According to the professor, the common diabetes drug metformin is an interesting molecule, and that is why it is now being studied.
The pursuit of eternal youth has caused people to medicate themselves in many ways throughout time. Adobe Stock / AOP
known as the elucidator of the double helix structure of DNA by James D. Watson is known to have regularly taken the diabetes drug metformin.
96-year-old Watson justified taking metformin by saying that metformin can keep cancer away.
Metformin is a common and quite inexpensive diabetes medication. In recent years, metformin studies have indicated that it could be useful in cancer treatment, cancer prevention, and perhaps other things as well.
– In Silicon Valley, where I have worked, people eat metformin in the hope of eternal life, says with a laugh the research director, research professor at the Cancer Institute Juha Klefström.
According to research from the University of Helsinki, metformin can boost the immune system’s fight against breast cancer. The study was conducted on samples obtained from breast cancer patients.
“It does a lot”
In a study by the University of Helsinki, metformin activates the body’s immune cells, which most effectively help the immune system identify cancer cells. Immune cells also boosted the defense reaction against cancer cells.
Identifying this effect may help to develop new treatments against cancer. According to the university’s press release, Klefström, who is the head of the research group, considers the research to be revolutionary.
– Metformin modifies the human metabolism. It does a lot.
– Metformin is a very interesting molecule. It can have a lot to do with cancer and aging, Klefström tells Iltalehte.
At this stage of the research, there is no reason to declare metformin a miracle drug that should be widely used. Klefström reminds that metformin also has its risks if misused.
– You shouldn’t take it personally, he says.
Under many different names
Metformin is the primary drug for the treatment of type 2 diabetes when diet, exercise and weight loss do not bring the blood sugar back to normal and this drug is otherwise suitable.
Metformin is also used to treat polycystic ovary syndrome (PCO).
Metformin is sold under several different trade names.
The metformin tablet is recommended to be taken with a meal or immediately on top of food to reduce possible stomach problems.
According to terveykyla.fi, metformin and other diabetes medicines have also been made into combination preparations, in which case the same tablet contains two or three different medicinal preparations.
Metformin is not compatible with heavy alcohol consumption.
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