Metformin
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Metformin is primarily known as a first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes, where it helps regulate blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity and decreasing hepatic glucose production 1 2. It is derived from the French lilac and has been in use for decades, influencing pathways associated with longevity, such as AMPK 2 3.
Beyond diabetes, metformin is being explored for its potential in longevity and disease prevention. Studies have shown it may reduce risks of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and cognitive decline, independent of its diabetes-related benefits 2 4. The ongoing TAME (Targeting Aging with Metformin) study aims to demonstrate its aging-related benefits to the FDA 2.
However, there are trade-offs. Metformin can reduce vitamin B12 levels and may impair muscle-building from resistance exercise 5. Despite its longevity implications, some experts caution against its use in non-diabetic individuals due to these potential downsides 5.
Experts like and highlight the drug's broader health effects, including possible lifespan extension and its role in managing conditions like PCOS 1 3. Nonetheless, lifestyle changes often prove more effective than metformin alone in preventing diabetes 6.
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