As many as 22% of people with type 2 diabetes could have vitamin B-12 deficiency.This BMJ study evaluated the effects of metformin on the incidence of vitamin B-12 deficiency (lower than 150 pmol/l), low concentrations of vitamin B-12 (150-220 pmol/l), and folate and homocysteine concentrations in patients with type 2 diabetes receiving treatment with insulin.
Compared with placebo, metformin treatment was associated with a decrease in vitamin B-12 concentration of -19%.
The absolute risk of vitamin B-12 deficiency (lower than 150 pmol/l) at study end was 7.2 percentage points higher in the metformin group than in the placebo group with a number needed to harm of 13.8 per 4.3 years.
Long term treatment with metformin may increase the risk of vitamin B-12 deficiency, which results in raised homocysteine concentrations. Vitamin B-12 deficiency is preventable; therefore, regular measurement of vitamin B-12 concentrations during long term metformin treatment should be considered.
References:
BMJ 2010; 340:c2181
BMJ 2010; 340:c2181
Image source: Metformin. Wikipedia, public domain.
Hi!
ReplyDeleteThis is fairly well known, see http://www.tripdatabase.com/search?criteria=metformin+vitamin+b12
Best wishes
jon
Yes, but restating this type of information via
ReplyDeleteSocial Media helps to keep the word out there for those who may or may not be aware..
Right. Jon's info is very helpful but the idea is to increase the awareness.
ReplyDeleteThe info is out there but few practicing physicians and patients are aware of it.
Thanks.