A recent study has suggested that a commonly used drug for diabetes, metformin, may have additional benefits beyond just controlling blood sugar levels. Researchers have found that metformin could potentially have anti-inflammatory effects that might help in protecting against age-related diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and cognitive decline.

Scientists focusing on the biology of aging have initiated a clinical trial called The TAME Trial to investigate whether metformin can play a role in preventing these diseases and promoting a healthier aging process in older adults.

One couple, Michael Cantor, an attorney, and his wife Shari Cantor, the mayor of West Hartford, Connecticut, both in their mid-60s, have been taking metformin. They have reported feeling healthy, energetic, and have even noticed improvements in their digestive systems since starting the medication.

Metformin, which costs less than a dollar a day, is widely accessible and depending on insurance coverage, many individuals may not have any out-of-pocket costs for the drug. Some experts believe that while there is no conclusive evidence that metformin extends lifespan in humans, the existing data does suggest its potential to do so.

Originally developed in the 1950s in France for diabetes treatment, metformin has since shown unexpected benefits such as a reduced risk of cancer. Studies have indicated that individuals taking metformin have a lower risk of various types of cancers, including gastrointestinal, urologic, and blood cancers.

Furthermore, a British study highlighted a reduced risk of dementia and cognitive decline in individuals with type 2 diabetes who were prescribed metformin.

Overall, the findings regarding the potential anti-aging effects of metformin are intriguing and have sparked interest in further research to explore the drug’s role in promoting healthy aging and potentially extending lifespan.