Metformin as Anti-aging Therapy: Does It Work?

With over 85 million prescriptions in 2019, metformin remains one of the top most used drugs in the United States. 

This FDA-approved prescription medication is a well-known antidiabetic agent for treating patients with type 2 diabetes. 

But, extensive metformin studies show that these pills can make for practical anti-aging drugs. 

As a result, countless patients without diabetes are using this affordable drug. Mainly in the hope of looking younger and staying healthier. 

The question is can a pill slow down aging? And how effective can it really be? 

Here is the truth about metformin and the effects you can expect.

What Is Metformin? 

What is metformin used for? According to human studies, metformin is a favored and FDA-approved first-line agent in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The benefits of metformin can be useful in adults and children ten years or older. 

This prescription medication also has other non-FDA approved uses, such as: (1)

Preventing type 2 diabetes 

Patients with prediabetes have increased blood sugar that isn’t high enough to be diabetes. Metformin could prevent this metabolic ailment or delay its onset in prediabetes patients.

Gestational diabetes 

Every year, 2-10% of pregnancies in the United States are affected by skyrocketing blood-sugar levels. After delivering the baby, the blood-sugar control goes back to normal. 

Managing gestational diabetes can help women have a healthy baby and pregnancy. Metformin can help keep the blood sugar in check in these patients. 

Prevention and treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) 

Roughly 5-10% of women between 15 and 44 years can have PCOS. Every female is at risk of developing PCOS. But, those most vulnerable to the condition have a family history or high obesity. 

Metformin could reduce testosterone levels in PCOS patients. This effect might have to do with insulin sensitivity. It could also help stabilize menstrual irregularities, blood-sugar levels, and fertility problems. But, more research is necessary to study the full impact of this drug. (2)

Managing antipsychotic-induced weight gain 

Many antipsychotics can make people pack on a few extra pounds. Metformin could lessen the weight gain in patients using these medications. But, the amount of weight loss is low. 

In one study about metformin for weight loss, 29% of patients lost 5% of their body weight. At the same time, 8% lost roughly 10%. The average weight reduction was around 5 pounds. 

This means metformin won’t make much difference for a patient who needs to lose over 30 pounds. But, it could set you on the right track to improving your health. 

Recently, scientists have also studied other uses for this drug. Mainly for increasing life expectancy and preventing age-related ailments.

Is Metformin an Effective Anti-aging Drug?

Extensive metformin results and research shows that this drug could increase the life span of multiple species, such as mice, flies, and worms. But, because of the limited results, it’s not accepted as an anti-aging pill for individuals without diabetes. More data is necessary on these longevity drugs in order to see whether they will work for healthy-non diabetic patients. 

2021 animal studies indicate that 10-week treatment with metformin provided better memory and cognitive function in old age. Therefore, aiding in reducing the odds of age-related cognitive complications. (3)

Another metformin longevity study demonstrated that this drug doesn’t affect everyone the same way. Precision therapy may be necessary in order to completely reap the benefit of metformin and its anti-aging effects in humans. (4)

Does metformin really work as an anti-aging therapy? 

Metformin decelerated aging in roundworms based on the dose. Metformin at doses of 100, 50, and 25 mM, improved mean lifespan by 3%, 36%, and 18%. (5)

How Does Metformin Slow Down Aging?

When it comes to metformin and anti-aging, experts believe this drug could have the potential to slow down aging by decreasing inflammation and triggering the natural rejuvenation process. It can activate the AMPK enzyme and lower oxidative stress. 

The metformin longevity effects can include increased lifespan, prevention of age-related illnesses, and slowed aging. It improves the body’s response to insulin and blood vessel health and provides the system with antioxidant properties.

How Much Metformin Should I Take for Anti-aging?

People want to know how to get metformin for anti-aging. Don’t take the metformin for longevity without consulting a healthcare provider first. You will need to do multiple blood tests before you can use the anti-aging medication. 

Patients with liver diseases, cardiovascular disease, and diabetic ketoacidosis shouldn’t use the product. In order to make use of the metformin aging effects, the recommended metformin anti-aging dosage is 250 mg to 850 mg, two times a day with food. The metformin without diabetes dose is 500 mg two times a day. 

Can I Take Metformin if I Am Not Diabetic?

What happens if a non-diabetic takes metformin? Metformin can reduce the rate of age-related disease progression and improve longevity, particularly in the onset of cancer. 

A recent review study showed that metformin decreased all-cause mortality in non-diabetic and diabetic patients. (6)

In other words, the drug can come in handy for people without diabetes. For example, metformin for prediabetes can’t cure the condition. But, it can establish better blood-sugar control. This helps prevent type 2 diabetes. 

Will a Doctor Prescribe Metformin for Anti-aging?

To use the product, you need a prescription from your doctor. Doctors typically prescribe metformin for diabetes control. But, they could also prescribe off-label for other purposes, such as aging. 

However, there is a metformin age limit. This drug is not recommended for elderly patients over 80 with kidney disease. Your doctor will probably suggest you avoid taking a metformin anti-aging dosage if you are older than 65. 

Can You Take Too Much Metformin?

Your dose of metformin shouldn’t exceed 2,500 mg per day. If you are taking more than the prescribed amount, you might experience lactic acidosis. The signs of lactic acidosis might include decreased appetite, diarrhea, stomach discomfort, shallow breathing, cramps, pain, exhaustion, and weakness.

How safe is metformin? 

Metformin has a pretty good safety profile. But, some side effects from metformin could be a hassle. Particularly if you just started taking the medication. Common metformin side effects include nausea, gas, and diarrhea.

What Are the Side Effects and Risks of Metformin?

Why is metformin bad for you? Just like any medication out there, metformin can cause side effects. These adverse reactions occur in over 1 in 100 people. 

When they do occur, the side effects tend to dissipate after a short period. These side effects include:

• Appetite loss
• Stomach pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Metallic taste
• Diarrhea

When you take metformin alone, you won’t usually deal with plummeting blood sugar. But, when you combine it with other diabetes meds, like gliclazide or insulin, then you can experience hypoglycemia. 

To spot low blood sugar early on, pay attention to the following signs:

• Trouble focusing
• Confusion
• Sweating
• Shaking or trembling

You can reduce the odds of metformin side effects by taking a dose with a meal. When it comes to the long-term effects of metformin, using the product for an extended period of time can lead to vitamin B12 deficiency. 

Drinking metformin and alcohol can cause lactic acid buildup. This can then damage the heart, blood vessels, lungs, and kidneys. Consult a specialist if you notice any negative effects after taking the product.

Metformin can interact with some of the medicine you are taking. If you are using any of these medications, talk to your doctor about safely using metformin. Some metformin drug interactions include:

• Some anticancer drugs (mainly vandetanib and tyrosine kinase inhibitors)
• Iodinated contrast (found in imaging tests)
• Certain antimicrobial meds (such as rifampin and cephalexin)
• Alcohol (but only in very high amounts) 
• Some HIV meds (like dolutegravir)

Other Therapies That May Have Anti-aging Effects

People are looking for over-the-counter metformin alternatives that can offer similar results. Some of the most impactful antiaging therapies include:

• Laser resurfacing anti-aging treatment
• Botox injections
• Chemical peel

Laser treatment

With laser treatment, painkillers are not needed after the procedure. It promotes collagen formation to promote younger-looking skin. Since it improves lymphatic drainage, the treatment can also decrease the swelling. The targeted area receives better circulation.

Botox injections

Botox injects a substance into the skin to prevent wrinkles or keep them from becoming worse. It’s more invasive than laser treatment and makes for a solid temporary anti-aging solution. 

Chemical peel

Chemical peel applies chemicals to the skin. This triggers intentional blisters on the skin. It can help improve fine lines, skin discoloration, acne, and so on. 

Natural metformin

If you are looking for something more like natural metformin, then fisetin, glucosamine, and pterostilbene might help. Fisetin is a bioactive flavonol molecule found in some fruits and veggies like persimmon, apples, and strawberries. 

Fisetin allows the healthy cells to thrive, thus protecting the brain from neurodegenerative ailments. It can help fight type 2 diabetes and obesity. 

Some animal trials show it could also increase lifespan in rodents. On that note, glucosamine can extend lifespan and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Many experts also support the use of pterostilbene. It can offer the body potent anti-aging compounds, which could extend the lifespan of different animals. 

When it comes to metformin alternatives, it is a good idea to talk about ozempic vs metformin. Both are antidiabetic medications for managing insulin secretion.

Based on the product ratings, ozempic and metformin vary in terms of popularity and effect from a total of 611 ratings. Metformin has an average rating of 6.9/10. At the same time, ozempic has an average 5.9/10 rating. 

Based on the metformin results of 642 ratings, 35% had a negative effect, whereas 45% had a positive effect. All in all, metformin seems to offer better results. 

Conclusion

In a nutshell, metformin is a practical solution for blood sugar management. It’s often recommended for patients with elevated glucose levels from diabetes mellitus. It can also reduce insulin sensitivity and heart disease in obese patients. 

Recently more and more people have been looking for products that can help combat aging. Metformin might have the potential as an anti-aging product. 

If you do decide to give it a try, then talk to your doctor. Then, be on the lookout for gastrointestinal adverse reactions.

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