File photo NEW DELHI: Cheap, effective and widely trusted, metformin has long been the first choice for treating type 2 diabetes. Now, scientists say the drug works in a way few had imagined — by acting directly on the brain.A study published in Science Advances by Baylor College of Medicine has uncovered a hidden brain pathway that helps explain how metformin lowers blood sugar, offering fresh insight into a medicine used for over six decades.For years, metformin was believed to act mainly on the liver and gut. The new research shows it also works through the ventromedial hypothalamus — a small but crucial brain region that controls hunger, energy use and glucose balance.Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Blasts reported near Pakistan embassy in Tehran as Israel launches fresh wave of strikesUS-Iran war: India prepares to re-start LNG buys from Russia; seeks Trump admin waiver, says reportMiddle East crisis: Govt levies export duties on diesel, turbine oil; eyes over Rs 1,500 crore collection in fortnightThe drug switches off a protein called Rap1 and activates nerve cells that regulate blood sugar, effectively using the brain’s control system. When this pathway was blocked, metformin stopped working while drugs like insulin remained effective. Even tiny amounts were enough to lower blood sugar.Lead researcher Makoto Fukuda said the discovery challenges long-held assumptions. Experts said the findings add clarity, not concern.About the AuthorAnuja JaiswalAnuja Jaiswal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, with an impressive 18-year career in narrative journalism. She specializes in health and heritage reporting, expertly simplifying complex health information to make it engaging and understandable for readers. Her deep dives into heritage topics are well-researched, resulting in captivating narratives that resonate with her audience. Over the years, she has worked in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh and West UP, gaining diverse on-ground experience that shapes her storytelling.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Team India’: PM Modi Meets With CMs, Urges Covid-Like Coordination Amid West Asia CrisisPM Modi Congratulates Balendra Shah On Becoming Nepal PM, Eyes Stronger India-Nepal Ties‘Systemic Victimisation’: India Blasts Munir’s ‘Go To Iran’ Remark, Targets Pakistan On 1971 Denial’Pak Remains In Denial’: India Hits Out Over Op Searchlight Genocide, Backs Dhaka’s Justice Call‘Lockdown Rumours False’: Oil Minister; Centre Slashes Excise Duty On Fuel, Will It Help Consumers?BJP MP Kangana Ranaut Targets Rahul Gandhi, Says ‘Needs Tuition’ Over Economy Claims In ParliamentIndia Signs ₹445 Crore Tunguska Air Defence Deal To Boost Short-Range ProtectionWill Delimitation Change Impact Of Muslim Voters In Assam Election 2026? | Himanta Biswa SarmaIndia Moves To Secure Military Drones With New “Secure-By-Design” Framework“As if Hardeep Puri is giving money from his pocket…”: OPPN STRONG take on fuel excise move123Photostories8 sky events in April 2026 you can’t miss: From a blazing comet to meteor stormsExclusive – The 50: Rajat Dalal opens up on fallout with Prince Narula, says he no longer calls him ‘brother’; reacts to link-up with Chahat PandeyAkshaye Khanna birthday special:‘Dhurandhar’, ‘Chhaava’, ‘Border’, a look at his best performances5 sacred flowers of Goddess Lakshmi you must grow at home to attract wealth and prosperityHow to make Soy and Mushroom Fried Rice for dinner at home5 famous modern-day princesses, from Sheikha Mahra to Kate MiddletonAlmost 50% of Indians have vitamin B12 deficiency: Top foods for vegetarians and non-vegetarians to boost energy and avoid long-term health risks5 off-road cars designed for extreme conditions5 island destinations to visit in summer, and why they shouldn’t be skipped5 beautiful relationship lessons to learn from Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas123Hot PicksStock Market TodayDonald TrumpIran Strike on IsraelUS Iran WarIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingTiger Woods CrashJill BidenH-1B lotteryVanathi SrinivasanMirwaiz Umar FarooqZojila Pass avalancheNoelia CastilloUS travel advisoryAnti-vaccine rowH-1B visa
NEW DELHI: Cheap, effective and widely trusted, metformin has long been the first choice for treating type 2 diabetes. Now, scientists say the drug works in a way few had imagined — by acting directly on the brain.A study published in Science Advances by Baylor College of Medicine has uncovered a hidden brain pathway that helps explain how metformin lowers blood sugar, offering fresh insight into a medicine used for over six decades.For years, metformin was believed to act mainly on the liver and gut. The new research shows it also works through the ventromedial hypothalamus — a small but crucial brain region that controls hunger, energy use and glucose balance.The drug switches off a protein called Rap1 and activates nerve cells that regulate blood sugar, effectively using the brain’s control system. When this pathway was blocked, metformin stopped working while drugs like insulin remained effective. Even tiny amounts were enough to lower blood sugar.Lead researcher Makoto Fukuda said the discovery challenges long-held assumptions. Experts said the findings add clarity, not concern.
