diabetes/” title=”New drug shown to be effective in treating type 2 …”>metformin, a widely prescribed drug for type 2 diabetes, demonstrably alters blood levels of several metals in humans, a discovery published august 31, 2025, that could reshape understanding of how the medication functions beyond glucose control. Researchers found meaningful correlations between metformin use and changes in the concentrations of iron, zinc, copper, and manganese in the bloodstream.
The findings, potentially impacting the over 170 million people worldwide living with diabetes, suggest metformin’s therapeutic effects may extend beyond its established role in improving insulin sensitivity. Understanding these metal interactions could unlock new avenues for optimizing treatment, predicting individual responses to the drug, and mitigating potential side effects. Further examination is underway to determine the clinical meaning of these observed shifts and whether they contribute to, or are a outcome of, metformin’s primary actions.
The study revealed that long-term metformin use is associated with measurable changes in metal homeostasis. While the precise mechanisms driving these alterations remain under investigation, researchers hypothesize that metformin may influence metal absorption, distribution, or excretion within the body. These changes were observed in a cohort of human participants and were statistically significant, indicating a consistent effect beyond random variation.
This research builds upon existing knowledge of metformin’s complex pharmacology. Previously understood to primarily target the liver and muscles to reduce glucose production and enhance insulin action, the drug’s influence on metal metabolism adds a new dimension to its biological activity. the implications of this discovery are far-reaching,potentially influencing future research into the drug’s role in age-related diseases and cancer prevention,areas where metformin has shown preliminary promise.
Citation: Metformin changes blood metal levels in humans, offering further insight into its mechanism of action (2025, August 31) retrieved 31 August 2025 from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-metformin-blood-metal-humans-insight.html
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