Metformin
The most-prescribed diabetes drug — and a longevity hopeful (target of the planned TAME trial). Prescription-only; its benefit for healthy, non-diabetic people is contested.
⚕ Only under medical supervision
This compound is a prescription drug, or a medication with relevant risks and interactions. We deliberately do not sell it and link no source of supply. Taking it belongs in a doctor's hands — this page is for neutral information only.
Discuss benefits, risks, and dosing with your physician.
How it works
Metformin mainly lowers the liver's glucose production and improves insulin sensitivity, partly by activating the energy sensor AMPK. As a diabetes drug it's well established; in the longevity scene a possible aging-delaying effect is debated (the TAME trial is ongoing). Caveat: it may slightly blunt exercise-induced gains in muscle and fitness.
Dosage
Titrated up, with food (to reduce GI side effects) — strictly prescribed by a physician.
Considerations
Standard and well established in type-2 diabetes. As a longevity tool the evidence is mixed: observational data suggest benefits, but one study showed metformin can blunt the training adaptation (muscle/mitochondrial gains) — a real caveat for active, healthy people. The TAME trial aims to clarify this. Can promote B12 deficiency (see vitamin B12). Prescription-only.
