Metformin (200 mg/kg/day, oral administration for 8 weeks) improve learning and memory ability, neurological dysfunction and oxidative stress, and reduced Aβ levels and increased the expression of synaptic-related genes [194]. Metformin activates AMPK signaling pathway and upregulates the insulin-degrading enzyme.
Metformin helps in reducing depression and anxiety by increasing serotonin, the happiness hormone. Even more astounding, data suggests that women who take metformin may have a staggering 3.3 times lower risk of developing major depression.
Because metformin is known to be associated with B12 deficiency, the investigators suggested that “any effect metformin has on cognitive performance may be at least partially mediated by altering serum vitamin B12 levels.”
In conclusion, metformin use is associated with a reduced dementia risk. Dementia can be caused by vascular etiology or neurodegenerative disease (Alzheimer's disease). It is a syndrome characterized by deterioration in memory and loss of daily self-care ability.
Metformin is an oral medication used to treat type 2 diabetes that is generally well tolerated. GI upset, especially diarrhea, is the most common side effect. This typically decreases over time. Although rare, lactic acidosis, hypoglycemia, and vitamin B12 deficiency can occur.
Metformin associated lactic acidosis (MALA) was the most commonly reported adverse effect present in 224 (92.6%) patients. Most of the patients presented with gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms and a significant number of patients had severe metabolic acidosis and hyperlactatemia.
Metformin overdose associated with lactic acidosis presents with nonspecific symptoms and includes severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, epigastric pain, thirstiness, lost appetite, lethargy and hyperpnoea. Hypotension, hypothermia, acute renal failure, coma and cardiac arrest also represent significant clinical features.
Proven long-term side effects of metformin
Of those discussed above, low vitamin B12 levels is the only proven long-term metformin side effect. But, as mentioned, low vitamin B12 levels can cause other problems, including anemia. That's why it's important to go for all recommended blood tests while taking metformin.
It was approved by the FDA in 1994. “Studies have shown that use of metformin for type 2 diabetes significantly reduces the risk of dementia among men in certain racial and age groups,” Dr.
In a large six-year study, Professor Samaras and team previously found that people with type 2 diabetes taking metformin showed much slower cognitive decline and had reduced rates of dementia development, compared to those not taking the drug.
Headache: Metformin works by preventing glucose production in the liver. Headaches can happen as a result of changes to the way the body metabolizes medication or because of changes to glucose levels that the body is used to. Tell your medical provider if the headaches last a long time or are more than mild.
Metformin side effects can include diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, and gas. Taking metformin on a schedule can help reduce side effects. Most metformin side effects are short-term, which is 2 weeks or less. See a healthcare provider if you're experiencing long-term metformin side effects.
More serious side effects are rare. They include severe allergic reactions and a condition called lactic acidosis, a buildup of lactic acid in the bloodstream. The risk for this is higher among people with significant kidney disease, so doctors tend to avoid prescribing metformin for them.
As the medication helps your body reduce your overall blood sugar levels and restore your ability to respond to insulin, you'll not only feel better, but you may reduce the risk of future complications of high blood sugar, such as heart disease, kidney damage, nerve damage or diabetic neuropathy, and eye damage ( ...
“Studies have already shown that metformin can delay aging and improve health in animals, and it may also influence fundamental aging factors that underlie multiple age-related conditions in humans,” she says.
Metformin use was associated with impaired cognitive performance.
Metformin therapy decreased the occurrence risk of cognitive decline in patients with diabetes mellitus.
Physiologically, metformin acts directly or indirectly on the liver to lower glucose production, and acts on the gut to increase glucose utilisation, increase GLP-1 and alter the microbiome.
As much as possible, avoid white bread, white rice, white pasta, candy, soda, desserts, and snacks like chips or crackers. Eating foods that can spike your blood sugar will not necessarily make the metformin not work, however, it will increase the burden it has to work against.
However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related kidney problems, which may require caution in patients receiving metformin. This medicine is not recommended in patients 80 years of age and older who have kidney problems.
An effective substitute for Metformin is a compound known as berberine or berberine hydrochloride, which is obtained from many plant species, including goldenseal, barberry, Oregon grape, and turmeric.
Conclusions. Metformin attenuates osteoarthritis structural worsening and modulates pain, suggesting its potential for osteoarthritis prevention or treatment.
The team — led by Bruno Guiard, Ph. D., an associate professor of neuroscience and pharmacology at the University of Toulouse — found that metformin reduced anxiety-like behaviors in the mice. This, the researchers observed, was because the diabetes drug boosted levels of serotonin in the brain.
Why Shouldn't You Stop Taking Metformin? Metformin works by decreasing the amount of sugar your liver releases into your blood, making your body more sensitive to insulin's effects. If you suddenly discontinue use, it can lead to dangerously high blood sugar levels.