A new study by Danish researchers discovered a potential cancer-preventive effect of metformin, a popular diabetes medicine. The study reveals a link between metformin use and a lower risk of myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN), a rare form of blood cancer.
The researchers emphasized that multiple studies have investigated the relationship between metformin use and the risk of various solid tumors. Meta-analyses show a 30-55% reduction in the relative risk of particular malignancies such as colorectal, liver, pancreatic, stomach, and esophageal cancer, as well as a decrease in cancer-related mortality.
“Metformin, either as a standalone treatment or combined with cytotoxic, endocrine, or targeted therapies, has been investigated in several solid cancers, although most studies have not demonstrated significant clinical benefits,” the investigators said.
The Danish study included 3,816 cases and 19,080 controls. It noted that metformin, an oral biguanide derivative used to treat type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome, has become one of Denmark’s most commonly prescribed drugs in recent decades.
Metformin has a number of lesser-known benefits in addition to its principal application in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It shows promise in lowering the risk of colorectal, breast, and prostate cancers. Metformin also appears to have anti-aging properties, which could help people live longer lives by enhancing cellular health. It can help with weight loss and PCOS symptoms by regulating menstrual cycles and increasing fertility.
Emerging evidence suggests that metformin may improve cardiovascular health by lowering the risk of heart disease, as well as provide neuroprotective effects that may reduce the risk of neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s. Metformin works primarily by decreasing glucose synthesis in the liver, which lowers blood sugar levels. It improves insulin sensitivity, letting muscles and fat cells to absorb glucose more efficiently, while decreasing glucose absorption from the intestines.
Metformin promotes energy balance and cellular metabolism by activating the enzyme AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). These combined activities minimize insulin resistance and enhance blood sugar control while preventing considerable weight gain. Metformin’s multifaceted mechanism makes it a cornerstone treatment for type 2 diabetes while also contributing to its potential advantages in other illnesses.
