Metformin has been around for over 60 years. It’s affordable, widely available, and boasts an excellent safety record. While it’s classically known as the first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes and prediabetes, this humble little pill has some astonishing effects far beyond blood sugar control.
“Let me tell you about my favorite drug of all time—metformin,” says Lindsey VanDyke, DO, FEAA, FACOI, CEO of the Advanced Institute for Diabetes & Endocrinology, Assistant Professor at UNTHSC, and Founder of DiaDirect. “It’s been around forever. We have decades and decades of information about it, and the safety record of this drug is exquisite.”
Let’s break down some of the surprising superpowers of metformin:
1. a powerful anti-inflammatory + antioxidant effect
Chronic inflammation is at the root of nearly every major disease—from heart disease to autoimmune conditions. Metformin helps reduce oxidative stress and inflammation at the cellular level, acting like a quiet firefighter in the body’s most critical systems.
2. it may have anti-cancer effects
Metformin influences key metabolic pathways involved in cancer growth, including AMPK and mTOR. These pathways are often hijacked by cancer cells to fuel their rapid growth. By disrupting this process, metformin may offer a protective effect against certain tumors.
3. cardiovascular protection
Metformin improves lipid profiles, reduces inflammatory markers, and lowers the risk of heart failure.
“We’re not just seeing better blood sugar control in patients—there’s a real reduction in cardiovascular events, which is huge,” notes Dr. VanDyke.
4. like ‘exercise in a pill’
“Metformin puts your metabolism into a catabolic state,” explains Dr. VanDyke. “That means your body is primed to burn. You can think about that in a simple way as exercise in a pill.”
While technically weight-neutral, it sets the stage for fat loss when paired with lifestyle changes.
“The efforts you’re making with diet, exercise, and lifestyle are more likely to pay off,” she adds. “It’s a great place to start—especially because it’s dirt cheap and easy to access if you’re beginning a weight loss journey.”
5. anti-aging potential
Preliminary research suggests metformin enhances cellular recycling (autophagy), which is critical for long-term health.
“It’s not just about living longer—it’s about increasing your healthspan,” says Dr. VanDyke. “That’s the number of years you live well.”
6. liver love
Metformin may help reduce fatty liver, fibrosis, and even liver cancer risk. This is especially relevant in the growing epidemic of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
7. kidney protection
Used appropriately, metformin appears to reduce the risk of kidney disease—challenging outdated fears about its use.
“You’ll read stuff online about lactic acidosis,” Dr. VanDyke explains. “But that’s not for everybody. You don’t use metformin in certain hospital situations or if kidney function is poor. But if you’re otherwise healthy, with normal kidney function, it’s a very good drug.”
8. a quiet covid hero
Retrospective studies during the pandemic showed that hospitalized patients taking metformin were less likely to develop severe illness or die from COVID-19. Again, inflammation control may be the key.
9. bone benefits
Though subtle, metformin appears to offer a bone-building effect, making it even more appealing for long-term wellness.
the bottom line
Metformin isn’t flashy. It’s old, cheap, and familiar. But that’s exactly what makes it powerful—and overlooked.
“It’s a nice, easy place to start,” Dr. VanDyke says. “And there are so many other resources in the weight loss and wellness realm that can be layered on from there.”
Whether you’re managing diabetes, optimizing your metabolism, or investing in healthy aging, metformin might be the unsung hero your body’s been waiting for.
🎥 Watch the video where Dr. VanDyke breaks it all down— why metformin is still her favorite medication after all these years.