Metformin From Diabetes Management to Broader Applications in Weight Reduction and Metabolic Health

Introduction Metformin is a widely used oral hypoglycemic agent for type 2 diabetes, with origins in medieval European medicine through the use of Galega officinalis. Subsequent centuries of research led to the development of synthetic biguanides, with metformin's approval as an antidiabetic...

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Main Authors: Daniel Zapasek, Julia Słowik, Mateusz Bajak, Michał Szczepański, Maciej Mamczur, Marcin Kuliga, Julia Inglot, Jadwiga Inglot, Dominik Maciej Feret, Damian Sowa
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń 2024-12-01
Series:Quality in Sport
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Online Access:https://apcz.umk.pl/QS/article/view/56494
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author Daniel Zapasek
Julia Słowik
Mateusz Bajak
Michał Szczepański
Maciej Mamczur
Marcin Kuliga
Julia Inglot
Jadwiga Inglot
Dominik Maciej Feret
Damian Sowa
author_facet Daniel Zapasek
Julia Słowik
Mateusz Bajak
Michał Szczepański
Maciej Mamczur
Marcin Kuliga
Julia Inglot
Jadwiga Inglot
Dominik Maciej Feret
Damian Sowa
author_sort Daniel Zapasek
collection DOAJ
description Introduction Metformin is a widely used oral hypoglycemic agent for type 2 diabetes, with origins in medieval European medicine through the use of Galega officinalis. Subsequent centuries of research led to the development of synthetic biguanides, with metformin's approval as an antidiabetic agent in 1957. Since then, its therapeutic applications have broadened to address other metabolic and endocrine disorders, such as obesity, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and antipsychotic-induced weight gain. Purpose of the Study This study aims to review metformin's pharmacological properties, mechanisms of action, and its expanded clinical applications. Specifically, it focuses on metformin’s role in promoting weight loss and improving metabolic health across diverse patient populations, including those without diabetes. The study also addresses evidence gaps and proposes areas for further research on dose optimization and safety in non-diabetic populations. Materials and Methods A systematic literature review was conducted using databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar, focusing on studies examining metformin's effects on glycemic control, weight reduction, and metabolic stability. Conclusions Metformin's history underscores its evolution from traditional remedies to a versatile pharmacological agent for treating diabetes and other metabolic conditions. Ongoing research is essential to fully establish its optimal therapeutic parameters and long-term safety for diverse patient groups.
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spelling doaj-art-c9a7ff15f9134e7ca183c19e83c405af2025-08-20T02:32:20ZengNicolaus Copernicus University in ToruńQuality in Sport2450-31182024-12-013510.12775/QS.2024.35.56494Metformin From Diabetes Management to Broader Applications in Weight Reduction and Metabolic HealthDaniel Zapasek0https://orcid.org/0009-0006-1383-1825Julia Słowik1https://orcid.org/0009-0003-3821-5090Mateusz Bajak2https://orcid.org/0009-0006-8237-1295Michał Szczepański3https://orcid.org/0009-0001-8586-3790Maciej Mamczur4https://orcid.org/0009-0000-2789-1235Marcin Kuliga5https://orcid.org/0009-0004-3452-7377Julia Inglot6https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6604-7229Jadwiga Inglot7https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3071-4392Dominik Maciej Feret8https://orcid.org/0009-0004-3174-2784Damian Sowa9https://orcid.org/0009-0003-0980-9324Medical Center in Łańcut, PolandUniversity Teaching Hospital them F. Chopin in Rzeszów, Poland Fryderyka Szopena 2, 35-055 Rzeszów, PolandUniversity Teaching Hospital them F. Chopin in Rzeszów, Poland Fryderyka Szopena 2, 35-055 Rzeszów, PolandMedical Center in Łańcut, Poland Ignacego Paderewskiego 5, 37-100 Łańcut, PolandMedical Center in Łańcut, Poland Ignacego Paderewskiego 5, 37-100 Łańcut, PolandCollege of Medical Sciences, University of Rzeszów, Poland al. Tadeusza Rejtana 16C, 35-310 RzeszówClinical Provincial Hospital No. 2 in Rzeszów, Poland Lwowska 60, 35-301 Rzeszów, PolandClinical Provincial Hospital No. 2 in Rzeszow, Poland Lwowska 60, 35-301 Rzeszów, PolandIndependent Public Health Care Complex No. 1 in Rzeszów, ul. Czackiego 3, 35-051 Rzeszów, PolandClinical Provincial Hospital No. 2 in Rzeszow, Poland Lwowska 60, 35-301 Rzeszów, Poland Introduction Metformin is a widely used oral hypoglycemic agent for type 2 diabetes, with origins in medieval European medicine through the use of Galega officinalis. Subsequent centuries of research led to the development of synthetic biguanides, with metformin's approval as an antidiabetic agent in 1957. Since then, its therapeutic applications have broadened to address other metabolic and endocrine disorders, such as obesity, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and antipsychotic-induced weight gain. Purpose of the Study This study aims to review metformin's pharmacological properties, mechanisms of action, and its expanded clinical applications. Specifically, it focuses on metformin’s role in promoting weight loss and improving metabolic health across diverse patient populations, including those without diabetes. The study also addresses evidence gaps and proposes areas for further research on dose optimization and safety in non-diabetic populations. Materials and Methods A systematic literature review was conducted using databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar, focusing on studies examining metformin's effects on glycemic control, weight reduction, and metabolic stability. Conclusions Metformin's history underscores its evolution from traditional remedies to a versatile pharmacological agent for treating diabetes and other metabolic conditions. Ongoing research is essential to fully establish its optimal therapeutic parameters and long-term safety for diverse patient groups. https://apcz.umk.pl/QS/article/view/56494MetforminWeight reductionBiguanidesMechanisms of actionIncreased insulin sensitivityPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
spellingShingle Daniel Zapasek
Julia Słowik
Mateusz Bajak
Michał Szczepański
Maciej Mamczur
Marcin Kuliga
Julia Inglot
Jadwiga Inglot
Dominik Maciej Feret
Damian Sowa
Metformin From Diabetes Management to Broader Applications in Weight Reduction and Metabolic Health
Quality in Sport
Metformin
Weight reduction
Biguanides
Mechanisms of action
Increased insulin sensitivity
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
title Metformin From Diabetes Management to Broader Applications in Weight Reduction and Metabolic Health
title_full Metformin From Diabetes Management to Broader Applications in Weight Reduction and Metabolic Health
title_fullStr Metformin From Diabetes Management to Broader Applications in Weight Reduction and Metabolic Health
title_full_unstemmed Metformin From Diabetes Management to Broader Applications in Weight Reduction and Metabolic Health
title_short Metformin From Diabetes Management to Broader Applications in Weight Reduction and Metabolic Health
title_sort metformin from diabetes management to broader applications in weight reduction and metabolic health
topic Metformin
Weight reduction
Biguanides
Mechanisms of action
Increased insulin sensitivity
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
url https://apcz.umk.pl/QS/article/view/56494
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