Scientists have identified a previously unknown mechanism through which Metformin helps reduce blood sugar levels, pointing to the brain as a key site of action.
The widely used drug, prescribed for more than six decades to treat Type 2 Diabetes, was earlier believed to act mainly through the liver and digestive system. It is known for improving insulin sensitivity, supporting weight control, and maintaining a strong safety profile at low cost.
However, new research suggests the drug also works through a protein in the brain known as Rap1 protein, located in a region responsible for regulating metabolism.
Experiments showed that blocking this protein in test subjects reduced the effectiveness of low doses of the drug, while activating it increased blood sugar levels and limited the drug’s impact. Researchers also observed that even very small doses administered centrally could significantly reduce high blood sugar.
The findings indicate that this brain-based pathway plays a crucial role in how the medication controls glucose levels.
Experts say the discovery could open the door to new treatment approaches that directly target brain mechanisms involved in blood sugar regulation, potentially improving future therapies for diabetes.
