Homologous physiological effects of phenformin and chromium picolinate

Abstract

The insulin-sensitizing drug phenformin, in addition to its clinical utility in type II diabetes, has been reported to lower blood lipids, reduce body fat, enhance cellular immunity, and—in rodents—to increase mean lifespan and retard the development of growth of cancer. Initial studies with the insulin-sensitizing nutrient chromium picolinate indicate that it aids glucose tolerance in type II diabetes, lowers elevated LDL cholesterol, reduces body fat while increasing lean mass, and—in rats—increases median lifespan. These effects are thus analogous to those reported for phenformin; chromium picolinate should be tested to determine whether it likewise has a favorable impact on cellular immunity and cancer risk. The ability of both phenformin and chromium picolinate to increase lifespan suggests that age-related insulin resistance may play a profound role in the aging process. It may not be coincidental that caloric restriction—the best documented technique for increasing lifespan—markedly increases insulin sensitivity. Safe, appropriate measures for promoting lifelong insulin sensitivity include a low-fat diet, exercise training, and supplemental chromium picolinate.