Metformin May Help Extend Lifespan in Older Women, Study Suggests
Recent research has found that the diabetes drug metformin not only effectively manages type 2 diabetes but may also increase the chances of older women living to the age of 90. The study, conducted by scientists in the US and Germany, analyzed data from a long-term study of postmenopausal women, comparing those who took metformin with those who took a different diabetes drug called sulfonylurea.
The results showed that women in the metformin group had a 30% lower risk of dying before the age of 90 compared to those in the sulfonylurea group. The researchers attribute this difference to metformin’s ability to target multiple pathways of aging, making it a potential candidate for extending human longevity.
Metformin, a gerotherapeutic drug that has been in use for decades, has been shown to slow down aging processes in the body by limiting DNA damage and promoting gene activity associated with long life. Previous studies have also indicated that metformin can protect the brain from age-related decline and reduce the risk of long COVID.
While the study has its limitations, such as the lack of a randomized controlled trial and a small sample size, the researchers believe that further research could provide more insights into metformin’s effects on lifespan. With the global population aging, finding ways to promote healthy aging and prevent age-related diseases is crucial.
According to the researchers, the geroscience hypothesis suggests that biological aging is modifiable, and interventions that slow down aging could delay the onset of age-related diseases and disabilities. The ultimate goal is to identify new therapies that can slow biological aging and improve overall health in older adults.
The study was published in the Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences, shedding light on the potential benefits of metformin in extending lifespan and promoting healthy aging in older women.
An earlier version of this article was published in June 2025.
