Metformin, a widely used medication for type 2 diabetes, may also help slow cognitive decline and reduce the risk of dementia, according to a study from UNSW Sydney. The research suggests that metformin’s benefits may extend beyond blood sugar control, potentially protecting brain health.
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar. It occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or cannot use it effectively, leading to high blood sugar levels. Over time, this can result in serious complications, including cognitive decline and an increased risk of dementia.
Metformin is the first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes and has been used safely for over 60 years. It works by reducing the amount of glucose released from the liver into the bloodstream and improving how the body’s cells respond to glucose.
In addition to diabetes management, previous research has suggested that metformin may have benefits in heart disease, cancer, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and weight management.
In this study, researchers analyzed data from 123 individuals with type 2 diabetes. Among them, 67 were taking metformin to control their blood sugar. The results showed that those taking metformin experienced a much slower decline in cognitive function and had a lower risk of developing dementia compared to those not taking the medication.
These findings provide hope that metformin could be used to help protect against cognitive decline, not only in people with diabetes but possibly in the broader population. Dementia is a growing global health concern, affecting nearly 47 million people worldwide.
While further research is needed to confirm these benefits in non-diabetic individuals, the study suggests that metformin may play a role in brain health.
The study was conducted by Professor Katherine Samaras and her team and was published in Diabetes Care.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies that MIND diet may reduce risk of vision loss disease, and Vitamin D could benefit people with diabetic neuropathic pain.
For more information about diabetes, please see recent studies that Vitamin E could help reduce blood sugar and insulin resistance in diabetes, and results showing eating eggs in a healthy diet may reduce risks of diabetes, high blood pressure.
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