Metformin is a commonly used drug in people with type 2 diabetes. It’s cheap and safe. But it’s also known to have effects on the immune system dampening inflammation and maybe even on the brain affecting pain perception.
It’s also known that people with knee osteoarthritis tend to be overweight or obese and have some of the metabolic abnormalities that go along with diabetes.
That’s why a group of Melbourne researchers did a six month trial of metformin compared to placebo in overweight and obese people with knee osteoarthritis.
The people who received the metformin had noticeable reductions in pain and stiffness. Some had side effects such as abdominal discomfort and diarrhoea, but nobody stopped the medication because of side effects.
The lead researcher, Professor Flavia Ciccutini believes that metformin along with exercise and muscle strengthening, could significantly help people, and delay or avoid the need for a knee replacement.
Further information
Metformin for Knee Osteoarthritis in Patients with Overweight or Obesity: JAMA Network
Metformin as a potential disease-modifying drug in osteoarthritis: a systematic review of pre-clinical and human studies: National Library of Medicine
