Metformin: Can This Diabetes Drug Slow Down Aging?

Metformin, a  medicine used to lower blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes, is said to slow aging and even extend lifespan. This is due to the drug’s anti-inflammatory properties that could offer protection against age-related diseases such as cancers, heart disease, and cognitive decline. 

To test whether the drug can prevent diseases and slow aging, scientists designed a clinical study called The Targeting Aging with Metformin or TAME Trial. It is a series of six-year clinical trials at 14 research institutions around the United States. It aims to engage over 3,000 individuals between the ages of 65 and 79. 

What is Metformin?

Metformin is an anti-diabetic drug approved by the US FDA in 1994. According to this historical review, it has become the first-line oral blood glucose-lowering agent for managing type 2 diabetes. It is a derivative of guanidine, a natural substance found in Goat’s Rue, which is a traditional herbal medicine in Europe.

It was in the 1950s in France when metformin was first used for treating diabetes. Today, over 150 million people take metformin to lower their blood glucose levels or manage type 2 diabetes. This drug has other off-label uses (not FDA-approved) such as prediabetes, weight gain from certain medications, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Why Metformin?

Several studies investigate metformin’s potential in lowering the risk of certain diseases. 

• Metformin and decreased cancer risk – A 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis of studies have found that metformin may be associated with decreased risk of certain types of cancers including blood, urologic, and gastrointestinal cancers.
• Metformin and reduced dementia risk – Another 2024 British observational study also found that those who took metformin experienced a lower risk of dementia and mild cognitive decline (compared with other oral glucose-lowering therapies or GLTs) among people aged <80 years. Further studies, of course, are needed to prove cause and effect and its benefits in older, healthy individuals.
• Metformin and delaying aging in animals – Studies have shown this drug delays aging in animals. A 2017 study has shown that long-term treatment with metformin extends the healthspan and lifespan in male mice. It is said to mimic the benefits of calorie restriction, including reduced cholesterol levels, better physical performance, and increased insulin sensitivity.

According to the TAME Trial, metformin “may also influence fundamental aging factors that underlie multiple age-related conditions in humans”. This diabetes drug was also chosen in the trial because it is safe, cheap, and widely available. 

It is worth noting that most studies associated with metformin include only those with diabetes. It is not known if people without diabetes can also get these potential benefits.  

What can you do to slow down skin aging?

Currently, metformin is not approved for anti-aging. Fortunately, there are several aesthetic treatments that can improve signs of aging or promote a more youthful appearance. There are also skincare tips and habits that can help slow down the effects of aging, these include:

Be sun smart – Always use broad-spectrum sunscreen regardless of the weather. Don’t forget to practice other sun protection measures such as wearing sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat, seeking shade, and limiting sun exposure. 

Quit smoking and limit alcohol – Smoking damages collagen and elastin, which can contribute to premature aging, skin wrinkling, and sallow complexion. Alcohol, on the other hand, dehydrates the skin and increases inflammation. It can also compromise your sleep, disrupting the body’s regenerative processes. 

Use an anti-aging serum – Dr. Sylvia Skin Care’s 20% Vitamin C with Ferulic Acid can be a great addition to your routine. This potent anti-oxidizing formula offers protection against environmental damage, as well as improves signs of aging. It can also give you a brighter complexion over time. 

Consider aesthetic treatments – Our aesthetic clinic in Singapore offers non-surgical treatments that can enhance your beauty and improve common signs of aging. These include:

• Cosmetic injectables – these include botulinum toxin for wrinkle management, dermal fillers for restoring volume loss and improving facial contours, and injectable moisturizer for improving skin quality and radiance.
• MFU-V – uses time-tested microfocused ultrasound to heat the deeper layers of the skin and stimulate collagen production. MFU-V Singapore treatments can lift and tighten the skin on the face and neck, tighten the lower face, and improve fine lines and wrinkles on the upper chest.
• Professional microneedling – Cutis uses the Dermapen for microneedling. This has 16 microscopic needles that pierce the skin in a controlled manner and help stimulate collagen. It can improve enlarged pores, scarring, sun-damaged skin, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone and complexion.
• Laser treatments – There is a variety of lasers for different types of skin concerns. In most treatments, the light energy is converted into heat to help with cell regeneration and stimulate collagen. At Cutis, we have lasers for treating unwanted hair, wrinkles, sun damage, pigmentation, and more.

Be proactive in taking care of your skin. Contact Cutis Medical Laser Clinics in Singapore and schedule a consultation with our aesthetic doctor to find out how we can help with your aging concerns. 

Sources: 

https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2024/04/22/1245872510/a-cheap-drug-may-slow-down-aging-a-study-will-determine-if-it-works

https://fortune.com/well/2023/05/04/metformin-anti-aging-longevity-risks-side-effects/

https://www.afar.org/tame-trial