Research shows how common diabetes medications are transforming asthma care by reducing attack rates, independent of weight or glycemic control. Antidiabetic Medication and Asthma Attacks . Image Credit: Jelena Stanojkovic / Shutterstock In a recent cohort study published in JAMA Internal Medicine , researchers in England investigated the effects of metformin and other medications for type 2 diabetes (T2D) on asthma attacks.
They found that metformin was associated with a 30% reduction in asthma attacks, and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) provided an additional 40% reduction, independent of weight, glycemic control, or asthma phenotype. Background Asthma, obesity, and T2D are closely linked, with T2D and related conditions increasing asthma attack risks and reliance on corticosteroids, which can worsen metabolic health. Metformin, the first-line treatment for T2D, is known for its safety and affordability and has potential anti-inflammatory and protective effects on the lungs.
Its mechanisms may involve activation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase, repression of fatty acid-binding protein-4 pathways, and downregulation of insulin-like growth factor 1, all of which reduce airway inflammation and remodeling. Previous studies suggested that metformin reduces asthma attacks, though some lacked control for factors like smoking and glycemic status. Additionally, GLP-1RAs show promise due to their lung-specific effects, reducing bronchial hyper.
