Longevity drugs · metabolic
Metformin
Decades-old diabetes drug studied for healthy aging; strong safety record, unproven for longevity in non-diabetics.
Not medical advice — talk to a licensed clinician. Content is educational, reflects published literature, and is not a recommendation to start, stop or change any treatment.
What it is
First-line generic medication for type 2 diabetes, used by hundreds of millions of people.
How it works, in plain English
Lowers glucose production by the liver and improves insulin sensitivity. It mildly affects mitochondrial energy signaling (AMPK), which may mimic some effects of caloric restriction.
What the human evidence shows
Observational data suggest diabetics on metformin may have outcomes comparable to non-diabetics. The TAME trial is designed to test aging outcomes but has not reported. Some data suggest it can blunt exercise adaptations in older adults.
Regrowth grade B: Moderate human evidence.
Typical protocols in the literature
Diabetes dosing ranges from 500 mg to 2,000 mg daily, often extended-release. Longevity discussions usually reference the same ranges.
Described for education, not as dosing advice.
Side effects & interactions
Side effects
- GI upset, diarrhea
- Vitamin B12 deficiency with long use
- Rare lactic acidosis (kidney impairment)
Interactions
- Iodinated contrast dye
- Heavy alcohol use
Key studies
- Bannister et al. 2014 (UK observational cohort)
- TAME — Targeting Aging with Metformin (design)
- MASTERS trial — metformin and exercise response
Citations pending medical review