Common Diabetes Drug Metformin Linked to Increased Longevity in Women, Landmark Study Finds
Paris, France – A widely-used medication for type 2 diabetes, metformin, may substantially extend the lifespan of women, according to a newly published study that is sparking considerable scientific interest. Researchers analyzing three decades of data from the WomenS Health Initiative found that women over 60 recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes who began treatment with metformin had a 30% lower risk of dying before age 90 compared to those treated with sulfonylureas.
The study, published in May 2025 in The Journal of Gerontology, utilized a “target trial” methodology designed to closely mimic a randomized clinical trial, bolstering the strength of its findings.The research team, comprised of American and German scientists, tracked over 15 years of patient data.
metformin, prescribed for 60 years to regulate blood sugar, is now being investigated for potential benefits beyond diabetes management. Science et Vie reports the drug appears to impact multiple aging mechanisms, including reducing oxidative stress, limiting chronic inflammation, stimulating longevity-associated genes like FOXO3, and protecting DNA.Animal studies have shown even more dramatic results, with mice living longer and exhibiting delayed tumor development and improved cognitive function.
The findings have fueled enthusiasm for a larger clinical trial, TAME (Targeting Aging with Metformin), aimed at testing the molecule’s effects on age-related diseases, though funding is still being sought.
Though, researchers caution against overinterpretation.While the study establishes a strong correlation, it does not definitively prove metformin causes increased longevity. Factors such as the study’s focus on post-menopausal women and the inability to eliminate all external variables necessitate “lots of caution,” scientists emphasize.
The study arrives amidst growing concerns about rising diabetes rates, fueled by modern lifestyles – quick lunches consumed between meetings, and evenings too short for physical activity – leading to soaring numbers of cases and associated complications like blindness, foot damage, and heart problems. The French Federation of Diabetics is actively working to change mentalities through prevention campaigns and educational initiatives, highlighting the importance of early detection and management of the disease.
