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Metformin Lowers Blood Sugar via Brain Pathway, Study Finds

3/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

Baylor College of Medicine researchers published in Science Advances that metformin lowers blood sugar via a brain pathway in addition to liver and gut effects.
The Rap1 protein in the ventromedial hypothalamus is crucial for metformin's blood sugar-lowering effects, as shown in experiments with genetically modified mice.
The findings could guide diabetes treatments targeting this brain pathway and broaden understanding of metformin's benefits, including slowing brain aging.

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Story summary

Baylor College of Medicine researchers published in Science Advances that metformin lowers blood sugar via a brain pathway in addition to liver and gut effects.
The Rap1 protein in the ventromedial hypothalamus is crucial for metformin's blood sugar-lowering effects, as shown in experiments with genetically modified mice.
The findings could guide diabetes treatments targeting this brain pathway and broaden understanding of metformin's benefits, including slowing brain aging.