Metformin used for
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Metformin: Uses and Benefits Across Various Health Conditions
Metformin for Type 2 Diabetes Management
Metformin is a cornerstone in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). It is widely recognized for its ability to lower blood glucose levels by reducing hepatic glucose production and improving peripheral insulin sensitivity2 3. This drug is often recommended as the first-line treatment for T2DM due to its efficacy, low cost, and favorable safety profile3 6. Additionally, metformin has been shown to improve glycemic control, reduce body weight, and positively affect lipid profiles and blood pressure in diabetic patients2.
Cardiovascular and Renal Benefits
Beyond its glucose-lowering effects, metformin has demonstrated significant cardiovascular and renal benefits. Studies have shown that metformin can reduce the risk of myocardial infarction and all-cause mortality in obese patients with T2DM2. It also exhibits cardioprotective and nephroprotective properties, making it a valuable option for patients with coexisting cardiovascular and renal conditions7 9.
Metformin in Cancer Prevention and Treatment
Emerging evidence suggests that metformin may play a role in cancer prevention and treatment. Population studies have indicated a reduced incidence and improved prognosis of certain cancers, such as breast, endometrial, and colorectal cancers, among metformin users1 4 9. The drug's anti-cancer effects are thought to be mediated through the activation of AMP kinase, which inhibits cell growth and proliferation10. Ongoing clinical trials are exploring metformin's potential as a chemopreventive or adjuvant therapy in cancer treatment5.
Metformin for Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome
Metformin is also beneficial in managing obesity and metabolic syndrome. It helps reduce visceral fat, suppresses white-adipose-tissue remodeling, and inhibits obesity-induced inflammation4. These effects make metformin a valuable tool in addressing the metabolic complications associated with obesity1 4.
Use in Liver Diseases
Metformin has shown promise in treating nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by decreasing hepatocyte triglyceride accumulation and preventing liver tumorigenesis4. Although clinical evidence is still emerging, metformin's potential benefits in liver diseases are being actively investigated4.
Reproductive Health and Pregnancy
In reproductive health, metformin is used off-label to manage conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), where it improves ovulation and reduces insulin resistance5. It is also effective in treating gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), particularly in overweight and obese women, and has been shown to reduce weight gain during pregnancy5.
Anti-Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases
Recent studies have highlighted metformin's potential in anti-aging and neurodegenerative disease prevention. Metformin has been associated with a reduced incidence of aging-related diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders, and has shown promise in extending lifespan in model organisms7 8.
Conclusion
Metformin's versatility extends far beyond its primary use in managing type 2 diabetes. Its benefits in cardiovascular health, cancer prevention, obesity management, liver diseases, reproductive health, and potential anti-aging effects make it a multifaceted drug with broad therapeutic applications. As research continues, metformin's role in various health conditions is likely to expand, offering new avenues for treatment and prevention.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Metformin and Its Benefits for Various Diseases
Metformin offers benefits for various diseases and aging, with potential underlying mechanisms still unclear.
Highly CitedWITHDRAWN: Metformin monotherapy for type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Metformin monotherapy effectively improves diabetes-related outcomes and reduces all-cause mortality in obese patients, but its effectiveness in overweight patients remains unclear.
Meta-Analysis
Very Rigorous JournalHighly CitedMetformin: clinical use in type 2 diabetes
Metformin is a popular oral glucose-lowering medication for type 2 diabetes, with benefits including improved lipids, reduced cardiovascular events, and a lenient regulatory approach for patients with mild renal dysfunction.
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedMetformin: An Old Drug with New Applications
Metformin may treat nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, cancer, obesity, and metabolic syndrome, but more clinical evidence is needed to confirm its benefits and prevent liver tumorigenesis.
Highly CitedMetformin in reproductive health, pregnancy and gynaecological cancer: established and emerging indications.
Metformin may improve reproductive health, reduce weight gain during pregnancy, and potentially reduce the risk of certain gynecological cancers.
Literature ReviewHighly CitedMetformin: historical overview
Metformin has become the most prescribed glucose-lowering medicine worldwide for managing type 2 diabetes, with its history linked to Galega officinalis, a traditional herbal medicine in Europe.
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedThe Current and Potential Therapeutic Use of Metformin—The Good Old Drug
Metformin is a safe and well-tolerated treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus, with potential benefits for prediabetes, type 1 diabetes, and gestational diabetes mellitus, as well as potentially reducing cancer risk and neurodegenerative disease.
Highly CitedMetformin as Anti-Aging Therapy: Is It for Everyone?
Metformin shows potential in retarding aging and reducing aging-related diseases, but its mechanisms and side effects need further study before it becomes a mainstay anti-aging therapy.
Literature ReviewHighly CitedMetformin therapy and clinical uses
Metformin is a first-line antidiabetic therapy for type 2 diabetes, with potential benefits in other insulin-resistant states and tumor suppression.
Highly CitedMetformin is an AMP kinase-dependent growth inhibitor for breast cancer cells.
Metformin acts as a growth inhibitor for breast cancer cells, potentially contributing to its antineoplastic effects and warranting further exploration in cancer prevention and treatment.
In Vitro StudyHighly Cited