Key result
In patients with type 2 diabetes on prolonged metformin therapy, the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency was 25.45%, though it was not significantly associated with peripheral neuropathy.
Why the study?
The study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency and peripheral neuropathy in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients receiving metformin treatment.
What is the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency and peripheral neuropathy in type 2 diabetes patients on prolonged metformin therapy?
Cross-Sectional (n=55)
No
What is the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency and peripheral neuropathy in type 2 diabetes patients on prolonged metformin therapy?
Prolonged metformin therapy in type 2 diabetes is associated with a 25.45% prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency, highlighting the potential need for routine monitoring.
May warrant B12 monitoring in long-term metformin users; leaves open whether deficiency drives neuropathy in T2DM.
Background: The objective of the study was to estimate the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency and presence of peripheral neuropathy in type 2 diabetes patients on metformin treatment.Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in Department of Biochemistry and Medicine in a tertiary care teaching hospital in south India. Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients diagnosed based on World Health Organization (WHO) criteria treated with metformin for more than 6 months were included in the study. B12 levels were estimated and DNS scoring, vibration perception test and 10 gm Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test done.Results: A total of 55 participants were identified. Most of them were on 1500 mg of metformin once a day in divided dose. In this study maximum number of participants are in the age group of 50-70 years. Peripheral neuropathy is seen in 43.9% of persons with normal B12 levels and 28.5% of persons with low B12 levels. A Chi square test showed a chi square statistic value of 1.8221 with a p value of 0.312 which is not significant. Univariate analysis showed vitamin B12 deficient patients are of significantly higher age (63 years versus 57 years p=0.01) and with higher duration of treatment (9 years versus 6 years p=0.01).Conclusions: Prolonged metformin therapy is associated with deficiency of vitamin B12. The prevalence of B12 deficiency among diabetic patients on metformin was found to be 25.45%. Routine B12 estimation and correction of low B12 levels will be beneficial to these patients. Earlier initiation of B12 in patients on metformin may prevent the onset of neurological damage.
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Gomathi et al. (2020) conducted a cross-sectional in Type 2 diabetes mellitus (n=55). Metformin therapy was evaluated on Prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency. In patients with type 2 diabetes on prolonged metformin therapy, the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency was 25.45%, though it was not significantly associated with peripheral neuropathy.
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