Key Discovery
- Mechanism Uncovered:
- Metformin, a widely used Type 2 diabetes drug, works by blocking mitochondrial complex I, a crucial component of cellular energy production.
- This disruption lowers blood sugar levels effectively.
Significance of the Discovery
- Provides a clear understanding of how metformin works, which had remained unclear despite over 60 years of clinical use.
Metformin’s Multifaceted Role
- Primary Use:
- Millions use metformin to manage Type 2 diabetes by lowering blood glucose levels.
- Additional Benefits:
- Slows cancer growth.
- Reduces inflammation.
- Shows promise in improving COVID-19 outcomes.
Advantages
- Targets disease-causing cells with minimal harm to healthy cells.
This breakthrough enhances the understanding of metformin’s mechanisms and paves the way for further research into its broad therapeutic potential.
