Metformin for Anti-aging

With claims about Metformin being an anti-aging drug circulating on the internet, it can be confusing to know what to believe. Metformin was first approved as a diabetes treatment in Europe in the 1950s before getting FDA approval for its use in the United States in 1995.

Since then, Metformin has been the go-to prescription for people with Type 2 diabetes who find it challenging to regulate their blood sugar levels with exercise and diet alone.

Metformin is safe and effective for diabetes when taken in doses of not more than 2,000 mg daily. There’s ongoing research on its potential to slow the aging process.

How Metformin Works as an Anti-Aging Drug

Recent studies on Metformin as an anti-aging medication suggest that the drug can increase lifespan by preventing age-related disease. It does this by improving the health of the blood vessels, antioxidant effects, and the body’s sensitivity to insulin.

Metformin also has the power to diminish or block some of the factors that speed up aging. The drug protects against chronic inflammation, poor mitochondrial function, and DNA damage glycation. It can also help repair DNA, which is critical in preventing cancer.

Metformin in the Production of Longevity-Promoting Cellular Molecules

The drug attacks these degenerative processes in the body to slow down aging brought by life-threatening diseases. It can also stimulate the production of cellular molecules such as AMPK and mTOR. These molecules help minimize sugar storage and fat in the body and facilitate the youthful functioning of cells.

AMPK, in particular, can improve lifespan when activated by Metformin. Its power tends to reduce with age, increasing our vulnerability to many age-related diseases. Metformin can help activate this molecule to prevent age-related disorders such as neurocognitive decline, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.

Metformin’s Effect on Body Weight and Fat Mass

With its AMPK activating ability, Metformin can help combat obesity. It does this by activating AMPK, which facilitates fat burn, elimination of sugar from the blood as well as the recycling of cellular contents to get rid of toxic proteins. 

In turn, Metformin has positive effects on fat deposits and body weight. It can help fight obesity by reducing body fat mass for people with or without diabetes.

Even more, women with PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) can benefit from this drug. This is because PCOS is one of the main causes of endocrine problems and obesity in women at premenopausal stages.

Can the Drug Prevent Neurodegenerative Disorders?

A lot of research is constantly being carried out on Metformin's ability to prevent neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. Most of it focuses on the drug's prowess in activating the youth-stimulating energy regulator in the cells, AMPK.

As Metformin activates AMPK, any misfolded proteins that might have accumulated in the brain cells will be cleaned up. In turn, proteins such as beta-amyloid and tau will no longer pose a risk of dysfunction and brain cell death, which are common in neurodegenerative diseases.

By preventing diseases linked to these damaging proteins, Metformin can help slow down aging. This means that people may reach old age with fewer risks of developing neurodegenerative disorders. They are also less likely to lack dopamine-producing brain cells or experience motor coordination issues.

Final Thoughts

It's no secret that Metformin has helped many people around the world cope with diabetes for over five decades. As claims around its use as an anti-aging drug emerge, some studies show that the drug can boost the activity of a metabolic regulator, AMPK, which facilitates the burning of sugar and fat, thus preventing them from accumulating in the body. Even more, thanks to its AMPK-activating properties and protective effects, Metformin helps prevent age-related diseases like cardiovascular disease and neurodegenerative disorders.