Figure 1.

Metformin-mediated amelioration in diabetic and cancerous deranged metabolic profile, improvements in hemostasis and endothelial function, with regression of proliferative state. Metformin acts primarily on the liver and reduces glucose output, and secondarily on the peripheral tissues to increase glucose uptake. By decreasing gluconeogenesis, it ameliorates hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes, improves endothelial function, oxidative stress, insulin resistance and fat redistribution. Accumulating evidence supports the antiproliferative role of metformin in colon and prostate cancer.