Maria Aslam, Khawar Naeem Satti, Aqsa Aslam.
Vitamin B12 deficiency in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus taking metformin.
J Sharif Med Dent Coll Jan ;3(02):53-6.

Objective: To determine the frequency of vitamin B12 deficiency in type 2 diabetics taking metformin. Methodology: It was a cross-sectional study conducted at Pathology Department of Sharif Medical City Hospital, Lahore. The study was approved by the ethical committee of the hospital. A total of 100 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus taking metformin for more than two years were included in the study. Informed consent was obtained from all patients and history regarding medicine intake and any other illness was taken. Serum vitamin B12 levels of all study subjects were measured. Results: The study included 40 males and 60 females. The mean age of the patients was 53+5 years. The duration of metformin use was between 2-9 years with a mean value of 5.1+ 2 years. The daily dose of metformin was noted in all patients and its mean value was 1490 +257 mg/day. Mean level of serum vitamin B12 was 161+24 pg/mL and ranges from 120 pg/mL to 220 pg/mL. Level of serum vitamin B12 was normal in 5 (10%) patients and low in 45 (90%) patients. Mean level of vitamin B12 in patients taking metformin for 2-5 years was 160pg/mL whereas in patients on metformin for 6-9 years mean value was 145pg/mL. There was a significant association between serum vitamin B12 level and duration of metformin intake. Conclusion: Vitamin B12 deficiency occurs in patients with type 2 diabetes treated with metformin for a longer duration. Keywords: Vitamin B12. Diabetes mellitus. Metformin. Type 2 diabetes.

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