Adjunct Effects of Bitter Melon Blood-Sugar-Modulating Protein and Metformin on Glycemic and Lipid Control

This study investigated the efficacy and mechanistic properties of a bitter melon blood-sugar-modulating protein (BMP) in relation to concurrent metformin use for improving glucose and lipid metabolism. A translational approach combined mechanistic evaluation in db/db mice with an exploratory, real-world observational cohort study of 119 individuals with prediabetes or diabetes.

In db/db mice, BMP significantly reduced fasting blood glucose and HbA1c, with greater glucose-lowering efficacy observed when combined with metformin compared to metformin alone. Skeletal muscle transcriptomic analysis identified coordinated regulation of 27 shared pathways involved in glucose and lipid metabolism. Preclinical data demonstrate coordinated pathway remodeling in skeletal muscle and improved glycemic control when BMP is combined with metformin.