Metformin is a well-known medicine used to help people with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar. But new research from Stanford University and other institutions shows that this drug may do more than just manage diabetes.
Scientists have found that people taking metformin might also have a lower chance of developing delirium—a serious condition that causes sudden confusion—and could even live longer.
Delirium is a health problem that usually appears quickly. A person with delirium may suddenly become very confused, forget where they are, or have trouble understanding what’s going on around them. It often affects older adults or people in the hospital, especially during illness or after surgery. Because delirium can be dangerous and hard to treat, finding ways to prevent it is very important.
In this new study, researchers looked at health records from 1,404 people who were originally part of another study. Some of these people had type 2 diabetes and were taking metformin, while others had diabetes but weren’t using the drug.
The scientists compared the two groups and found something interesting: people who had taken metformin were less likely to develop delirium. They were also more likely to live longer than those who had diabetes but didn’t take the medicine.
This discovery adds to earlier research that had already linked metformin to other possible benefits beyond blood sugar control. Some past studies have suggested that metformin might lower the risk of dementia and age-related problems.
It may also help reduce the risk of dying early in people with long-term health conditions. These findings make researchers even more curious about how metformin works and what else it might help with.
Even though the results are promising, this doesn’t mean everyone with diabetes should automatically start taking metformin for these reasons. The researchers advise that people always talk to their doctor before making any changes to their medicine.
What works well for one person may not be the best choice for someone else. Doctors consider many things when choosing the right treatment, including a person’s age, other health conditions, lifestyle, and more.
Type 2 diabetes is a growing global health concern, and managing it well can prevent many serious problems. Along with medicine, people with diabetes are encouraged to eat healthy food, exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, get enough sleep, reduce stress, and quit smoking if needed. Checking blood sugar levels regularly also helps keep the condition under control.
This study is a good reminder that medicine can sometimes have extra benefits that weren’t expected. It also shows how important it is to keep learning about old medicines in new ways. As research continues, we may discover even more uses for metformin or similar drugs.
In the meantime, if you or a loved one is dealing with diabetes, it’s helpful to stay updated on the latest research and talk to healthcare professionals about what it means for your personal health plan. Whether it’s through medication, food choices like adding more blueberries, or adopting diets such as low-carb or keto, small changes can lead to big improvements in overall health.
The idea that a common diabetes drug could also protect the brain and help people live longer offers new hope—and shows the power of science in improving lives.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies about bananas and diabetes, and honey could help control blood sugar.
For more health information, please see recent studies about Vitamin D that may reduce dangerous complications in diabetes and results showing plant-based protein foods may help reverse type 2 diabetes.
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