Diabetes drug metformin may sharpen aging brains through gut bacteria

NCT ID NCT04841668

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Girona Dr. Josep Trueta Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study looks at whether metformin, a standard diabetes medicine, can improve thinking and memory in older adults with type 2 diabetes by altering their gut bacteria. Fifty participants aged 55 to 80 will be followed for a year, with half taking metformin for six months. Researchers will test cognitive skills, monitor blood sugar, and analyze stool samples to find links between gut microbes and brain function.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Metformin
What this could lead to: If successful, this could reveal how metformin improves cognition by changing gut bacteria, pointing toward new treatments for age-related mental decline.
What could go wrong: This is a small pilot study with only 50 participants, so results may not apply widely. It also cannot prove cause and effect, only associations.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

type 2 diabetes mellitus

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Girona (IDIBGI)

Girona, Girona, 17007, Spain

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