Is This Diabetes Drug the Key to a Longer Life?

Discover why Metformin, a common diabetes medication, has become the focus of longevity researchers worldwide.

Author

Longevity Daily
April 03, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes

Hey Longevity Enthusiasts,

Today, we're unpacking Metformin—a diabetes drug that's caught the attention of longevity researchers. Could this common medication unlock the secret to aging slower and living healthier, longer? Let's dive in.

Quick Take:

🟢 Cost: Affordable
🟠 Actionable: Doctor Consultation Required
🟢 Impact: High potential for longevity benefits

Here’s what Longevity Daily’s got for you today:

✅ Originally a diabetes medication, Metformin is gaining attention for longevity.
✅ May extend lifespan and reduce age-related diseases by improving cellular function.
✅ Endorsed by top longevity experts like Dr. Peter Attia and Bryan Johnson.
✅ Doctor consultation required due to prescription and monitoring needs.

The Idea

Metformin, originally developed in the 1920s and widely prescribed for managing Type 2 diabetes since the 1950s, improves insulin sensitivity and reduces glucose production in the liver. But recently, longevity researchers discovered an intriguing pattern: patients on Metformin appeared to live longer and suffer fewer age-related diseases. This sparked intense scientific curiosity, with researchers now exploring whether Metformin could directly influence the aging process itself.

Prominent longevity experts, including Dr. Peter Attia and biohacker Bryan Johnson (who we learned about in this newsletter), actively use or prescribe Metformin, citing its potential to improve metabolic health, delay cellular aging, and extend healthspan.

The Evidence

"Metformin may target aging itself—reducing inflammation, improving insulin sensitivity, and possibly even delaying cellular aging."

Dr. Nir Barzilai, director of the Institute for Aging Research at Albert Einstein College of Medicine

Here's what research shows:

Extended Lifespan:

Anti-Aging Properties:

  • Metformin activates AMPK, a powerful metabolic switch linked to improved cellular energy efficiency and reduced inflammation (Frontiers in genetics, 2022).

Reduced Disease Risk:

  • Research suggests it may lower risks for heart disease, cancer, and cognitive decline—critical for maintaining quality of life as we age (Theranostics, 2022).

Ongoing Human Trials:

The Action

While we strongly advocate prioritizing diet, lifestyle, and natural supplements to boost health—as they typically come with fewer side effects than pharmaceuticals—Metformin offers intriguing potential as a cutting-edge option for enhancing healthspan.

If you're considering exploring this further:

  1. Discuss with Your Doctor: Metformin requires a prescription. A functional medicine or longevity-focused doctor can help assess its suitability for your specific health profile.

  2. Regular Monitoring: Metformin can impact kidney function and vitamin B12 levels, necessitating regular check-ups.

  3. Pair with Lifestyle Habits: For maximum longevity impact, combine Metformin with healthy diet choices, regular exercise, quality sleep, and stress reduction practices.

Before proceeding, ensure you're well-informed and professionally advised.

What’s Next?

While promising, Metformin isn't a magic pill—it's just one piece of your longevity puzzle. Prioritize foundational habits—exercise, diet, quality sleep, and stress management—before exploring advanced options like Metformin. Discuss with your healthcare provider to see if adding Metformin aligns with your personal health strategy, and remember, lasting longevity starts with your daily lifestyle choices.

To Living Better for Longer,

Longevity Daily

P.S. Know someone who would benefit from our daily longevity insights? Forward them this email

Extra Drops of Wisdom

For those who want to dive deeper into the science behind Metformin.

📺 Dr. Nir Barzilai: Slow Aging With a Pill?