A new study shows that diabetes medication can do more than influence blood-sugar levels. The research indicates that metformin, a common diabetes medication, could protect against blindness. Researchers found that patients taking the drug had a significantly lower risk of developing age-related macular degeneration or AMD. The findings were presented at an American Academy of Ophthalmology conference. 

“Our study is the first to reveal the protective effect of metformin on the development of AMD,” lead investigator Yu-Yen Chen said in a statement. “While more study is required to determine just how metformin protects against the development of AMD, this is an exciting development for patients at risk.”

We invite you to learn more about the programs offered at SDCB for people living with blindness or visual impairment.

“This common diabetes medication may protect against blindness, study says”