Insulin Resistance and Acne: The Role of Metformin as Alternative Therapy in Men
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 13, 2025

Fixation and Operational Method for Abdominal Massage in T2DM Mice
Published on: March 7, 2025
Aikaterini Andreadi1,2, Saverio Muscoli3, Rojin Tajmir1
1Department of Systems Medicine, Section of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy.
Abstract:
The association between acne and insulin resistance has not been investigated as thoroughly in males as it has been in women, despite the fact that in adult men, acne prevalence has grown. On the face, sebaceous glands produce and secrete sebum, which lubricates the skin and protects it from friction. Metformin, an insulin-sensitizing medication, may modify the association between acne vulgaris and insulin resistance (IR). Individuals with IR, metabolic syndrome or with impaired glucose tolerance are sometimes treated 'off label' with Metformin. In these conditions, IR may be a leading factor in the pathogenesis of acne, and in men, Metformin treatment may reduce the Global Acne Grading System (GAGS) score by enhancing insulin sensitivity. However, additional clinical studies are required to corroborate these assumptions.
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