Delirium is a serious and sudden condition that causes confusion and trouble with thinking clearly. It can make a person unaware of what is going on around them.
This condition usually comes on quickly, especially in older adults or people who are already sick.
It can be caused by things like infections, surgery, certain medications, or other health problems. Because it can be dangerous and distressing, scientists are working hard to find ways to prevent it.
A new study from Stanford University and other research teams has found something promising: a common drug used for type 2 diabetes, called metformin, may help lower the risk of delirium. The study also showed that this drug could help people with diabetes live longer.
Metformin is one of the most commonly used drugs to manage type 2 diabetes. It works by lowering blood sugar. But researchers have also found that it may have extra benefits. Some earlier studies suggest that metformin may slow aging, lower the risk of memory loss, and even help people live longer lives.
To see whether metformin could also help prevent delirium, the researchers looked at data from 1,404 people who were already part of a health study. All of them had type 2 diabetes. Some had taken metformin, while others had not.
What they found was very interesting. People who had used metformin in the past were less likely to get delirium. They were also less likely to die during the time of the study. This suggests that metformin might do more than just control blood sugar—it might also protect the brain and improve survival in people with diabetes.
The researchers believe that metformin could have broader health benefits than we realized before. However, this was an observational study. That means the researchers looked at past information rather than doing a controlled test.
So while the results are hopeful, we still need more research to be sure. Clinical trials, which test drugs in carefully controlled ways, are needed to find out if metformin really does help prevent delirium or reduce the risk of death.
If you have type 2 diabetes, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about your treatment plan. Metformin is often the first drug given for this condition, but not everyone uses the same medicine. Your doctor will help choose the best option for you, based on your health and needs.
There are also many things you can do to reduce your risk of diabetes and its complications. Keeping a healthy weight is very helpful—even losing just 5% to 10% of your weight can make a big difference. Being active for at least 30 minutes a day, like walking or biking, helps control blood sugar.
Eating healthy foods, like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, is also important. Try to avoid sugary drinks and processed snacks. Quitting smoking lowers your risk of many diseases, including diabetes.
Managing stress through hobbies, breathing exercises, or quiet time can help too. So can getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. If diabetes runs in your family or if you are at risk, regular check-ups and blood sugar tests are key. Finding problems early makes them easier to treat.
This new study, led by Dr. Takehiko Yamanashi and published in the journal Aging, adds to the growing evidence that everyday medicines like metformin might offer surprising health benefits. It reminds us that keeping up with new research can help us take better care of our health.
If you care about brain health, please read studies about inflammation that may actually slow down cognitive decline in older people, and low vitamin D may speed up cognitive decline.
For more health information, please see recent studies about common exercises that could protect against cognitive decline, and results showing this MIND diet may protect your cognitive function, prevent dementia.
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