Metformin The Anti-Aging Miracle Drug by Jeffrey Dach MD
Metformin, The Anti-Aging Miracle Drug
Metformin - Mechanisms of Action
1) Decreases glucose absorption from GI tract. (2)
2) Inhibits hepatic gluconeogenesis (production of sugar by the liver). 3) Increases sensitivity and number of insulin receptors.
4) Increases peripheral glucose uptake
5) Increases fatty acid oxidation.
Metformin Decreases Glucose Absorption From GI Tract
In studies using lab mice, metformin (in dosage of 250 mg/kg) given for five days decreased Glucose absorption by the GI tract by more than half. (2) These results indicate that metformin had a significant inhibitory effect on the absorption of sugar (glucose) by the gastrointestinal tract.
Metformin Inhibits Hepatic Gluco-Neogensis (Sugar Production)
Primary Action of Metformin
People with Type Two Diabetes have a Three-Fold increase in gluconeogenesis (sugar production by the liver). Metformin decreases gluconeogenesis by 36% as a result of AMPK upregulation. (3)
Metformin Increases Sensitivity and Number of Insulin Receptors
Insulin Resistance can be seen in Metabolic Syndrome, in Type two Diabetes (T2DM), and in the Aging Process.
With Insulin Resistance, higher levels of insulin are needed by the body to move glucose into the cells. Metformin is beneficial here because metformin increases both insulin sensitivity and the number of insulin receptors. With Metformin use, insulin levels fall and patients often lose weight, ameliorating metabolic syndrome. (4).
Metformin Increases Fatty Acid Oxidation
When blood insulin levels are high, as in Type Two Diabetes, glucose is preferentially burned rather than fatty acids. When insulin levels decrease, fatty acids are may then be utilized (oxidized, burned, metabolized) for energy production rather than sugar (glucose). Metformin increases the utilization of FAT Stores as energy for muscle (fatty acids oxidation by muscle cells). (5)
Uses of Metformin
FDA-approved Use: Metformin is FDA-approved for use in Type 2 Diabetes.
Off-Label Uses of Metformin
1) Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
2) Drug-induced weight gain
3) Cancer Prevention
4) Caloric restriction (CR)-mimetic
Metformin, the Diabetes Drug - 48 Million Prescriptions
Metformin is first line drug treatment for Type Two Diabetes.
Forty Eight million prescriptions for metformin were written in United States in 2010. Metformin is the Ninth most commonly prescribed drug.
Metformin is the only anti-diabetic drug proven to prevent the Cardiovascular Complications of Type Two Diabetes.
Metformin Lowers LDL-C and Triglycerides.
Metformin does not cause weight gain, and does not cause hypoglycemia.
Metformin- Has Added Beneficial Effects
Here is a Meta-Analysis of 31 Metformin drug trials with 4,570 participants.(7)
Metformin reduced BMI (Body Mass Index) - 5.3%
Reduced Fasting Sugar – (Glucose) – 4.5%
Reduced Fasting insulin -14.4%
Reduced Triglycerides - 5.3%
Reduced LDL-C - 5,6%
Reduced New-onset diabetes - 40%
Increased HDL-C + 5%
Metformin reduces new onset Diabetes by 40% (7)