Home / Health / Diabetes Drug May Halt Vision Loss
Diabetes Drug May Halt Vision Loss
11 Feb
Summary
- Metformin use linked to 37% lower risk of intermediate AMD.
- Study involved 2,000 diabetic patients over five years.
- Researchers see potential for metformin in AMD treatment.
A common medication for type 2 diabetes, metformin, shows potential in slowing age-related vision loss. New research from the University of Liverpool suggests that individuals over 55 with diabetes who take metformin are 37% less likely to develop intermediate age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The study analyzed eye images from 2,000 diabetic patients over five years.
Researchers are optimistic about these findings, noting the lack of effective treatments for most AMD patients. They plan to conduct clinical trials to test metformin directly as an AMD treatment. However, they caution that this observational study only shows a link, not a direct cause.
Further investigation is needed to determine if metformin benefits individuals without diabetes. Additionally, the study did not track specific dosages or patient adherence to prescriptions. Metformin is an established, low-cost drug for blood sugar management, generally considered safe but with potential digestive side effects.
