Common diabetes drug may help older people live longer

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Delirium is a condition that causes sudden confusion and trouble thinking clearly. It can come on quickly and is often triggered by illnesses, infections, surgery, or certain medicines.

Older adults and people with health problems like diabetes have a higher chance of developing delirium.

A new study by Stanford University and other research groups has found that a common diabetes medication called metformin might help lower the risk of delirium. It might also help people with diabetes live longer.

Metformin is one of the most common drugs used to treat type 2 diabetes. It helps control blood sugar levels. But scientists have also found that it may have other benefits. Some studies suggest it might help slow aging and reduce the risk of memory problems like dementia.

To find out if metformin could also protect against delirium, researchers looked at medical records from 1,404 patients. All the patients had type 2 diabetes. Some of them were taking metformin, and others were not.

The results were promising. People who took metformin regularly were less likely to develop delirium compared to those who did not take it. They also had a lower risk of dying. These results suggest that metformin may offer some protection for people with type 2 diabetes—not just by controlling blood sugar, but also by improving overall health.

Even though the study is encouraging, more research is needed to understand how metformin works to prevent delirium and why it helps people live longer. Researchers are still studying the exact reasons behind these benefits.

If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor about the best treatment for you. Managing diabetes usually involves more than just taking medicine. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and keeping stress levels low are also important.

Some studies suggest that certain diets may help with diabetes. For example, the keto diet might help people lose weight and control their blood sugar. Blueberries have also been linked to better health for people with metabolic conditions.

Type 2 diabetes is a long-term illness that affects how your body handles sugar. Over time, too much sugar in the blood can cause serious problems like heart disease, nerve damage, and kidney issues. While some risk factors like age and family history can’t be changed, there are many things people can do to lower their risk.

Keeping a healthy weight, staying active, eating balanced meals, and avoiding smoking can all help. Managing stress and getting enough sleep also play a big role. If you have a family history of diabetes, getting regular check-ups is important.

There are also other ways to stay healthy. Following a Mediterranean diet with healthy fats and fresh vegetables may protect your brain. Some vitamins, when taken at the right time, may help your heart. Olive oil has been linked to longer life, and vitamin D might lower the risk of some immune diseases.

This study about metformin and delirium was done by Takehiko Yamanashi and colleagues and published in the journal Aging. It gives hope that a common, affordable drug could do more than just treat diabetes—it might help people live longer and stay mentally sharp.

If you care about diabetes, please read studies about diabetes and vitamin B12, and the right diet for people with type 2 diabetes.

For more health information, please see recent studies about how to eat smart with diabetes, and turmeric and vitamin D: a duo for blood pressure control in diabetic patients.

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