Metformin is one of the most commonly prescribed medications for people with type 2 diabetes. For decades, doctors have used it to help lower blood sugar levels and improve how the body responds to insulin.
Because of its long history, low cost, and generally good safety record, metformin has become a daily medication for millions of people around the world. Now, new research from Stanford University and other institutions suggests that this familiar drug may offer important benefits that go far beyond blood sugar control.
Scientists have found that metformin may reduce the risk of delirium, a serious condition that causes sudden confusion, disorientation, and reduced awareness of surroundings. Delirium often develops quickly and is especially common among older adults and people who are hospitalized.
It can be triggered by infections, surgery, medications, dehydration, or serious illness. Once delirium occurs, it can lead to longer hospital stays, long-term cognitive decline, and a higher risk of death.
The new findings suggest that people who take metformin may be less likely to develop delirium and may also have a lower risk of dying compared to people with type 2 diabetes who do not take the drug. This adds to growing evidence that metformin may have protective effects throughout the body, including the brain.
Previous studies have already hinted that metformin does more than manage diabetes. Researchers have linked it to lower death rates overall and a reduced risk of age-related conditions such as dementia.
Some scientists believe metformin may reduce inflammation, improve blood vessel health, and support cellular repair processes, all of which could help explain its wider health benefits. These ideas have made metformin a major focus of aging and longevity research in recent years.
In the current study, researchers analyzed data from 1,404 patients who had originally taken part in another long-term health study. The participants were divided into groups based on whether they had type 2 diabetes and whether they were using metformin to manage it.
One group included people with diabetes who were not taking metformin, while the other included people who were using the drug as part of their treatment.
When the researchers compared the two groups, they found clear differences. People who had been taking metformin were significantly less likely to develop delirium. They also showed a lower risk of death during the study period.
These results suggest that metformin may help protect vulnerable patients during times of stress, such as illness or hospitalization, when delirium is most likely to occur.
Delirium is often overlooked or mistaken for dementia, but it is a medical emergency that requires prompt attention. Preventing it can make a major difference in recovery and long-term health, especially for older adults. If a widely used medication like metformin can help lower this risk, it could have a meaningful impact on patient care.
Despite these promising results, experts caution that metformin is not a cure-all. People with diabetes should not change their medication without consulting their healthcare provider.
Diabetes management is highly individual and depends on many factors, including age, other medical conditions, and lifestyle. For some patients, metformin is an excellent option, while others may need different treatments.
Lifestyle choices remain a central part of managing type 2 diabetes and reducing complications.
Maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, eating balanced meals, quitting smoking, managing stress, getting enough sleep, and regularly checking blood sugar levels all play essential roles in long-term health. Medication works best when combined with these habits.
The findings from this study highlight the growing importance of personalized medicine. Rather than focusing on a single outcome like blood sugar control, doctors are increasingly looking at how treatments affect the whole person. Metformin’s potential to protect the brain and improve survival supports this broader, more holistic view of health care.
As research continues, scientists hope to better understand how metformin works in the brain and whether its benefits could extend to people without diabetes.
For now, the study adds to a growing body of evidence that this well-known diabetes drug may have unexpected and valuable benefits, offering new hope for improving quality of life and health outcomes for many patients.
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.
Copyright © 2026 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
