Khaberni - A new study found that metformin, commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes, may weaken some of the key benefits of physical exercise.
According to the American network “Fox News,” the study, which lasted 16 weeks, involved 72 adults at risk of metabolic syndrome, a group of conditions that include high blood pressure, high blood sugar levels, increased body fat, and which increases the risk of diabetes and heart disease.
Participants were divided into 4 groups; two groups performed high or low intensity exercises with a placebo drug, while the other two groups performed the same exercises while taking a daily dose of 2000 milligrams of metformin.
Researchers from Rutgers University found that adults who took metformin while exercising saw less improvement in blood sugar control, vascular function, and physical fitness compared to those who exercised without using the drug, who showed significant improvement in vascular sensitivity to insulin; meaning their blood vessels responded better to insulin, allowing more oxygen and nutrients to reach the muscles.
The researchers are still unsure why, but they believe that metformin may interfere with the body’s ability to adapt to exercise at the cellular level.
Stephen Malin, the lead researcher of the study, said that it might be related to vascular health.
He explained, saying: “Improving vascular function is essential for delivering nutrients to tissues, such as sugar. If sugar delivery to the tissues is hindered, this could explain the muscles' inability to use sugar for energy also in response to insulin.”
These findings, published in the "Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism," add to the growing evidence that although both metformin and physical exercise improve blood sugar control and heart health, combining them may weaken some of the benefits of physical exercise.
However, the researchers acknowledged that the study was small and focused on adults at risk of metabolic syndrome; meaning the results may not apply to all diabetic patients.
The researchers emphasized that patients should not stop taking metformin or exercising, but should discuss the findings with their doctors to ensure they receive the best combination of treatment and activity.
The researchers indicated that future studies should explore how to maintain the benefits of both treatments.
Rutgers University's team is now testing whether metformin interacts differently with resistance or strength exercises, and whether adjusting the dosage or timing could reduce the impact.
