Delirium is a serious health problem that causes confusion and makes people unaware of what’s happening around them.
It usually happens quickly and can be triggered by many things, like illness, surgery, or medication.
Scientists are always looking for ways to prevent delirium because it can lead to serious complications and even death.
Now, researchers from Stanford University and other institutions have found that a common diabetes drug called metformin might help lower the risk of delirium — and even help people live longer.
Metformin is already well-known for treating type 2 diabetes. Previous studies have also suggested that it might help with age-related conditions like dementia and could help people live longer.
In this new study, researchers looked at data from 1,404 patients who had been recruited for an earlier study. They divided the patients into two groups: one group had type 2 diabetes but did not take metformin, and the other group had type 2 diabetes and had been treated with metformin.
The results were promising. The researchers found that people who had a history of taking metformin had a lower chance of developing delirium compared to those who did not take the drug. Even better, patients who took metformin were less likely to die over the study period than those who didn’t take it.
Based on these findings, the researchers believe that metformin might offer protection not only against diabetes complications but also against delirium and death. However, they say more research is needed to fully understand how metformin provides these benefits.
If you have type 2 diabetes, it’s important to talk with your doctor about the best treatment options for you. Your doctor may recommend a mix of lifestyle changes and medications to help manage your blood sugar and reduce your risk of other health problems.
New studies have also suggested that following a keto diet might help control weight and blood sugar for people with type 2 diabetes. Other research has found that eating blueberries can provide strong benefits for people with metabolic syndrome, a group of conditions that raise the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
Taking steps to lower your risk of type 2 diabetes or manage it well is very important for your overall health. Here are some ways to reduce your risk:
Maintaining a healthy weight is key. Even losing just 5-10% of your body weight can make a big difference.
Exercise regularly. Try to do at least 30 minutes of moderate activity, like brisk walking or biking, most days of the week.
Eat a healthy diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Try to avoid sugary drinks and foods high in unhealthy fats.
Quit smoking. Smoking increases the risk of many diseases, including type 2 diabetes.
Manage stress. Long-term stress can raise blood sugar levels, so finding ways to relax, like meditation or yoga, can help.
Get enough sleep. Aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. Poor sleep has been linked to a higher risk of diabetes.
Keep an eye on your blood sugar levels, especially if you have a family history of diabetes or other risk factors. Early detection can help prevent serious problems.
By making healthy choices every day, you can help lower your risk of type 2 diabetes and many other health problems.
If you are interested in learning more about ways to protect your health, studies have shown that the Mediterranean diet may help keep your brain healthy, and that the timing of taking vitamins might affect heart health. Other research has found that olive oil could help you live longer and that vitamin D might lower the risk of autoimmune diseases.
The study about metformin, delirium, and survival was led by Takehiko Yamanashi and published in the journal Aging. It adds to the growing list of potential benefits from a medication that millions of people already use for diabetes.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies that flaxseed oil is more beneficial than fish oil to people with diabetes, and green tea could help reduce death risk in diabetes.
For more information about nutrition, please see recent studies that blueberries strongly benefit people with metabolic syndrome, and results showing vitamin D could improve blood pressure in people with diabetes.
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