1Associate Professor, Department of Physiology, Dr. BR Ambedkar Medical College, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
2Senior Specialist (Paediatrician), District Hospital, Chikkaballapur, Karnataka, India
3Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry, Jaipur National University Institute for Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
4Pranic Healer at GMCKS Pranic Healing Centre, Mysore, Karnataka, India
*Corresponding Author: Dr. Suresh Nayak B Associate Professor, Department of Physiology, Dr. BR Ambedkar Medical College, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. Mail ID: drbsnayak9106@gmail.com
Online published on 2 November, 2018.
Prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is increasing globally. Metformin is commonly used anti-diabetic drug to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Metformin usage is associated with deficiency of vitamin B12. Studies have reported conflicting results on association between metformin usage and vitamin B12 deficiency. Hence, the present study is undertaken to study the vitamin B12 levels in T2DM patients taking metformin.
Total of 140 subjects were included in this study. Among them 70 were normal controls, their HbA1c: 5.5 to 6.5% (group I) and 70 T2DM subjects their HbA1c: >7.5% (group II). T2DM patients were on metformin and have been on the drug for a minimum of 5 years. Age of the study subjects was 40 to 60 years. 5 mL random venous blood sample is collected from all subjects in vacutainers, 2 mL in plain tube and 3 mL in EDTA tube. The serum sample was used for the estimation of random sugar (GOD-POD method) by using ERBA chemistry analyzer, vitamin B12 by ELISA method, using mini VIDAS and EDTA sample is used for estimation of HbA1c by using BIORAD-D10. Data were expressed as mean ±SD. P value <0.05 is considered as statistically significant.
In the present study, random blood sugar and HbA1c levels were significantly increased in T2DM subjects compared with controls. Vitamin B12 levels were significantly decreased in T2DM subjects compared with controls. HbA1c is inversely correlated with Vitamin B12.
It may be suggested that determination of vitamin B12 level in T2DM patients on metformin use might help in identifying patients that would benefit from B12 supplementation.
Diabetes mellitus, vitamin B12 deficiency, micro and macro vascular complications
