Vitamin B12 deficiency in metformin-treated T2D and peripheral neuropathy

There is a known association between long-term metformin use and a low vitamin B₁₂ level, but there is considerable variation among study findings. Here, researchers sought to understand the prevalence of B₁₂ deficiency and whether this had an impact on peripheral neuropathy. They found that almost one-third of metformin-treated people with type 2 diabetes had vitamin B₁₂ deficiency but that this deficiency was not associated with peripheral neuropathy.

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By Colin Kenny, GP, Dromore

In this prospective study conducted in South Africa, consecutive patients attending a diabetes clinic were assessed. They had vitamin B₁₂ levels taken and were assessed for peripheral neuropathy using a Neuropathy Total Symptom Score-6 questionnaire.

Among 121 participants, the prevalence of vitamin B₁₂ deficiency was 28.1%. There was no difference in the presence of neuropathy between those with normal and those with deficient vitamin levels. Being of Black African descent seemed to protect against vitamin B₁₂ deficiency in the study.

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Vitamin B12 deficiency in metformin-treated T2D and peripheral neuropathy

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