What was reported
In a 24-week placebo-controlled study with lifestyle counseling in both groups, the investigators reported larger changes in leukocyte telomere measurements with metformin, alongside changes in telomerase activity and SIRT1 expression.
What the study measured
Leukocyte telomere measurements, telomerase activity, and gene expression.
Sample and setting
127 randomized; 112 completed; adults aged 30–60 with prediabetes.
What this does not establish
A change in a blood-cell biomarker is not a percentage reduction in a person’s age. The result applies to the studied population with prediabetes and needs longer, independent validation. It is not prescribing advice.
The next question
Do the measurements replicate with orthogonal assays and predict a meaningful functional benefit?
This is Karam’s proposed follow-up question, not a claim that the original authors or Karam have already resolved it.
The source record
Surya Prakash Bhatt, Shivam Pandey, Anoop Misra
Mechanisms of Ageing and Development · 2026-09-03
Indexed PubMed/publisher abstract excerpts checked. Full text was not reviewed.