Metformin — a drug commonly used to treat diabetes — may prevent or treat pregnancy-related high blood pressure, a new study suggests.

The condition, known as preeclampsia, can be life-threatening and currently has no cure.

The new findings, reported by researchers from the University of Melbourne and Mercy Hospital for Women in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, are based on a series of experiments using human tissues and cultured cells to examine the effect of metformin.

The scientists found that metformin reduces the production of two toxins released into an expectant mother's bloodstream as a result of preeclampsia — leading to high blood pressure and possible damage to the brain, liver, kidneys, and other organs.

The drug also helps heal injured blood vessels and improves "vasodilation" — the dilation of blood vessels, which in turn decreases blood pressure.

"Metformin has potential to prevent or treat preeclampsia," the researchers concluded.