Meta Information
ID:metformin
Name:Metformin
Schema Version:1.5
Alternate Names
- Glucophage
- Fortamet
- Glumetza
Active Compound
metformin
Intervention Type
therapeutic_agent
Delivery
Route:
oral
Scope:
- systemic
Regulatory Status
- us:rx_drug
- eu:rx_drug
Indication
Focus:
- disease_treatment
- healthspan
Description:
Primarily a first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes, but widely studied for its potential to modulate aging pathways and extend healthspan in non-diabetics.
Typical Protocol
- Off-label healthspan protocols often involve 500mg to 1500mg daily, typically with the largest meal.
- Some protocols suggest cycling or skipping doses on exercise days to avoid blunting training adaptations.
Expected Cost Mean
Low Cost:
4
High Cost:
20
Cost Type:
monthly
Description:
Widely available as a low-cost generic; not covered by insurance for off-label use.
Summary
Metformin is a biguanide drug that primarily activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a master metabolic regulator. This action mimics a state of caloric restriction, leading to improved insulin sensitivity, reduced hepatic glucose production, and modulation of cellular pathways related to aging, such as inflammation and autophagy.
Purpose
A metabolic modulator that may slow aging by mimicking caloric restriction.
Card Summary
A first-line diabetes drug that activates AMPK, mimicking a low-energy state to potentially slow key aging processes and improve metabolic health.
Drug Class
biguanides
Drugs In Class
Empty Array
Impact
Score:
5.5
Justification:
Modulates key metabolic pathways, but human healthspan extension data is still emerging.
Evidence
Grade:
B
Score:
7.5
Justification:
Extensive human metabolic data and observational studies; large-scale healthspan RCTs are still ongoing.
Safety
Score:
4.5
Justification:
Generally well-tolerated but common GI side effects and rare risk of lactic acidosis.
Flags
- Common side effects include gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea, nausea, and gas.
- Carries a black box warning for lactic acidosis, a rare but serious complication.
- May interfere with the absorption of vitamin B12, requiring monitoring and supplementation.
- May blunt the hypertrophic and mitochondrial adaptations to strenuous exercise.
- Contraindicated in patients with severe renal impairment or certain liver conditions.
Verdict
A promising metabolic modulator for healthspan, but evidence in non-diabetics is evolving.
Created
2026-05-05T22:00:09.549741Z
Ai Model
Gemini 2.5 Pro (High)