The COVID-19 pandemic presents an urgent need to investigate whether existing drugs can enhance or even worsen prognosis. Metformin, a known mammalian target of rapamycin (m-TOR) inhibitor (or in layman terms, medication to control high blood glucose levels) has been identified as a potential agent. In nursing home residents infected with SARS-CoV-2, taking metformin was associated with lower 30-day mortality relative to SARS-Co-V2 infected residents taking no medications for diabetes. 

Relative to those not receiving diabetes medications, residents taking metformin were at significantly reduced hazard of death over the subsequent 30 days from COVID-19 diagnosis. There was no association with insulin or other diabetes medications. These findings suggest a relative survival benefit in nursing home residents on metformin, potentially through its m-TOR inhibition effects.  

Many of our residents are diagnosed with diabetes, a life-changing disease that is many times difficult to manage. For once, we have some good news related to the treatment of diabetes! Hopefully, additional studies will be done, and the results will support these findings!

Stay the course, stay strong, stay well, mask up and stay tuned!