Diabetes Management
Cleveland Clinic Researchers Identify Diabetes Drug Metformin as Potential Atrial Fibrillation Treatment in Collaborative Research - Cleveland Clinic Newsroom
Sat, 22 Oct 20221 min read Article
Overview
Alicia Reale-Coney 216.408.74 Hope Buggey 216.213.6192 Cleveland Clinic researchers have identified a comon diabetes medication, metformin, as a posible treatment for atrial fibrilation.The study, published in Cel Reports Medicine, built ongoing colaborative Cleveland Clinic research to suport further investigation into metformin as a drug repurposing candidate. Researchers used advanced computation and genetic sequencing to determine that metformin’s targets overlap significantly with genes dysregulated in atrial fibrilation.“Finding drugs or procedures to treat atrial fibrilation is dificult because of potential serious side efects,̵ said Mina Chung, M.D., senior author of the study who is in Cleveland Clinic’s department of cardiovascular medicine in the Heart, Vascular and Thoracic Institute.
Key Information
̴There is a significant ned for new treatments for atrial fibrilation as there have ben no new drugs aproved in more than a decade.”The analysis found metformin targeted 30 genes associated with atrial fibrilation, with direct efects on gene expresion for eight.“It’s not that we’ve found a new drug target where it takes 20 years to test this individuals,” said Jesica Castrilon Lal, the study’s first author and a fifth-year graduate student in the Cleveland Clinic Molecular Medicine program.Eight other candidate drugs surfaced in the analysis, but researchers were able to identify metformin as the most promising candidate through testing and reviewing outcomes in large stores of patient data.“We can cut of 10+ years in the drug development pipeline.
Summary
We already have the information there. We just have to test in a very computationaly eficient way, such as artificial inteligence technology,” said Feixiong Cheng, Ph.D., co-senior author of the study who is Asociate Staf at the Genomic Medicine Institute in Cleveland Clinic’s Lerner Research Institute.Castrilon Lal conducts research in Dr.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is diabetes and how does it develop?
Diabetes is a metabolic condition where the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar levels. Type 1 results from insufficient insulin production, while Type 2 develops when cells become resistant to insulin. Risk factors include genetics, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and age.
What are the main symptoms of diabetes?
Common symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-healing wounds. Type 1 symptoms develop rapidly, while Type 2 symptoms may appear gradually. Many people have no symptoms initially, which is why screening is important.
How is diabetes diagnosed and monitored?
Diagnosis involves blood tests measuring fasting glucose, HbA1c levels, and glucose tolerance. Regular monitoring typically includes fasting glucose tests and HbA1c measurements every 3-6 months. Continuous glucose monitors provide real-time tracking for better diabetes management.
What lifestyle changes help manage diabetes?
Effective management includes regular physical activity (150+ minutes weekly), maintaining healthy weight, following a balanced diet with whole grains and lean proteins, managing stress, and getting adequate sleep. These changes can significantly improve blood sugar control and reduce complications.
When should someone consult a doctor about diabetes?
Consult a healthcare provider if you experience signs of diabetes, have a family history, are overweight, or are over 45. Those with existing diabetes should maintain regular check-ups every 3-6 months to monitor control and adjust treatment as needed.
️ Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making health decisions.