Drug to mimic calorie restriction lengthens life

Mice responded positively to a low dosage of the drug metformin, used to treat type 2 diabetes.

13:54 01 August 2013

Studies on mice may shed some light on a diabetes treatment currently used for patients suffering from type 2 diabetes. The National Institute on Ageing, located in the US, has shown that calorie restriction in mice has been proven to increase lifespan.

The drug metformin, commonly used to treat diabetics in humans, was administered in differing amounts to groups of mice. The small dose resulted in extended life spans, while the larger dose resulted in toxicity and a shortened life span.

It has been announced that more study will be conducted on the anti-ageing abilities of the drug, but it would seem the more logical concern from the study would be the possible toxicity of the drug for those with diabetes.

If the benefits have already been linked strictly to calorie restriction, this would be worth exploring perhaps.

If this process has extended life in mice, it may be able to do the same for diabetics, and there may be additional positive side effects—dare we hope—such as a cure or reversal. It appears we will learn more about metformin for now.