Abstract
Objectives: The objectives of the present study were to assess frequency of vitamin B12 deficiency in metformin treated diabetic patients and to evaluate various factors associated with B12 deficiency.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 82 adult patients of type 2 diabetes treated with metformin for at least one year in a tertiary care government hospital. Absolute vitamin B12 deficiency was defined as ≤ 203 pg/ml, values of 203 -298 pg/ml were considered as borderline deficiency and values above >298 pg/ml as normal.
Results: The mean age of study population was 60.23 ± 9.20 years. The mean daily dose of metformin was 984.7 ± 185.7 mg. About 41% patients received combination therapy with metformin and glimepiride. Multivitamin supplements were used by 37.8% patients. Absolute vitamin B12 deficiency was found in 7.31% and combined absolute plus borderline deficiency was found 34.1% patients. Age, gender, duration of diabetes, duration of metformin therapy, total daily dose of metformin, HbA1c value, use of sulfonylurea and use of H2 antihistaminics was not significantly associated with vitamin B12 deficiency. Use of multivitamin led to significant decrease in frequency of vitamin B12 deficiency (16.1% vs. 45.1%, p=0.007).
Conclusion: Substantial proportion of patients receiving long term metformin show biochemical deficiency of Vitamin B12.Use of multivitamin significantly reduces likelihood of vitamin B12 deficiency.
Keywords: metformin, vitamin B12, risk factors.
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Corresponding Author
Pore Shraddha M.
Department of Pharmacology, Government Medical College, Miraj, Dist-Sangli, Maharashtra- 416410
Phone numbers: 9371126946, Facsimile numbers: 0233-2231958/2231959
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DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v6i6.10
