Metformin and Its Effects on Longevity

Metformin is a drug that has been widely used since the 1960s to treat type 2 diabetes. 

It lowers blood sugar by increasing the sensitivity of the tissues in the body to insulin, the pancreatic hormone that lowers blood sugar in non-diabetics. It also has an effect on how much sugar the liver produces. It may even help prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes in at-risk people.

Of great interest is the drug’s effects on longevity.

Research into the pro-longevity effects of metformin began with the observation that type 2 diabetics taking metofrmin appeared to live longer than those not taking the drug, and even longer than non-diabetics.

 It has been shown that metformin activates the enzyme AMPK, which has benefical effects on both glucose and lipid (fat) metabolism. AMPK reduces the incidence of fatty liver and also mimics the effects of exercise on cells – it is an “anti-aging” molecule. 

A review from 2022 concluded that metformin may be effective as a longevity drug in people without diabetes.

Metformin is also anti-inflammatory. Chronic inflammation contributes to aging – it predisposes to the 4 chronic diseases that are the hallmarks of aging: cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome (type 2 diabetes and obesity), dementia, and cancer.

Metformin might be considered a “natural” product, as it is derived from the herb, Galega officinalis, or “Goat’s rue.” Goat’s rue is a traditional herbal medicine in Europe, where it has been used for centuries for many ailments, including digestive problems. Adverse effects of metformin other than mild, often transient nausea or diarrhea, are very uncommon. The drug is about as safe as any. 

One of my mentors during my medical training said to me regarding use of a metabolic cocktail containing insulin, glucose, and potassium during heart surgery, “Greg, it doesn’t hurt and it might help, so we give it.” While I do not take or recommend an unlimited number of drugs and supplements according to this rule of thumb, there is enough evidence in favor of metformin that I started taking it about a year ago.

* To help determine whether you are at risk, consider using a continuous glucose monitor to check your blood sugar upon wakening – see article on CGMs.

Note: Although I am a physician, the content in this article is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent illness or disease in the reader – it is for educational purposes only.

References

• Thomas I, Gregg B. Metformin; a review of its history and future: from lilac to longevity. Pediatr Diabetes. 2017 02;18(1):10-16.
• Xenos D, Mecocci P, Boccardi V. A bliast from the past: To tame time with metformin. Mech Age Devel 2022;208
• Piskovatska V, Storey KB, Vaiserman AM, Lushchak O. The Use of Metformin to Increase the Human Healthspan. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2020;1260:319-332.
• Glossmann HH, Lutz OMD. Metformin and Aging: A Review. Gerontology. 2019;65(6):581-590.