The possible anti-aging and anti-cancer effects of the most widely used diabetes medication in the world were discussed at the latest installment of Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar’s (WCM-Q) Grand Rounds.
Dr Chris Triggle, Professor of Pharmacology at WCM-Q, summarised the research into potentially beneficial side-effects of metformin, a synthetically manufactured drug that has been in use for over 60 years as a treatment for type-2 diabetes. It is estimated that more than 150 million people around the world use metformin every day.
In type-2 diabetes, the body either does not produce enough insulin or the body’s cells do not respond adequately to insulin, which is responsible for controlling blood sugar levels. Metformin is an oral medication that helps to keep blood sugar levels under control by improving insulin sensitivity.
Speaking at WCM-Q to an audience of fellow health professionals, Dr Triggle said: “Metformin is the ‘first choice’ medication for treatment of type-2 diabetes because it is very effective, it is inexpensive, and its side-effects are not severe. Indeed, there is evidence that suggests metformin may actually have some beneficial side-effects, such as anti-aging and anti-cancer properties, as well as protecting against cardiovascular disease.”
Studies of stype-2 diabetes patients receiving metformin showed a statistically significant reduced incidence of cancer and improved survival rates among those who did get cancer.
Dr Triggle explained beneficial side-effects of the drug appeared to be related to its capacity to affect function of body’s endothelial cells, which line the interior surfaces of blood vessels. The endothelial cells play a key role in supporting growth of new blood vessels in tumours, and metformin appears to interfere with this process.
