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A widely prescribed diabetes medication may reduce some important benefits of exercise, according to recent research from Rutgers University.
The study focused on metformin, a generic medication commonly used for managing type 2 diabetes. Researchers found that adults taking metformin while exercising experienced smaller improvements in blood sugar control, blood vessel function, and aerobic fitness when compared to those who exercised without the medication.
Published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, this study contributes to growing evidence indicating that while both metformin and regular physical activity offer health benefits, their combined effects may diminish the advantages of exercise.
In the words of Steven Malin, the lead author and a professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Health at Rutgers, “Metformin is the most widely used glucose-lowering medication globally. However, it is unclear if taking both treatments together is optimal.” He further emphasized that patients might notice reduced energy levels or little improvement in health status, potentially leading to feelings of psychological defeat that can impact overall wellness and quality of life.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 35 million Americans live with type 2 diabetes, with millions more taking metformin for either blood sugar management or experimental anti-aging purposes.
The research involved a 16-week, double-blind clinical trial with 72 adults at risk for metabolic syndrome—a cluster of conditions including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and excess fat that increase the risk of diabetes and heart disease. Participants were divided into four groups, with two groups performing low- or high-intensity exercise while taking a placebo and the other two groups performing the same exercises on a daily regimen of 2,000 milligrams of metformin.
At the trial’s conclusion, those who exercised without metformin exhibited notable enhancements in vascular insulin sensitivity, indicating their blood vessels effectively responded to insulin and improved the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to muscles. Conversely, the inclusion of metformin appeared to reduce those benefits. Furthermore, participants taking the medication reported less decrease in inflammatory markers and fasting glucose levels.
While researchers remain uncertain about the mechanism behind these findings, they suspect that metformin may hinder the body’s cellular adaptations to exercise.
Malin articulated a possible connection to blood vessel health, stating, “Improved blood vessel function is essential for nutrient delivery to tissues, including sugar. If the sugar cannot reach the tissue, this could explain why muscles struggle to utilize sugar for energy effectively.”
The researchers acknowledged that their study had limitations, emphasizing that the small sample focused on adults at risk for metabolic syndrome may not generalize to all individuals with diabetes.
It’s critical to note that researchers advise against the abrupt cessation of metformin or exercise. Instead, they recommend that patients discuss these findings with their healthcare providers to optimize their treatment plans.
The team at Rutgers is exploring future studies to understand how to preserve the benefits of both exercise and metformin. They are currently examining whether the medication affects resistance or strength training differently and assessing if adjustments in dosage or timing could mitigate its impact.
In a broader perspective, Dr. David Cutler, a board-certified family medicine physician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in California, remarked that while the results may seem disheartening, it is essential to view them in context.
“The minor decline in vascular insulin sensitivity must be considered alongside the substantial benefits derived from lowered blood sugar levels associated with metformin,” he noted, pointing out that the medication reduces the risks of severe diabetes-related complications such as heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, blindness, and amputations.
Dr. Cutler concluded that the results should not sway those with diabetes who depend on metformin but may hold more significance for individuals using the drug for purposes like anti-aging, polycystic ovary syndrome, or cancer prevention.
He affirmed, “Metformin should continue to be the first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes,” highlighting its crucial role in managing the condition.
Fox News Digital has sought comments from metformin manufacturers and the American Diabetes Association regarding these findings.
Looking ahead, it is imperative for further research to explore how to ensure that patients can benefit from both medication and exercise. Balancing these treatment modalities could significantly impact the wellness and quality of life for many individuals living with type 2 diabetes.
