Metformin Use Is Not Associated With B12 Deficiency or Neuropathy in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Qatar. Academic Article uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • BACKGROUND: Metformin may lead to B12 deficiency and neuropathy. There are no published data on the prevalence of Metformin-related B12 deficiency and neuropathy in the Arabian Gulf. AIMS: Determine whether Metformin intake is associated with B12 deficiency and whether B12 deficiency is associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and painful diabetic neuropathy. METHODS: Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) (n = 362) attending outpatient clinics at HMC underwent assessment of B12 levels, the DN4 questionnaire, and vibration perception threshold (VPT). RESULTS: Comparing Metformin to non-Metformin users there were no differences in B12 levels, VPT, or DN4. The prevalence of B12 deficiency (B12 <133 pmol/l) was lower (P < 0.01) in Metformin (8%) compared to non-Metformin (19%) users. Patients with B12 deficiency had a comparable prevalence and severity of sensory neuropathy and painful neuropathy to patients without B12 deficiency. CONCLUSION: Serum B12 levels were comparable between Metformin and non-Metformin users with T2DM in Qatar. T2DM patients on Metformin had a lower prevalence of B12 deficiency. Furthermore, the prevalence and severity of neuropathy and painful diabetic neuropathy were comparable between patients with and without B12 deficiency.

publication date

  • May 25, 2018

Identity

PubMed Central ID

  • PMC5980977

Scopus Document Identifier

  • 85039705599

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.2337/dc18-S008

PubMed ID

  • 29887831

Additional Document Info

volume

  • 9