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Clinical Trial Shows that Metformin does not Enhance the Effect of Exercise

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Metformin proves to have no effect on enhancing muscles when exercising

Does metformin enhance the effect of exercise on skeletal muscles? Gaining lean body mass, also called muscle mass, can be a daunting task for most people but it is especially difficult for people with diabetes.

Exercise is generally considered to have a positive effect on muscle function and growth. However, scientists have been searching for various ways to enhance the effect of exercise on skeletal muscles.

Metformin has often been associated with the enhancement of the effects of physical exercise on the body’s muscles. However, clinical data on this topic is lacking.

Diabetes is a serious medical condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Metformin is a widely used medication for the treatment of diabetes. It works by reducing the amount of glucose produced by the liver and increasing the body's sensitivity to insulin.

clinical trial published in the journal Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism has evaluated whether metformin can indeed enhance the effects of exercise on the growth and function of muscles.

The clinical study, which is an analysis of two randomized clinical trials, involved 44 participants who were made to perform a structured physical exercise for 12 weeks. Some of these patients were given metformin while others were given alternative drugs to manage their diabetes.

Muscle biopsies (microscopic evaluation of small pieces of body tissue) were taken before the start of the exercise period and after 12 weeks of exercise.

The researchers measured various indicators of skeletal muscle function, such as changes in muscle fiber type, mitochondrial content, and insulin sensitivity.

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The results of the clinical trial indicated that there was no difference in the growth and function of skeletal muscles of the participants in either group. The people who took metformin, and those who didn’t, had similar changes in the composition of their muscles. 
The clinical study found that the combination of exercise and metformin did not provide any additional benefits compared to exercise alone. This suggests that metformin does not interfere with the beneficial effects of exercise on skeletal muscle.

The findings of this clinical study are important for people with diabetes who are considering using metformin to enhance the effects of exercise on their skeletal muscles. This clinical trial suggests that metformin has no additional benefit on the function of the skeletal muscles and thus, should not be used for that purpose.

In conclusion, this clinical study suggests that treatment with metformin does not influence the skeletal muscle changes related to physical exercise in humans. It is important to consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions on the choice of medication for diabetes.
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ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03316690 and NCT02951260
National Library of Medicine, Nov-16-21



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This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician. All readers/viewers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. CenTrial Data Ltd. does not take responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. Treatments and clinical trials mentioned may not be appropriate or available for all trial participants. Outcomes from treatments and clinical trials may vary from person to person. Consult with your doctor as to whether a clinical trial is a suitable option for your condition. Assistance from generative AI tools may have been used in writing this article.