Common Diabetes Drug Linked to Longer Life for Women

Metformin May Add Decades to Postmenopausal Health

A widely used medication for Type 2 diabetes could significantly increase a woman’s chances of reaching her nineties, according to new research. The findings offer a promising avenue for extending healthy lifespans.

Study Reveals Potential Longevity Boost

Research published in the Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences analyzed data from 438 postmenopausal women. Half were treated with metformin, while the other half received sulfonylurea. The study revealed that women taking metformin had a 30% greater likelihood of living to age 90 compared to those on sulfonylurea.

Metformin, used by an estimated 20 million Americans, functions by reducing glucose absorption and improving the body’s response to insulin. It’s also prescribed for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and has been lauded for its potential benefits in fertility, weight management, heart health, and even cancer prevention.

Expanding Research on Aging

The study builds on a growing body of research exploring the “geroscience hypothesis,” which suggests that biological aging is not fixed and can be influenced to delay age-related diseases. According to the National Institute on Aging, the number of Americans ages 65 and older is projected to nearly double from 56 million in 2020 to over 82 million by 2050 (NIA).

While the study lacked a control group—all participants were on diabetes medication—its 14-15 year follow-up period provides valuable long-term data.

“I don’t know if metformin increases lifespan in people, but the evidence that exists suggests that it very well might,”

—Steven Austad, Senior Scientific Adviser at the American Federation for Aging Research

Researchers emphasize that further investigation is needed to fully understand metformin’s impact on longevity. However, this affordable and readily available medication may offer a simple yet effective strategy for promoting healthier aging.