A new study has revealed that the widely used diabetes drug metformin may reduce some of the key benefits of exercise, according to researchers from Rutgers University. The study, published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, found that adults taking metformin while exercising showed smaller improvements in blood sugar control, vascular function, and aerobic fitness compared to those who exercised without the drug.
The research adds to a growing body of evidence that although both metformin and exercise improve blood sugar control and heart health, their combination may dull some of the exercise’s benefits. Metformin, the most widely used glucose-lowering medication globally, is commonly prescribed for Type 2 diabetes. However, the findings suggest that combining it with exercise may not yield the best outcomes for all patients.
Steven Malin, the lead author of the study and a professor at Rutgers’ School of Arts and Sciences, noted that the results could have implications for the overall wellness and quality of life of patients. He explained that taking both treatments together may lead to lower energy levels and reduced health improvements, resulting in a sense of ‘psychological defeat.’
The study involved 72 adults at risk for metabolic syndrome, a group of conditions that include high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and excess body fat. Participants were divided into groups that either performed high- or low-intensity exercise with a placebo or with metformin. The results showed that those who exercised without the drug experienced notable improvements in vascular insulin sensitivity, which allows better delivery of oxygen and nutrients to muscles. However, metformin seemed to reduce these benefits.
Researchers are not entirely certain why metformin interferes with exercise benefits but believe it may affect the body’s ability to adapt on a cellular level. The study also stressed the importance of consulting healthcare professionals, as people should not stop taking metformin or exercising without medical advice.
Dr. David Cutler, a family medicine physician, highlighted that while the results may be concerning, they should be considered in context. He pointed out that the benefits of metformin in lowering blood sugar levels are significant in reducing the risk of complications such as heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, and blindness. He recommended that metformin should remain the first-line treatment for Type 2 diabetes, though the study may have more relevance for individuals using the drug for other purposes like anti-aging or cancer prevention.