Diabetes is an ongoing medical condition that affects millions of people across the globe. Blood sugar needs to be controlled to avoid developing complications. Metformin, an antidiabetic that has been widely prescribed for type 2 diabetes patients, has been much appreciated for its ability to control blood sugar. Recently, research has focused attention on its interaction with cancer. Researchers have reported that metformin could affect cancers such as colon, liver, and breast cancers. It appears promising at first glance. But one needs to note that metformin does not work as an antidote to cancer and that it will work for all patients. Insights can be gained by examining the interaction between metformin and the biology of cancer.
Metformin’s role in diabetes management and emerging cancer research
According to the study published in PubMed Central, metformin acts mainly as a drug used to facilitate the body’s sensitivity to insulin or reduce the glucose level in the liver. Metformin has been the first-line treatment in type 2 diabetes for the past few decades due to its safety and efficacy. Besides its known function in glucose control, some biological activities are being explored by metformin. In fact, certain studies in the lab and observations in observational studies may reflect its possible effects on cancer and its potential function in cancer prevention in the form of a supplement.
Understanding the diabetes–cancer connection
Patients with type 2 diabetes also have an increased susceptibility to certain types of cancer, including liver, pancreas, colon, and breast cancers. This might be attributed by insulin resistance, inflammation, and obesity that accompany type 2 diabetes.Perhaps through improving the sensitivity of cells to insulin and lowering the blood level of insulin, a reduction of the signal for promoting growth may be realized, leading to a reduced risk of developing cancer. These phenomena not only reinforce the interconnectedness between the two domains of diabetes and cancer, but they also demonstrate that affects from one field may bring about ripples within the other.
How does metformin interact with cancer cells
Emerging research suggests several mechanisms through which metformin may impact cancer biology:
- Inhibition of mTOR pathways: Inhibits the growth of cancerous cells. It can slow down the growth of
- Activation of AMP-K: Controls cell metabolism and may suppress tumour growth.
- Inflammation suppression: Chronic inflammation is responsible for tumour formation and development.
- Metabolic Stress Induction: Increases the sensitivity of cancer cells to cell death.
These mechanisms would imply that metformin has the potential to treat cancer both indirectly through glycemic control or insulin management, as well as directly through cell metabolism or growth regulation.
Cautions on metformin’s anti-cancer potential
In the multi-centric study of 2025, patients with diabetes on long-term metformin therapy showed a statistically significant decrease in the rate of colorectal and liver cancers compared with patients receiving other anti-diabetic medications, according to the findings.Although promising, these studies only show a correlation, being observational, rather than proving direct causality. To gain a further understanding of metformin’s potential in cancer, there now exist clinical trials examining its potential use as an adjuvant treatment for at-risk patients.Although scientific studies are encouraging, it is not appropriate for patients to prescribe metformin to themselves for the purpose of preventing cancer. There are side effects to the drug, such as nausea, diarrhoea, and, in some instances, lactic acidosis. In addition, the key to preventing complications from diabetes and the risk of cancer is to adopt a healthy lifestyle pattern with healthy eating, healthy exercise, sound sleep, and regular health screenings.
