Metformin May Help Older Women Live Longer, Study Suggests
Recent research indicates that the drug metformin, commonly used to manage type 2 diabetes, could potentially increase the likelihood of older women reaching the age of 90. This finding is attributed to the anti-aging effects of metformin, as highlighted by scientists in the US and Germany.
The study utilized data from a long-term study involving postmenopausal women, with a total of 438 participants. Half of the participants were prescribed metformin for diabetes treatment, while the other half received a different diabetes drug called sulfonylurea. Results showed that individuals in the metformin group had a 30% lower risk of mortality before reaching the age of 90 compared to those in the sulfonylurea group.
Metformin, a well-established medication, is classified as a gerotherapeutic due to its ability to slow down various aging processes within the body. It has been shown to mitigate DNA damage, promote gene activity linked to longevity, and exhibit other anti-aging properties.
While previous studies have indicated metformin’s potential in slowing brain aging and reducing the risk of long COVID, its impact on overall lifespan in humans remains uncertain. The recent study aimed to address this gap in knowledge.
It’s important to note that the study’s design had limitations, such as the absence of random assignment to treatment groups and the lack of a placebo group. However, the extended follow-up period of 14 to 15 years provided valuable insights into the long-term effects of metformin on longevity.
The researchers suggest that future randomized controlled trials could further investigate the observed benefits of metformin on aging and lifespan. As the global population ages, there is a growing emphasis on finding interventions that promote healthy aging and reduce age-related diseases.
The study’s findings align with the geroscience hypothesis, which proposes that biological aging can be influenced and that interventions targeting aging processes could delay the onset of age-related ailments. Identifying novel therapies to slow biological aging remains a key objective in geroscience research.
The research paper detailing these findings has been published in the Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences.
This article was originally published in June 2025.
