from Boston University
Among the millions of people with type 2 diabetes, many routinely take the drug metformin to help control their disease. What happens if they stop taking metformin? Boston University researchers studied information from more than twelve thousand patients who stopped taking their metformin without significant medical reasons—comparing them with routine users. The study showed increased risk of dementia. The results also seem to support previous information that metformin may be associated with reduced risk of dementia. There may be medical issues, such as kidney function, behind recommendations to stop taking metformin. But the takeaway message of the study seems to be that unless advised by a doctor to stop, don’t.