Delirium is a condition where a person suddenly becomes confused and disoriented, often feeling lost or unaware of what is happening around them.
It can develop quickly and is caused by many different factors, including illness, surgery, or certain medications.
Recent research from Stanford University and other institutions suggests that metformin, a drug commonly used to treat diabetes, may help lower the chances of developing delirium and improve survival rates.
Metformin has already been associated with benefits for age-related conditions, such as dementia, and has been linked to lower death rates in people with diabetes.
This new study builds on that knowledge and looks specifically at how it might reduce the risk of delirium.
How Metformin May Help with Delirium
In this study, the researchers looked at data from 1,404 patients. They divided the patients into two groups: one group included people with type 2 diabetes who were not taking metformin, while the other group consisted of people with type 2 diabetes who were taking metformin.
The goal was to see if there was any difference in how often these patients experienced delirium and how many survived during the study.
The results were promising. Patients who had been taking metformin were less likely to develop delirium compared to those who were not taking the drug. In addition, those on metformin had a better chance of surviving than those who weren’t using the medication.
These findings suggest that metformin may not only help control blood sugar levels but could also offer additional protection against delirium.
What This Means for People with Diabetes
For people with type 2 diabetes, this study provides hope that metformin might offer more than just blood sugar control—it could also help protect against the risk of developing delirium, a serious condition that can worsen recovery and overall health.
The research also points to the possibility that metformin may improve survival rates in diabetic patients.
If you have diabetes and are taking metformin, this information could be important for your treatment plan. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor about how your medications might be benefiting you in ways beyond managing your blood sugar.
And if you aren’t on metformin, you could discuss with your doctor whether it might be a good option for you, especially in light of this new research.
Preventing Type 2 Diabetes
While some factors that increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes are out of our control, such as family history or age, there are several lifestyle changes that can help reduce the risk. Here are some simple ways to lower your chances of getting type 2 diabetes:
Maintain a healthy weight: Losing just 5-10% of your body weight can make a big difference in reducing your risk.
Exercise regularly: Try to get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise, such as walking or cycling, on most days of the week. Physical activity helps your body use insulin more effectively and keeps blood sugar levels in check.
Eat a balanced diet: Focus on eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Cutting back on sugary foods and drinks, as well as avoiding unhealthy fats like trans fats, can also help.
Stop smoking: Smoking increases the risk of many health problems, including type 2 diabetes. If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your overall health.
Manage stress: High stress levels can raise your blood sugar. Activities like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga can help you manage stress and protect your health.
Get enough sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of good-quality sleep each night. Not getting enough sleep can make your body more resistant to insulin, which can increase your risk of developing diabetes.
Monitor blood sugar levels: If you have a family history of diabetes or other risk factors, it’s important to regularly check your blood sugar levels. Early detection can help you take steps to prevent or manage the condition.
This study adds to the growing evidence that metformin, a drug widely used to treat type 2 diabetes, may offer additional health benefits, including lowering the risk of delirium and improving survival rates.
However, it’s important to remember that everyone’s health needs are different. Always consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan for your condition.
In addition to medication, adopting a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, a balanced diet, managing stress, getting enough sleep, and maintaining a healthy weight can go a long way in preventing or managing type 2 diabetes.
Staying informed and working closely with your doctor will help you make the best choices for your long-term health.
If you care about dementia, please read studies about Vitamin B9 deficiency linked to higher dementia risk, and flavonoid-rich foods could help prevent dementia.
For more information about brain health, please see recent studies that cranberries could help boost memory, and how alcohol, coffee and tea intake influence cognitive decline.
Copyright © 2024 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
