Pharmacy expert said that the well known drug could also help with polycystic ovary syndrome and even dementia
People who take Metformin which is the main treatment for type 2 diabetes have been told that it can actually have many more beneficial effects – and some bad ones. Writing on The Conversation website Senior Lecturer in Pharmacy Practice, Kingston University, Dipa Kamdar, explained that is has also helped millions of people control their blood sugar, and inspired a second life in research on everything from ageing and cancer to heart health and fertility.
It comes from a plant, galega officinalis, also known as French lilac or goat’s rue which was initially used in ‘folks remedies’ for symptoms now recognised as associated with diabetes, including excessive thirst and frequent urination. In the early 20th century, scientists isolated blood sugar-lowering compounds from it, Ms Kamdar explained. After years of refinement and testing, metformin emerged as a relatively safe and effective medicine, and was introduced in the UK in the late 1950s.
Trials found Metformin was effective at lowering glucose but also at reducing diabetes-related complications. It became the main treatment for type 2 diabetes across much of the world.
Research is being carried out to see if Metformin can be used for other issues. Ms Kamdar said: ”One common off-label use, meaning a medicine is prescribed for a condition it has not officially been approved to treat, is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
“Many people with PCOS have insulin resistance, which means their bodies do not respond properly to insulin and need to produce more of it to keep blood glucose stable. High insulin levels can stimulate the ovaries to produce more androgens, a group of hormones that includes testosterone.
“Raised androgen levels can disrupt ovulation and contribute to irregular or absent periods. By improving insulin sensitivity, metformin can help reduce these effects and may help regulate the menstrual cycle.”
Ms Kamdar said it was also being examined for possible effects on ageing and longevity. She said: “Although early findings are intriguing, there is still no conclusive evidence that it slows ageing in humans, and it is not approved for that purpose.
“Some research has suggested that metformin may have neuroprotective effects, meaning it could help protect the brain and nervous system, particularly with long-term use. But the evidence is inconsistent, and large, long-term clinical trials are still needed to determine whether metformin really can protect against dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases.”
People using Metformin may experience side-effects, Ms Kamdar said – including nausea, stomach discomfort, diarrhoea, changes in taste, and loss of appetite. More seriously they can also be it by vitamin B12 deficiency, which has repeatedly been observed in people with type 2 diabetes who take metformin. “This may happen because the drug reduces how well vitamin B12 is absorbed in the gut.
“Over time, low vitamin B12 can lead to anaemia or peripheral neuropathy. Anaemia means the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen properly, while peripheral neuropathy refers to nerve damage, usually in the hands or feet, that can cause tingling, numbness, pain or weakness.”
Read the full article here.
