There are numerous clinical studies and possibly an FDA-approval in the near future for the first longevity drug to be approved to help you increase your healthspan. Being researched heavily by various educational establishments, predominantly by Dr. David Sinclair at Harvard University. Metformin is a prescription drug that is commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes. It works by decreasing the amount of glucose produced by the liver and increasing the sensitivity of muscle cells to insulin, which helps the body process glucose better. Metformin has been shown to have several additional health benefits beyond its primary purpose. These include weight loss, reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and mortality in people with type 2 diabetes, and reducing the risk of developing certain cancers. Through its action on AMPK, an enzyme that plays an important role in regulating the metabolism and energy production in cells, metformin helps to keep healthy levels of glucose and cholesterol. This in turn can help reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases associated with aging, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Metformin has been shown to have a positive effect on longevity. Many animal studies have demonstrated that metformin increases life expectancy by extending the healthspan, the period in which people remain healthy and relatively unencumbered by disease. Metformin may also play a role in activating certain pathways in our cells that lead to increased levels of antioxidants, which are known to help protect our cells from damage that can lead to age-related diseases. Studies have suggested that metformin can delay or even prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes in people at high risk for the condition, even if they are not actively managing their blood sugar levels. For those already living with type 2 diabetes, taking metformin can help reduce the risk of microvascular complications such as diabetic neuropathy, retinopathy, nephropathy, and stroke. Other studies have found that taking metformin can reduce the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke, and death in people with type 2 diabetes.
Metformin has also been found to be beneficial for individuals without diabetes. Research has found that it can lead to modest weight loss in some people and reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, among others. Additionally, there is evidence to suggest that metformin may increase longevity by activating cellular pathways known as sirtuins, which are involved in aging processes.
In summary, taking metformin can offer a wide range of health benefits beyond just managing type 2 diabetes. It may help people lose weight, reduce the risk of developing diabetes, reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and mortality in people with diabetes, and even increase longevity. If you are considering taking metformin, make sure to speak with a doctor or healthcare provider first to ensure it is the right choice for your specific situation. At BioCure our passion lies in longevity. We strive to make all of our patients healthier and lead a life full of vigor and health with an absence of disease. Call or text us at 754-206-0838 to make an appointment for a complimentary phone consultation with one of our longevity experts.
