Leading Drug For Type 2 Diabetes May Hold Key To Longer Living

BOSTON (CBS) -- Metformin is a pill used by millions of Americans with type 2 diabetes to control high blood sugar.  It is also sometimes used in women with polycystic ovary syndrome and infertility.

Now researchers are looking at metformin as a possible anti-aging drug.  That's because studies have shown that the drug may improve the health and lifespan of certain types of worms and mice.

The FDA has given the green light for researchers to conduct the first clinical trials in humans with 3,000 older adults to see if the drug can slow the progression of certain age-related conditions and even improve survival.

In 2012, the average life expectancy in the United States was 78.8 years.

Some experts wonder if a drug like metformin could extend human life to 120 years or beyond.