Summary: Metformin and Longevity Findings
A new study published on May 19, 2025, in The Journal of Gerontology: Medical “Diabetes” Sciences suggests that metformin, a widely used type 2 diabetes drug, may be linked to increased lifespan. The research focused on postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes and found those who used metformin were more likely to reach age 90 or beyond compared to those using sulfonylureas. The study showed a 30% lower risk of death before age 90 for metformin users, though researchers caution that more studies are needed since the drug wasn’t compared to a placebo.
A widely prescribed diabetes drug may offer more than just blood sugar control—it could help older women live longer. A large study published on May 19, 2025, in the Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences suggests that metformin, a common treatment for type 2 diabetes, is associated with a greater chance of reaching age 90 or older, compared to another class of diabetes drugs.
“One of the most promising candidates is metformin, a widely used medication for type 2 diabetes. Researchers are especially interested in metformin because it appears to influence several key processes related to aging.”
Longevity Linked to Metformin Use
The multi-institutional study focused on postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes. According to the findings, women who took metformin were more likely to live past age 90 than those who were prescribed sulfonylureas, a different type of diabetes medication.
“The study’s key finding is that the use of metformin is associated with a 30% lower risk of death before age 90 compared to the use of sulfonylurea.”
However, the researchers note that more work is needed.
“Because metformin was not compared to a placebo, future studies are needed to determine the underlying cause of this association.”
Backed by a Decades-Long National Study
The analysis drew from the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI)—a massive, long-running national research program sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
“The WHI, which recently had its NIH funding reinstated, has led groundbreaking research in women’s health since the 1990s, generating findings that have shaped clinical practice and public health policies in the United States.”
Some background from the WHI:
- “161,808 women (ages 50–79) were enrolled in WHI’s studies in the mid-1990s across 40 clinical centers nationwide.”
- “Over 42,000 participants (ages 78–108) remain actively involved today.”
- “WHI provides a unique and comprehensive resource for studying disease risks, early detection, prevention, and aging-related health outcomes.”
- “It has resulted in over 2,400 scientific publications exploring key aging-related health factors.”
Diabetic Diet Cookbook for Beginners: Healthy Low-Sugar and Low-Carb Recipes with Pictures for a Balanced Lifestyle. Includes a 60-Day Meal Plan for Type 2 Diabetes and Prediabetes (Diabetic Cookbook)
Summary : Data Source and Study Significance
The study used data from the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI), a large national cohort involving over 161,000 women and more than 30 years of follow-up, funded by the NIH. With over 2,400 scientific publications, WHI has significantly advanced women’s health research. The current study, led by Dr. Aladdin H. Shadyab and Dr. Andrea LaCroix from UC San Diego, adds to growing evidence that metformin may play a role in promoting human longevity and healthy aging.
Study Leaders and Their Message
The study was led by Associate Professor Aladdin H. Shadyab, Ph.D., M.P.H., and Distinguished Professor Andrea LaCroix, Ph.D., M.P.H., at the University of California San Diego Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science and School of Medicine.
“The authors note that these findings contribute to a growing understanding of metformin’s potential role in promoting human health and longevity.”
Citation
“Comparative Effectiveness of Metformin vs Sulfonylureas on Exceptional Longevity in Women with Type 2 Diabetes: Target Trial Emulation” by Aladdin H Shadyab, Mark A Espeland, Andrew O Odegaard, JoAnn E Manson, Bernhard Haring, Karen C Johnson, Zhao Chen, Bowei Zhang and Andrea Z LaCroix, 19 May 2025, The Journals of Gerontology: Series A.
Read more: Nvidia’s Auto Ambitions: A $300 Billion Opportunity Investors Might Be Overlooking