Short-Term Metformin Use in Young, Healthy Adults: Impacts on Exercise Capacity

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA · Oct 10, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying the effects of metformin, a medication commonly used to lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes, on exercise capacity in young, healthy adults. Researchers want to find out if taking metformin affects how well someone can perform physical activities, such as biking. Participants in this study will be asked to complete five exercise tests on a stationary bike, undergo a body composition test, take metformin and a placebo (a harmless pill with no active ingredients), and keep track of their food intake and any symptoms they experience.

To be eligible for this trial, participants need to be between 18 and 30 years old, have a body mass index (BMI) of less than 30, and be physically active, meaning they exercise at least three days a week. Women must be premenopausal and have regular menstrual cycles. Importantly, participants cannot have a history of diabetes or other serious health conditions, and they should not be pregnant or breastfeeding. If you join the study, you’ll play a part in helping researchers understand if metformin affects exercise performance, which could be valuable information for future treatments.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 18-30 years old
• • Metformin-naïve
• • BMI \< 30 kg/m2
• • Recreationally active (≥ 3 days/week of exercise)
• • Females must be premenopausal and report normal menstrual cycles
• • Willingness and ability to comply with scheduled visits and study procedures.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • History of cardiometabolic disease, such as type 1 or type 2 diabetes
• • Smoking (must have quit at least 6 mos prior)
• • Use of medication that significantly alters glucose regulation (e.g., metformin, insulin, GLP-1 receptor agonists, SGLT-2 inhibitors, biguanides)
• • Severe liver or kidney disease, or medications to treat liver or kidney disease
• • Pregnant, breastfeeding, or plans to become pregnant during study period