Study Shows Metformin Helps Treat Arthritis

A study published in the May 27, 2025 issue of JAMA found that metformin—a widely used diabetes medication—significantly improved arthritis symptoms in people who are overweight. Since this group is also at higher risk for diabetes, metformin may offer a two-for-one benefit: easing joint pain while helping manage blood sugar.

Meanwhile, research shows Curamin® is even more effective for knee pain, while also helping insulin sensitivity.

Arthritis affects one in four adults, and about one in three people are expected to develop metabolic syndrome or diabetes. At the same time, the pain relievers commonly used for arthritis—known as NSAIDs—can come with serious side effects. Studies show they increase the risk of heart attack and stroke by 35% and cause 4,000 to 12,500 deaths each year in the U.S. from bleeding ulcers.

Each year, NSAID medications used for arthritis are linked to an estimated 50,000 preventable deaths in the U.S. The good news? These risks can often be avoided by turning to safer, highly effective alternatives—including the medication metformin and a variety of natural treatments. In fact, many natural options offer "side benefits" rather than side effects, improving overall health while easing joint pain.

In this placebo-controlled JAMA study, metformin reduced arthritis pain about as effectively as diclofenac (Voltaren) has in previous research. However, while NSAIDs like diclofenac often lose effectiveness after just two weeks, metformin remained highly effective even after six months. That makes metformin not only as effective, or possibly more so, but also far safer.

A word of caution: Increasing the dose of metformin too quickly can lead to nausea or diarrhea. To avoid this, it's best to start with a low dose and gradually increase it based on comfort. Also important is that metformin commonly causes vitamin B12 deficiency, even when blood levels appear normal. That’s why anyone taking metformin should take a multivitamin with at least 100 micrograms of B12.

Research shows that several natural treatments are just as effective as conventional arthritis medications. Among the most promising:

• A combination of highly absorbable curcumin and Boswellia called Curamin®, which has been shown in four clinical studies to match the effectiveness of Celebrex for arthritis relief.
• Glucosamine combined with chondroitin, a well-established duo for supporting joint health and reducing pain.

These treatments are not only well tolerated—they’re also linked to longer life and a range of other health benefits, offering side benefits instead of side effects.

One in four American adults suffer needlessly from arthritis. Today, there are many safer and highly effective alternatives available. Unfortunately for those affected, they're also low-cost, which in our profit-driven medical culture means most physicians simply aren't being trained to use them.