Type 2 diabetes is a common, long-term condition where the body struggles to manage blood sugar levels effectively.
One of the most widely used treatments for this condition is metformin, a medication that helps lower blood sugar levels.
Now, a study by researchers at UNSW Sydney suggests that metformin may offer additional benefits beyond managing blood sugar—specifically, it may slow down cognitive decline and reduce the risk of dementia in people with type 2 diabetes.
In type 2 diabetes, the body does not produce enough insulin, the hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar. Without enough insulin, blood glucose levels can remain high, which, over time, leads to various complications, including damage to organs, nerves, and blood vessels.
Unfortunately, this condition can also affect the brain, leading to an increased risk of memory issues and dementia as people age.
In this study, researchers analyzed health data from 123 individuals with type 2 diabetes, out of which 67 were taking metformin.
When comparing those who took metformin to those who did not, they found that people taking metformin experienced a slower rate of cognitive decline and a lower risk of developing dementia.
These findings are promising, especially since managing cognitive decline has been challenging, and few treatments effectively reduce dementia risk.
Metformin is a first-choice medication for managing blood sugar in type 2 diabetes and is among the most frequently prescribed drugs worldwide. For 60 years, it has been used safely and effectively to help control blood glucose levels.
Metformin works by reducing the amount of sugar the liver releases into the bloodstream and improving the body’s response to insulin, allowing cells to use blood sugar more effectively.
In recent years, research has indicated that metformin might have other health benefits. For example, studies have shown that it may help reduce risks related to cancer, heart disease, and weight management.
Some findings even suggest it may help with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder in women. This new study adds to the growing body of evidence that metformin could be beneficial beyond blood sugar management, potentially offering cognitive protection as people age.
While this research focused on people with type 2 diabetes, scientists are optimistic that metformin might also benefit those without diabetes who are at risk of cognitive decline.
This is especially relevant given the large number of people worldwide—nearly 47 million—who live with cognitive impairment and the associated challenges it brings to daily life.
The findings, published in Diabetes Care by Professor Katherine Samaras and her team, suggest that metformin could serve as a valuable tool in slowing cognitive decline, though more research is needed to understand its full potential in non-diabetic individuals.
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 information about diabetes, please see recent studies that low calorie diets may help reverse diabetes, and 5 vitamins that may prevent complication in diabetes.
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