Short-Term Metformin Use in Young, Healthy Adults: Impacts on Exercise Capacity
Completed · Phase 4 · Has a placebo group
Conditions studied: Exercise Capacity, Metformin
In brief
Metformin is the most prescribed blood sugar (glucose)-lowering medication for patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Metformin stimulates glucose uptake in skeletal muscle similar to the effects of exercise, though, some studies report that metformin may decrease exercise capacity. The main question this study looks to answer is: • Does metformin alter exercise capacity? Participants will: * Complete 5 exercise tests on a stationary bike. * Undergo a body composition test. * Take metformin and placebo. * Complete food and symptom logs. The researchers hypothesize that: • Metformin will reduce aerobic capacity.
Key facts
- Study ID
- NCT06638671
- Run by
- University of Virginia
- People needed
- 14
- Starts
- 2025-01-31
- Expected to finish
- 2026-03-12
- Last updated by the study team
- 2026-06-17
Who can join
Age: 18 and older, up to 30. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.
You may qualify if…
- 18-30 years old
- Metformin-naïve
- BMI < 30 kg/m2
- Recreationally active (≥ 3 days/week of exercise)
- Females must be premenopausal and report normal menstrual cycles
- Willingness and ability to comply with scheduled visits and study procedures.
You may not qualify if…
- History of cardiometabolic disease, such as type 1 or type 2 diabetes
- Smoking (must have quit at least 6 mos prior)
- Use of medication that significantly alters glucose regulation (e.g., metformin, insulin, GLP-1 receptor agonists, SGLT-2 inhibitors, biguanides)
- Severe liver or kidney disease, or medications to treat liver or kidney disease
- Pregnant, breastfeeding, or plans to become pregnant during study period
Where it is running
- University of Virginia — Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov
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