Routine vitamin B12 screening may prevent irreversible nerve damage in type-2 diabetes

[Northerner]

Patients with type-2 diabetes, taking metformin, should have their vitamin B12 levels assessed more regularly to avoid irreversible nerve damage, according to a new study presented at the Society for Endocrinology annual conference in Glasgow. The study findings suggest that earlier detection of vitamin B12 deficiency through routine screening of all metformin-treated, type-2 diabetes patients could reduce their risk of developing irreversible, painful and potentially disabling nerve damage.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/11/181120211642.htm

 

[Eddy Edson]

I made a point of getting this on the list for my next check.

 

[Northerner]

I made a point of getting this on the list for my next check.

B12 and metformin is something that has been raised as a potential issue for as long as this forum has been going, so another one of those things that appears to be slow to be accepted.

 

[mikeyB]

It’s well known, not slow to be accepted. The deficiency doesn’t occur if the intake of Vitamin B12 is adequate in the diet, which is why Metformin can be continued while B12 supplementation is given.

Other drugs such as cimetidine and omeprazole can cause B12 deficiency, so if you take one of those plus Metformin you double the relative risk. Again, if your dietary intake of B12 is sufficient, a deficiency won’t happen.