabetes. It can help:

Lower your blood sugar levels and prevent or delay complications such as kidney damage, nerve problems, blindness, amputations, and heart attacks or strokes.
Lose weight or prevent weight gain by reducing your appetite and increasing your fat burning.
Improve your cholesterol and blood pressure levels by lowering bad cholesterol and triglycerides and raising good cholesterol.
Prevent or treat other conditions such as gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy), polycystic ovary syndrome (a hormonal disorder that causes irregular periods, acne, and excess hair growth), and some types of cancer.

What are some possible side-effects of metformin?

Metformin is generally safe and well tolerated by most people. However, it may cause some side effects such as:

Stomach problems such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gas, bloating, or stomach pain. These are usually mild and temporary and can be reduced by taking metformin with food or starting with a low dose and gradually increasing it.
Vitamin B12 deficiency which can cause anemia, nerve damage, or cognitive impairment. This can be prevented by taking vitamin B12 supplements or eating foods rich in this vitamin such as meat, eggs, dairy products, or fortified cereals.
Lactic acidosis which is a rare but serious condition that causes a build-up of lactic acid in your blood. This can cause muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain, dizziness, feeling cold, or feeling very weak or tired. This can be more likely if you have other medical conditions such as kidney disease, liver disease, heart failure, or severe infection; if you drink too much alcohol; or if you take certain other medicines. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor or get emergency medical help right away.

How to use metformin effectively?

Metformin is usually taken once or twice a day with meals. The dose and frequency depend on your blood sugar levels, your response to the medicine, and your doctor’s advice. You should follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and check your blood sugar levels regularly.

Metformin works best when combined with a healthy diet and exercise. You should eat foods that are low in fat, high in fiber, and have a low glycemic index (foods that keep blood sugar more stable). You should also avoid foods that are high in saturated fats, trans fats, sugars, refined carbohydrates, and salt. You should exercise at least 30 minutes a day for most days of the week. You can choose activities that you enjoy such as walking, swimming, sports, or other physical activities.

Metformin may interact with other medicines or herbal supplements that you take. You should tell your doctor about all the medicines and supplements that you use before starting metformin. Some examples of medicines that may interact with metformin are:

Insulin or other oral diabetes medicines that may lower your blood sugar too much when taken with metformin.
Diuretics (water pills) that may increase your risk of lactic acidosis when taken with metformin.
Iodinated contrast agents (dyes) that are used for some types of x-ray or CT scan that may harm your kidneys when taken with metformin. You may need to stop taking metformin temporarily before and after the procedure.

Can metformin slow aging?

One of the most intriguing secrets of metformin is its potential to slow aging and extend lifespan. Studies have shown that metformin can delay aging and improve health in animals , and the drug may have similar effects in humans . Some of the ways that metformin may slow aging are:

By activating AMPK , an enzyme that regulates energy metabolism and cellular stress response.
By inhibiting mTOR , a protein complex that controls cell growth and survival.
By modulating sirtuins , a family of proteins that regulate gene expression and DNA repair.
By reducing oxidative stress , inflammation , and DNA damage , which are major causes of aging.

These mechanisms may explain why metformin has been linked to lower risks of dementia , stroke , cancer , and COVID-19 , among other age-related diseases . Metformin may also improve cognitive function , immune system function , muscle strength , bone health , and skin health .

However, more research is needed to confirm the anti-aging effects of metformin in humans . Currently , there is an ongoing clinical trial called TAME (Targeting Aging with Metformin) , which aims to test whether metformin can delay the onset of multiple chronic diseases in older adults . The results of this trial may provide more evidence for the role of metformin in slowing aging .

Conclusion

Metformin is a wonder drug that can help people with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar levels and prevent or treat other conditions . It has many benefits but also some risks that can be minimized by following your doctor’s advice and taking care of your health . Metformin is not a cure for diabetes but a tool that can help you manage it better .

If you have type 2 diabetes or are at risk of developing it , talk to your doctor about whether metformin is right for you . Metformin can help you live longer and healthier if you use it wisely .

References and further reading

(1) Is metformin a wonder drug? - Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/is-metformin-a-wonder-drug-202109222605. (2) Metformin Health Benefits: Why They Likely Go Beyond Type 2 Diabetes. https://www.everydayhealth.com/type-2-diabetes/metformin-health-benefits-why-they-likely-go-beyond-type-2-diabetes/. (3) Metformin: update on mechanisms of action and repurposing potential …. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41574-023-00833-4.