Why David Sinclair takes metformin every day

David Sinclair has spent years studying aging, and he’s made it clear—he’s not just researching it, he’s experimenting on himself. One supplement he takes is metformin, a drug meant for people with type 2 diabetes. Let’s look at his rationale for this.

Why is he taking a diabetes drug?

Sinclair doesn’t have diabetes, but he has a family history of it, so he takes metformin partly as a precaution. But that’s not the whole story. And he is not the only longevity research influencer taking this drug. As crazy as it sounds – there’s a growing body of research suggesting that metformin might do more than just control blood sugar. It could actually slow aging.

Metformin works by activating an enzyme called AMPK, which plays a role in how cells use energy. Think of AMPK as a kind of cellular fuel gauge—when it senses that energy is low, it tells cells to start burning fat, improving metabolism and reducing inflammation. This process is linked to longer lifespan in animals and better health as people get older.

Metformin and aging

Beyond helping with blood sugar, metformin seems to affect several biological pathways linked to aging:

• It reduces oxidative stress – Too many free radicals floating around can damage cells and speed up aging. Metformin helps keep them in check.
• It lowers inflammation – Chronic inflammation is a big factor in aging-related diseases. Metformin has been shown to calm down overactive immune responses that can lead to problems like heart disease and cancer.
• It mimics calorie restriction – Studies on animals show that eating fewer calories extends lifespan, but not everyone wants to live on a near-starvation diet. Metformin tricks the body into thinking it’s fasting by altering how it processes energy.

What does the research say?

The idea of using metformin for longevity isn’t just some fringe theory—there’s actually a major human trial in the works called the TAME (Targeting Aging with Metformin) study. This study is designed to see if metformin can delay aging and age-related diseases like cancer, heart disease, and cognitive decline.

The results aren’t in yet, but early research is promising. In fact, studies of people with diabetes who take metformin suggest they actually live longer than non-diabetics who aren’t on the drug. That’s pretty wild when you think about it.

Is it safe for non-diabetics?

Metformin is generally well-tolerated, but it’s not a magic pill. Some people experience side effects like stomach upset, and there are concerns about how it might affect muscle growth. That’s why Sinclair skips metformin on days he does intense workouts—he doesn’t want to risk interfering with the benefits of strength training.

Should everyone start taking metformin?

Sinclair is a strong believer in using metformin as part of a longevity plan, but he doesn’t recommend it for everyone just yet. He’s waiting for more research to confirm its effects in non-diabetics before making any broad claims.

If you’re thinking about trying it, talk to a doctor first—it’s a prescription medication, and while it’s considered safe, it’s still a drug with potential side effects.

Final thoughts

David Sinclair’s decision to take metformin is based on both personal health concerns and the bigger picture of longevity science. He sees it as a tool to help slow aging and reduce the risk of age-related diseases.

Whether or not metformin turns out to be the longevity drug many hope it is, Sinclair’s approach shows that he’s willing to put his research to the test—on himself.

Sources

• David Sinclair’s 2024 Anti-Aging Supplement Protocol
• TAME Study on Metformin and Aging
• Metformin and Beyond: Dr. David Sinclair on Learnings Since Lifespan