Metformin Use Linked to Enhanced Longevity in Older Women

Recent research suggests that the diabetes medication metformin may be associated with increased lifespan among postmenopausal women. As scientists explore gerotherapeutics—drugs aimed at slowing aging—metformin has garnered attention due to its influence on various aging-related biological processes.

A comprehensive multi-institutional study, published online in The Journals of Gerontology on May 19, 2025, examined the connection between metformin use and longevity in women with type 2 diabetes. Specifically, the study compared metformin to sulfonylureas, another class of diabetes medications, and found that women taking metformin had a 30% lower risk of dying before reaching age 90—considered a marker of exceptional longevity.

The researchers utilized data from the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI), a large-scale study with over 30 years of follow-up, providing robust insights into long-term health outcomes. While these findings are promising, they do not establish causality because the study did not compare metformin directly to a placebo. Further research is needed to confirm whether metformin actively promotes lifespan extension.

This emerging evidence adds to the growing interest in repurposing established drugs to extend healthy lifespan and improve quality of life in older populations. The full study is accessible through DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glaf095, and the research was conducted by Aladdin H. Shadyab and colleagues.

These findings highlight the potential role of metformin beyond diabetes management, possibly serving as a geroprotective agent, although more studies are needed to understand the underlying mechanisms and to confirm its benefits for aging populations.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-metformin-exceptional-longevity-older-women.html