A recent study, conducted by researchers from the University of Minnesota in the United States, has discovered that Metformin, a commonly used and safe diabetes medication, can reduce the risk of developing Long Covid by 40%.
Researchers recruited 1,126 participants between December 2020 and January 2022, all of whom had tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. The participants were randomly assigned to receive either Metformin or a placebo pill.
The researchers selected participants who were over 30 years of age and had a higher risk of experiencing severe Covid-19 due to being overweight or obese. Moreover, they had tested positive for the virus within the previous three days, with no history of prior Covid-19 infection. The study tracked the participants’ progress over a period of 10 months through regular questionnaires administered every 30 days.
The findings of this study shed light on the potential benefits of Metformin in mitigating the risk of Long Covid, a condition characterized by persistent symptoms that extend beyond the acute phase of Covid-19. The results revealed that those who received Metformin had a 40% lower likelihood of developing Long Covid compared to those who received the placebo.
Exploring the Potential Benefits of Metformin in Reducing Long Covid Risk
Metformin is a widely prescribed medication for managing type 2 diabetes. It helps control blood sugar levels by reducing glucose production in the liver and improving insulin sensitivity. The anti-inflammatory properties of the drug may contribute to its effectiveness against Long Covid, as researchers believe that inflammation plays a role in the development of persistent symptoms.
Although further research is necessary to confirm and build upon these findings, this study presents encouraging evidence of the potential benefits of Metformin in reducing the risk of Long Covid. It highlights the importance of exploring existing medications for repurposing in the treatment of post-acute Covid-19 symptoms.