Prevalence Of Vitamin B12 Deficiency And Clinical Neuropathy With Metformin Use In Type Ii Diabetes Mellitus Patients

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Metformin is considered a cornerstone in the treatment of diabetes and is the most frequently prescribed first line therapy for individuals with type 2 diabetes. Various studies have reported that an average of 10-30 % of patients taking metformin for longer duration and at higher dosage have shown vitamin B12 deficiency. In order to study the prevalence of Vitamin B12 deficiency and peripheral neuropathy in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus treated with Metformin, attending outpatient department of our hospital, the present study was undertaken. METHODS: 100 consecutive patients aged >18 years attending the outpatient of department of medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru medical college and hospital from January 2017-18, were included according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Relevant clinical, biochemical data was recorded. It was a cross sectional study of diabetic patients who were on Metformin. These patients were subjected to estimation of Serum Vitamin B12 levels and monofilament testing. The data obtained was analyzed & findings were correlated and tabulated to make a diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy. RESULTS: 35% of Diabetic patients who were on Metformin for a long duration of time had Vitamin B12 deficiency which was statistically significant and clinically correlated with peripheral neuropathy. CONCLUSION: There is higher prevalence of Vitamin B12 deficiency and clinical neuropathy with metformin use in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients.