Over the past several years, several worldwide clinical studies have helped to increase the awareness of Metformin and its impact on a variety of conditions—many of which are age-related.
Based on the available science and research, we know that Metformin activates longevity pathways and certain longevity genes. But did you know it also can also provide anti-aging benefits and help fight against mortality? Below, we list five age-related diseases and corresponding evidence that has shown the positive impact of Metformin on these conditions.*
#1: Cancer Risk Reduction
Overall, we are more likely to face health challenges as we age. Cancer is one of those possible challenges. However, research has shown Metformin to have anti-cancer properties that reduce the likelihood of being diagnosed with numerous forms of cancer, including:
- Reduced risk of colon or pancreas cancers
- Reduced incidences of gastroenterological cancers
- Decreased all-cause and prostate-cancer specific mortality
A study involving 1,300 patients in the Netherlands also notes “Metformin use was associated with lower cancer mortality compared with non users.”
2: Reduction in Overall Mortality
In a revolutionary 2014 study conducted in the UK, scientists compared 78,000 people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and compared them to a control group of 78,000 people without diabetic controls. Patients with type 2 diabetes who were taking Metformin had a longer survival rate than the non-diabetic control group over a 5-year period.
3: Diabetes Prevention
In a comprehensive, multi-year study, Metformin was shown to reduce the risk of developing diabetes by 31%. Furthermore, this study showed the effect of Metformin was equally effective for both men and women.
4: Reduction of Macrovascular & Cardiovascular Risks
A study of 390 patients in a randomized, placebo-controlled trial in 2009 concluded that Metformin reduced the risk of macrovascular disease. This study also included a 4.3-year follow-up and further concluded that Metformin can significantly reduce cardiovascular mortality. Additionally, the study showed that Metformin can reduce the incidence of cardiovascular events in both diabetic and non-diabetic patients with coronary heart disease.
5: Reduced Risk of Cognitive Impairment
A study of 67,731 participants who were non-demented, non-diabetic, and over 65 years of age, were studied from January 2004 to December 2009. The study concluded that diabetes is associated with an increased risk of dementia. When provided with sulfonylureas or Metformin, rather than thiazolidinediones for a longer period of time, that risk was reduced. Furthermore, the study determined that Metformin showed a significant decrease in cognitive impairment.
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*Metformin has not been approved by the FDA for these uses, but there are multiple studies that have shown these benefits.
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For links to these studies, and more information, visit our Science Page.
To request a Metformin prescription, click here.