A medication that has been prescribed for type 2 diabetes for decades could also help reduce the risk of developing osteoarthritis, according to findings from a large UK-based study.
Researchers analysing health data from approximately 350,000 people reported that those taking metformin were 24% less likely to develop osteoarthritis affecting the knee or hip compared with people who were not using the drug. The findings add to growing evidence that the long-established medicine may have benefits beyond controlling blood sugar.
Why the findings matter
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and is caused by the gradual breakdown of cartilage, the tissue that cushions joints and allows them to move smoothly. As cartilage wears away over time, people can experience pain, stiffness and reduced mobility, particularly in weight-bearing joints such as the knees and hips.
The condition affects millions of people worldwide and has no cure. Current treatments mainly focus on easing symptoms through pain relief, physical therapy, weight management and, in severe cases, joint replacement surgery.
If further research confirms metformin’s protective effect, it could offer doctors another option to help reduce the likelihood of developing the disease in people at higher risk.
Possible explanation behind the effect
Scientists believe metformin’s anti-inflammatory properties may play an important role in protecting joint health. The drug is thought to reduce inflammation throughout the body while also encouraging the release of enzymes that help preserve cartilage, potentially slowing the damage that leads to osteoarthritis.
Although these biological mechanisms are considered plausible, researchers say more studies are needed to determine exactly how the medication influences joint tissues and whether the benefits are directly caused by the drug.
A medicine with a long history
Metformin has been used in clinical practice since the 1950s and remains one of the most commonly prescribed first-line treatments for type 2 diabetes. It works by lowering glucose production in the liver and improving the body’s response to insulin. The medicine is generally well established, although it can cause gastrointestinal side effects in some patients and is not suitable for everyone, particularly those with certain kidney conditions.
Because the drug is available as an inexpensive generic medicine in many countries, researchers say any confirmed additional health benefits could have broad public health implications.
What comes next
While the findings are encouraging, experts caution that the study does not prove metformin directly prevents osteoarthritis. Additional clinical trials will be needed to determine whether prescribing the drug specifically to reduce arthritis risk is safe and effective.
For now, metformin should only be taken for approved medical conditions or under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Researchers hope future studies will clarify whether the decades-old diabetes medicine could eventually become part of strategies aimed at preventing one of the world’s leading causes of joint pain and disability.
