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.
Metformin and Inflammation
Chronic low-grade inflammation is increasingly viewed as a driver of aging itself, sometimes called “inflammaging.” Research suggests Metformin may help lower several inflammatory markers in the blood, including CRP and TNF-α, and some studies indicate this effect may occur whether or not someone has diabetes. While the exact mechanisms are still being studied, this anti-inflammatory potential is one more reason Metformin continues to interest longevity researchers.
Metformin and Exercise
Some research has looked at how Metformin interacts with exercise, since both are associated with healthy aging. Studies comparing people who exercised with and without Metformin found that strength gains were similar between groups, though the Metformin group tended to gain somewhat less muscle mass. Researchers have suggested this combination may still support beneficial changes in aging-related pathways beyond muscle alone. Longevity researcher David Sinclair has pointed to this research as evidence that pairing Metformin with exercise may support healthy aging without meaningfully limiting fitness gains.
Metformin and Brain Health
Emerging research suggests Metformin may also help support brain health as we age. A 2024 study in monkeys found that Metformin appeared to slow biological aging across several tissues, including the brain, and was associated with better preserved cognitive function. Earlier studies in people with type 2 diabetes have similarly suggested Metformin may help lower the risk of cognitive decline. While more research is needed to confirm these effects in the general population, this remains an area of active interest for researchers exploring Metformin’s role in supporting long-term brain health.
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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.