New Research Suggests Metformin May Support Longevity in Older Women

Recent research indicates that the drug metformin, commonly used for managing type 2 diabetes, might enhance the chances for older women to reach the age of 90. This appears to stem from several anti-aging properties associated with the medication.

The study analyzed data from a long-term investigation involving postmenopausal women in the US. It examined records for 438 participants, split evenly between those taking metformin and those on another diabetes medication called sulfonylurea.

While the results come with certain limitations, individuals in the metformin group exhibited a 30 percent reduced risk of dying before 90 compared to those taking sulfonylurea.

“Metformin has been shown to target multiple pathways of aging and is thought to be a drug that may extend human longevity,” the researchers noted in their findings.

We are already familiar with metformin, which has been around for quite some time now and is recognized as a gerotherapeutic agent—essentially a drug that helps slow down various aging processes. Studies suggest it can limit DNA damage and enhance gene activity linked to longevity.

Earlier studies have indicated that metformin may slow cognitive decline and possibly lower the chances of experiencing long COVID. However, it remains unclear whether the drug truly extends lifespan—especially in humans—prompting the need for this research.

This investigation can’t establish direct cause and effect like a randomized control trial (RCT) would, as participants were not randomly assigned to treatments; they followed their healthcare providers’ recommendations instead. Additionally, a placebo group was absent, and the sample size wasn’t particularly large.

Nevertheless, one of the study’s strengths is the average follow-up period of 14 to 15 years, which is much longer than what is typical in standard RCTs. This extended duration is crucial for examining lifespan impacts.

“One significant advantage of our analysis was the long follow-up period after treatment initiation, made possible by examining a cohort with comprehensive follow-up into their 90s and beyond, which is rarely feasible in conventional randomized controlled trials,” the researchers explained.

Further randomized controlled trials may be warranted to investigate these findings more deeply, according to the researchers. In the meantime, as the global population ages, research continues to explore ways to promote healthier aging and mitigate bodily damage over time.

“The geroscience hypothesis suggests that biological aging is malleable and that slowing it could delay or even prevent various age-related illnesses and disabilities,” the researchers stated.

“A primary goal of geroscience is to identify new therapeutic and preventive strategies that can slow biological aging.”

The findings have been published in the Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences.