What is Metformin?

Metformin is an FDA-approved medication for type 2 diabetes. It lowers blood sugar mainly by reducing glucose production in the liver and improving insulin sensitivity. Metformin is also studied in aging research, but it is not FDA-approved for aging and has not been shown to extend human lifespan.

Metformin has been used for decades to treat type 2 diabetes. Researchers are interested in whether it affects processes linked to aging, and observational studies have prompted proposed trials such as TAME (Targeting Aging with Metformin). Those questions have not been answered, and use of metformin for aging is off-label.

Common side effects include stomach upset, diarrhea and nausea, and long-term use can lower vitamin B12 levels. Metformin carries a boxed warning for lactic acidosis, a rare but serious condition. A licensed provider decides whether metformin is appropriate for you.