Delirium is a sudden and serious health problem that causes confusion and a lack of awareness. It can come on quickly, especially in older adults or people who are already sick.
Things like infections, surgeries, certain medications, or other health issues can trigger it. Scientists are looking for ways to prevent delirium and reduce how badly it affects people.
A recent study from Stanford University and other research groups found that a common diabetes drug called metformin might help. Metformin is a medicine often used to treat people with type 2 diabetes.
It helps lower blood sugar, but studies also show it may slow aging, reduce the risk of dementia, and help people live longer.
In this new study, researchers wanted to know if metformin could also reduce the risk of delirium. They looked at health data from 1,404 patients who had taken part in an earlier study. All of these patients had type 2 diabetes. Some of them had taken metformin in the past, and some had not.
The results were very interesting. People who had used metformin were less likely to get delirium than those who never took the drug.
They were also less likely to die during the study period. This means metformin may help protect people not only from delirium but also from other serious health problems.
The researchers think that metformin might have more health benefits than we used to think. But they also say that this study was observational.
That means it only looked at past records and didn’t test the drug in a controlled way. To be sure metformin really helps prevent delirium, more research is needed, including clinical trials.
If you have type 2 diabetes, it’s important to talk to your doctor about your treatment. Metformin is often the first medicine doctors suggest, but not everyone takes the same drugs. Your doctor will help you choose what’s best for you based on your health and lifestyle.
There are also many ways to prevent or manage type 2 diabetes and its complications. One of the most important steps is keeping a healthy weight. Losing just 5 to 10 percent of your body weight can really help.
Regular exercise is also important. Moving your body helps lower blood sugar and helps insulin work better. Try to get at least 30 minutes of activity most days. This could be walking, biking, dancing, or anything else you enjoy.
Eating healthy foods is another big help. Try to eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. Try to avoid sugary drinks and processed foods.
If you smoke, quitting can make a big difference. Smoking raises the risk of many diseases, including type 2 diabetes.
Managing stress is helpful too. Try relaxation, deep breathing, or hobbies you enjoy. Getting enough sleep—about 7 to 9 hours per night—can also help your body manage blood sugar better.
Finally, if you are at risk for diabetes or have family members with it, make sure to see your doctor regularly and get your blood sugar checked. Finding problems early makes it easier to treat them.
This new study, led by Dr. Takehiko Yamanashi and published in the journal Aging, shows that a common drug like metformin might have surprising benefits. It’s another example of how science helps us discover better ways to stay healthy.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies about Vitamin D and type 2 diabetes, and to people with diabetes, some fruits are better than others.
For more health information, please see recent studies that low calorie diets may help reverse diabetes, and 5 vitamins that may prevent complication in diabetes.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
