Thought to be on prescription for over 120 million people globally, metformin is a common medication for Brits.
It’s reported that almost three million NHS patients were identified as being on anti-diabetic drugs in the year 2024-24 – which metformin falls into.
And while it is also commonly dropped due to side effects, there is a ‘striking’ health benefit to using it according to a study. This follows reports of an impact on the brain.
Scientists at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine’s Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Centre found the drug might help activate some of the same biological pathways associated with exercise. It seems it may be particularly beneficial in patients with prostate cancer.
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So, its thought that there may be even more people that could benefit from taking metformin than who is typically prescribed.
What is metformin?
The medicine is primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes as well as being used to help prevent type 2 diabetes in those at high risk of developing it.
In some cases, metformin is also used to improve fertility for those who suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
The medicine works by improving the way body handles insulin in order to lower blood sugar levels. The NHS adds that even for those without diabetes, metformin can therefore improve ovulation and encourage regular periods.
Unexpected health benefit
The researched reported in EMBO Molecular Medicine that metformin increased levels of a naturally occurring molecule tied to energy balance and weight regulation in patients with prostate cancer.
Essentially, for men who couldn’t work out due to their treatment, it was found that metformin raised levels of a molecule that’s linked to calorie burning and weight loss.
First author Dr Marijo Bilusic said: “From a clinical standpoint, seeing a metabolic signal that mirrors what we associate with intense exercise was striking.
“For patients whose treatments or symptoms limit physical activity, that kind of effect could be especially meaningful.”
Exercise is really important for cancer patients, but they cannot necessarily always do so regularly.
And while the findings don’t suggest that medication can replace exercise, they provides insight into metabolic signals in the body.
Researchers emphasise the importance of exercise in cancer care but that there could be additional tools to address the metabolic challenges that may arise when receiving treatment for prostate cancer. More research on the subject is also needed.
Side effects of metformin
Both the NHS and Diabetes UK stress the importance of taking metformin with food to help with any nausea the medicine may cause.
The medicine may also cause vomiting, diarrhoea, stomachache, loss of appetite and a metallic taste in the mouth.
A longer-term side effect of metformin (particularly at high doses) is lower levels of vitamin B12 (which helps keep red blood cells and nerves healthy).
Severe side effects of metformin are rare but they can happen.
If you’re taking it and get a general feeling of being unwell with severe tiredness, fast or shallow breathing, being cold and a slow heartbeat, you must call your doctor or 111 straight away.
The same goes if the whites of your eyes or your skin turn yellow, as this can be a sign of liver problems.
And in rare cases, some patients may have a serious allergic reaction to the medicine. You should call 999 if you display signs of anaphylaxis, such as your lips, mouth, tongue or throat becoming suddenly swollen or struggling to breathe.
Who can and can't take metformin?
According to the NHS, metformin is suitable for most adults and children aged 10 or over. However, there are a few that it is not suited for, including:
- Those who've ever had an allergic reaction to metformin or other medicine
- People who have uncontrolled diabetes
- Those who have liver or kidney problems
- Those who have a severe infection
- People who are being treated for heart failure or have recently had a heart attack
- Those who have severe problems with their circulation or breathing difficulties
- People who drink a lot of alcohol
Anyone taking metformin may have to stop if they are required to undergo certain tests or surgeries, like a procedure that requires a general anaesthetic, or an X-ray or scan using an iodine dye.
Always seek advice from a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.
Jess Battison