Marc Provissiero, a film producer in his early 50s, began reflecting on how to maintain his health and vitality for the years ahead. He enrolled in a premium longevity clinic, paying a few hundred dollars monthly, where he tracked his blood work, improved his diet, and enhanced his sleep quality. His goal was to stay active, enjoying activities such as tennis, surfing, hiking, and spending quality time with his young daughter.
During a routine checkup at the clinic, his doctor, Darshan Shah, delivered a concerning update. Despite his healthy lifestyle, Provissiero’s blood sugar levels were approaching prediabetic thresholds. Given his family history, his risk for developing diabetes—which can significantly reduce life expectancy—was elevated. When adjustments to diet and exercise failed to improve his numbers, his physician recommended starting metformin.
Metformin has long been recognized as an effective medication for lowering blood sugar and is approved by regulatory authorities for managing Type 2 diabetes. Additionally, it is often prescribed to address weight management and polycystic ovary syndrome. However, some healthcare providers are now exploring its ability to prevent chronic illnesses before they manifest, aiming to help otherwise healthy individuals extend their healthy years.
Provissiero, who resides in Malibu, California, shared that after a year of taking metformin, he experiences less bloating, increased energy, and better control over his weight and blood sugar levels. “The hope is to increase the number of healthy years in life,” he explained.
Scientific research on metformin’s effects on human aging remains limited. Much of the existing data comes from animal studies, which have produced inconsistent results influenced by the species and sex of the subjects. Human clinical trials, mostly involving patients with diabetes, have yielded mixed conclusions regarding metformin’s benefits for healthy individuals.
Nevertheless, interest in metformin as a potential anti-aging therapy persists. Emerging evidence suggests it might help delay or manage age-related conditions such as cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, and dementia. Experts theorize metformin could be addressing fundamental biological mechanisms behind these diseases by regulating hormones, supporting tissue repair, and reducing inflammation in the immune system.
