Scientists warn common diabetes drug may be cancelling out benefits of exercise

A new study suggests that metformin, a common diabetes drug, may be counteracting the positive effects of exercise in patients with type 2 diabetes. Metformin, prescribed for nearly 50 years, works by lowering blood glucose and improving insulin sensitivity, and is typically recommended alongside lifestyle changes like exercise. Researchers studied 72 adults at risk of metabolic syndrome, dividing them into groups that exercised with or without metformin. Over four months, they monitored blood vessel function. While exercise alone improved blood vessel response to insulin, leading to better blood flow to muscles, this improvement was significantly reduced when participants also took metformin. The study also indicated that metformin diminished aerobic exercise gains and lessened positive effects on inflammation and fasting glucose. Scientists theorize that metformin's mechanism of action might interfere with the body's full response to physical training, potentially hindering ... download the app to read more