New Jersey, USA: A recent study conducted at Rutgers University in New Jersey has challenged existing medical protocols, suggesting that Metformin, a widely prescribed drug for diabetes, may impair or reduce the health benefits derived from exercise. Metformin has been commonly co-prescribed with exercise for high blood sugar patients since 2006, as health experts often recommend physical activity as a powerful defense against diabetes and heart disease.
The findings, published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, contradict the long-held belief that combining the drug with physical activity enhances disease prevention.
Key Findings of the Study: Researchers observed that Metformin appears to limit the improvements gained through exercise in areas such as blood vessel function, overall physical fitness, and the body’s ability to manage blood sugar levels.
The study involved 72 adults at risk of developing Metabolic Syndrome (a condition that increases the risk of diabetes and heart disease). They were divided into four groups, receiving either Metformin or a placebo alongside various intensity exercise regimes.
- Exercise Only: The results were surprising: groups engaged in exercise alone showed significant improvements in the insulin sensitivity of blood vessels. The vessels responded better to insulin, leading to increased blood flow to the muscles. This is crucial because insulin’s ability to dilate blood vessels helps transport glucose from the bloodstream into tissues, thus lowering post-meal blood sugar levels.
- Exercise Plus Metformin: When Metformin was introduced alongside exercise, it led to a reduction in the improvements in vascular sensitivity. It also mitigated the positive effects that exercise had on reducing inflammation and lowering fasting glucose levels.
Mandatory Medical Consultation: As exercise is highly valued in the prevention of diabetes and heart disease, this new finding will necessitate physicians to reconsider their treatment strategies. However, readers are strongly advised to consult their healthcare provider before making any changes to their medication regimen, despite this significant scientific disclosure
