Type 2 diabetes drug Metformin slows down the aging process by mimicking the effects of dieting, according to a new study. The study grew Caenorhabditis elegans worms in the presence of E.Coli bacteria and observed the effects of metformin on the aging process. The results showed the worms that were treated with metformin had lived longer when the E.Coli strain was sensitive to the medication. In fact, the metformin increased their lifespan by 6 days, which is one-third of their usual life expectancy.

The way that metformin slows the aging process is by changing the metabolism process in the bacteria. By doing so, the bacteria restrict the nutrients that are available to the worm. This process has a similar effect to diet restriction in the body. The results revealed that metformin disturbed the bacteria's metabolism of folate and methionine. These are both building blocks to protein and any disruption can limit the nutrients that are available to the worm. This decrease in nutrients available to the host mimics diet restriction and allows the worm to live longer. However, when the worm was given excess sugar in its diet, the metformin did not delay the aging process. Thus, metformin-induced alteration of microbial metabolism could contribute to therapeutic efficacy—and also to its side effects, which include folate deficiency and gastrointestinal upset.

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