Cognitive impairment risk increased by Metformin

According to a research published in Diabetes Care, patients who suffer from diabetes have higher risks to develop cognitive impairment, thanks to Metformin usage. Eileen M. Moore, Ph.D., of the University of Melbourne in Australia, and colleagues conducted a subgroup analysis involving 104 patients with type 2 diabetes and 22 patients with impaired glucose tolerance who participated in the Australian Imaging, Biomarkers and Lifestyle study of aging. The authors sought to determine whether Metformin, serum vitamin B12, or calcium supplements are associated with cognitive impairment in patients with diabetes. After adjusting for age, sex, level of education, history of depression, serum vitamin B12, and Metformin use, cognitive performance was improved for those patients who were also taking calcium supplements. “Adequately powered, prospective, controlled trials are warranted to investigate further the association between diabetes, cognitive decline, and the effect of Metformin therapy, as well as the possible amelioration using vitamin B12 and/or calcium supplementation”, the authors write.