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A groundbreaking study from Kobe University has uncovered a previously unknown effect of metformin, the world’s moast widely prescribed diabetes medication: significant alterations in blood metal levels. Published in BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care,the research offers a crucial step toward understanding the drug’s complex mechanisms and perhaps designing more effective treatments for diabetes and related conditions.
For over six decades, metformin has been a cornerstone in managing type 2 diabetes, lauded not only for its ability to lower blood sugar but also for its potential benefits against tumors, inflammation, and atherosclerosis. though, the precise way in which metformin works has remained elusive, hindering the development of even more targeted therapies.
The Link Between Diabetes, Metals, and Metformin
Researchers have long observed that individuals with diabetes often exhibit changes in the levels of essential metals like copper, iron, and zinc in their blood. Furthermore, laboratory studies have demonstrated metformin’s capacity to bind to certain metals, notably copper. This led scientists to hypothesize that this metal-binding ability might contribute to the drug’s therapeutic effects.
“We wanted to know whether metformin actually affects blood metal levels in humans, which had not been clarified,” explained a leading endocrinologist at Kobe University. To investigate this, the team conducted a study involving approximately 200 diabetes patients at Kobe University Hospital, comparing those taking metformin with a control group who were not. Blood serum samples were analyzed for concentrations of key metals and indicators of metal deficiencies.
Clinical Evidence of Altered Metal Levels
The results revealed a clear pattern: patients taking metformin exhibited significantly lower levels of copper and iron, alongside elevated levels of zinc. This is the first clinical evidence demonstrating these alterations in humans.
“It is significant that we could show this in humans,” the researcher emphasized. “Furthermore, since decreases in copper and iron concentrations and an increase in zinc concentration are all considered to be associated with improved glucose tolerance and prevention of complications, these changes may indeed be related to metformin’s action.”
Did you know? – Metformin is derived from a plant traditionally used in Europe for centuries to lower blood sugar.Its modern use began in the 1950s in France.
New Diabetes Drug and Future Research
Japan recently approved imeglimin, a novel diabetes drug derived from metformin, but engineered to minimize metal binding. Researchers are currently comparing the effects of imeglimin and metformin to further elucidate the role of metal interaction in diabetes treatment.
The Kobe University team stresses that understanding the interplay between metformin,metal levels,and therapeutic outcomes requires further examination. “We need both clinical trials and animal experiments to pinpoint the causal relationship between the drug’s action and its effects,” a senior official stated.”If such studies progress further, they may lead to the development of new drugs for diabetes and its complications by properly adjusting the metal concentrations in the body.”
Pro tip: – Individuals taking metformin should discuss potential metal deficiencies with their healthcare provider. Routine blood tests can monitor metal levels.
This research was supported by grants from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (grant 24H00638) and the Manpei Suzuki Diabetes Foundation, and conducted in collaboration with researchers fr
Reader question: – Do you think personalized medicine, tailoring drug dosages based on individual metal profiles, could be the future of diabetes treatment?
Why: the study aimed to determine if metformin affects blood metal levels in humans, a question previously unanswered. Researchers hypothesized that metformin’s metal-binding properties in lab settings might translate to changes in patients.
Who: The research was conducted by a team at Kobe University, involving approximately 200 diabetes patients at Kobe university Hospital. Leading endocrinologists and
