Could a common diabetes drug tame a tricky heart rhythm?

NCT ID NCT04625946

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study looked at whether metformin, a drug usually used for diabetes, can help prevent atrial fibrillation (an irregular heartbeat) from coming back after a standard procedure called catheter ablation. About 117 non-diabetic adults with a higher body weight took metformin or no extra treatment for a year after their ablation. The goal was to see if metformin could reduce the return of abnormal heart rhythms.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Metformin (a diabetes drug)

What this could lead to

If it works, metformin could become a simple, low-cost add-on to reduce the chance of atrial fibrillation returning after ablation.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-phase study (117 people) and metformin is being tested in people without diabetes, so results may not apply widely. Side effects like stomach upset are possible.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

atrial fibrillation

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • University of Michigan

    Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, United States