1. Get the Diabetes Forum App for your phone - available on iOS and Android.
    Dismiss Notice
  2. Guest, we'd love to know what you think about the forum! Take the Diabetes Forum Survey 2021 »
    Dismiss Notice
  3. Diabetes Forum should not be used in an emergency and does not replace your healthcare professional relationship. Posts can be seen by the public.
    Dismiss Notice
  4. Guest, stay home, stay safe, save the NHS. Stay up to date with information about keeping yourself and people around you safe here and GOV.UK: Coronavirus (COVID-19). Think you have symptoms? NHS 111 service is available here.
    Dismiss Notice
Free Forum App Feedback Reminder COVID-19: stay safe
Dismiss Notice
Find support, ask questions and share your experiences. Join the community »

Metformin and B12 deficiency

Discussion in 'Type 2 Diabetes' started by Davie boy, Nov 14, 2018.

Tags:
Page 1 of 2
  1. Davie boy

    Davie boy Type 2 · Member

    Messages:
    20
    Likes Received:
    7
    Trophy Points:
    43
    I have just been diagnosed with vitamin B12 deficiency and having a nose online I note it can be an effect of Metformin use, and getting older along with a few others. It was discovered while I had tests at the hospital. I now have to have 3 injections for two weeks then one every three months for life. I am aware it is fairly common (more in women apparently). I'd be interested to hear from others in a similar situation...
     
    • Like Like x 1
    #1 Davie boy, Nov 14, 2018 at 3:13 PM
  2. Arsenal79

    Arsenal79 Type 2 · Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    138
    Likes Received:
    269
    Trophy Points:
    103
    Hi what sort of symptoms are you getting from the b12 deficiency I'm getting nerve problems and my hba1c are in pre diabetic ranges have been to my docs but all I get is the same sorry excuse that it can't be the diabetes has I'm pre diabetic would love to back from you and I'm sorry to hear about your situation at least it's been discovered and can be sorted best of luck for the future
     
    #2 Arsenal79, Nov 14, 2018 at 3:27 PM
  3. DJC3

    DJC3 Type 2 · Expert

    Messages:
    8,735
    Likes Received:
    22,096
    Trophy Points:
    198
    Hi @Davie boy I’d also read that metformin can cause vitamin B12 deficiency, so started taking a daily vitamin B complex pill ( includes B12) Nothing fancy or expensive - just Tesco own brand. I’m only on 1x500 metformin a day though so I’m hoping the vit B pill will be enough to compensate.
    I’d no idea that you’d need injections for life once diagnosed though, thats really rough, I’m sorry to hear that.
    I do wonder why it isn’t mentioned when people are first started on metformin though.
     
    • Agree Agree x 2
    • Like Like x 1
    #3 DJC3, Nov 14, 2018 at 3:29 PM
  4. bulkbiker

    bulkbiker Type 2 · Oracle

    Messages:
    18,415
    Likes Received:
    12,252
    Trophy Points:
    298
    What kind of diet do you follow? Some ways of eating can lead to B12 deficiency too.
     
    #4 bulkbiker, Nov 14, 2018 at 3:31 PM
  5. Rachox

    Rachox Type 2 (in remission!) · Moderator
    Staff Member

    Messages:
    12,564
    Likes Received:
    16,191
    Trophy Points:
    298
    I’ve done the same as @DJC3 , I take the Tesco B complex. I also eat beef, tuna and eggs and drink almond milk they all contain B12. Is there any way you can avoid injections by oral supplements in food and /or tablet form?
     
    • Like Like x 1
    #5 Rachox, Nov 14, 2018 at 3:39 PM
  6. Davie boy

    Davie boy Type 2 · Member

    Messages:
    20
    Likes Received:
    7
    Trophy Points:
    43
    Hi Arsenal79! The only major symptom I had/have is exhaustion and a few headaches.

    I have had nerve pain but not through this illness, rather some years ago. I was put on a low dose of the anti-depressant Amytriptiline, which worked wonders for me. I have tried to come of it twice in the past but the pain has come back on both occasions.

    I wonder, could you ask to see another doctor for a second opinion regarding your nerve pain? I guess it could be a few medical things but Vitamin B12 deficiency is marked (in the long term) by nerve pain (which is why it is important to treat it). You also get some heart pounding (although I haven't had this, just a few pains in the chest). I
     
    #6 Davie boy, Nov 14, 2018 at 3:50 PM
  7. Hotpepper20000

    Hotpepper20000 · Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    2,035
    Likes Received:
    1,315
    Trophy Points:
    158
    I have had B12 Deficiency long before I started taking metformin. Some people just dont metabolize it well from food so tablets wouldn’t help.
    I’ve always ate beef and green vegetables.
    Here in Canada you can get vials and syringes to self inject. But some clinics will do it as well.
     
    • Like Like x 2
    #7 Hotpepper20000, Nov 14, 2018 at 3:50 PM
  8. Davie boy

    Davie boy Type 2 · Member

    Messages:
    20
    Likes Received:
    7
    Trophy Points:
    43
    Hi there, I am on four metformin a day and never heard about the link to Vit B12 deficiency until being diagnosed. I must confess I was somewhat shocked when she said the jabs would be for life. Had I had the insight like you I could have started a B12 Vit tablet. Thanks for replying
     
    • Like Like x 1
    #8 Davie boy, Nov 14, 2018 at 3:53 PM
  9. Davie boy

    Davie boy Type 2 · Member

    Messages:
    20
    Likes Received:
    7
    Trophy Points:
    43
    I eat a varied diet, but am a vegetable dodger I admit. Although I do eat them but more fruit and tinned pulses and beans etc.
     
    #9 Davie boy, Nov 14, 2018 at 3:55 PM
  10. Davie boy

    Davie boy Type 2 · Member

    Messages:
    20
    Likes Received:
    7
    Trophy Points:
    43
    Thanks Hotpepper20000! I read you inject into a muscle, I bet that hurts? Do you start to get symptoms near the end of the three months? I think I will be getting to do it at home, as it is on my repeat prescription list after the initial six injections.
     
    #10 Davie boy, Nov 14, 2018 at 3:57 PM
  11. Davie boy

    Davie boy Type 2 · Member

    Messages:
    20
    Likes Received:
    7
    Trophy Points:
    43
    Hi Rachbox, apparently once diagnosed with it there is no option apart from the injections. On hindsight and with the knowledge I would have taken a vit B12 tablet too.
     
    • Hug Hug x 1
    #11 Davie boy, Nov 14, 2018 at 3:58 PM
  12. Hotpepper20000

    Hotpepper20000 · Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    2,035
    Likes Received:
    1,315
    Trophy Points:
    158
    I injected into my thigh muscles. It wasn’t too bad. I noticed a difference in a month Less tired and a clearer head.
    I tried the tablets for a while but it didn’t help for the long term.
     
    #12 Hotpepper20000, Nov 14, 2018 at 4:07 PM
    Last edited: Nov 14, 2018
  13. Hotpepper20000

    Hotpepper20000 · Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    2,035
    Likes Received:
    1,315
    Trophy Points:
    158
    As long as I keep up with the injections once a month I don’t notice the symptoms coming back.
     
    • Like Like x 1
    #13 Hotpepper20000, Nov 14, 2018 at 4:08 PM
  14. Davie boy

    Davie boy Type 2 · Member

    Messages:
    20
    Likes Received:
    7
    Trophy Points:
    43
    I'm glad you're feeling better Hotpepper 20000, my first injection is next week, and then it'll be a juggle to get the next appointment I guess.
     
    • Like Like x 1
    #14 Davie boy, Nov 14, 2018 at 4:10 PM
  15. Hotpepper20000

    Hotpepper20000 · Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    2,035
    Likes Received:
    1,315
    Trophy Points:
    158
    I do hope it works quickly for you.
    I know I was amazed how much better I felt.
     
    • Like Like x 1
    • Informative Informative x 1
    #15 Hotpepper20000, Nov 14, 2018 at 4:18 PM
  16. Guzzler

    Guzzler Type 2 · Master

    Messages:
    10,578
    Likes Received:
    6,974
    Trophy Points:
    278
    The thing about Metformin use causing malabsorption of B12 is that they say it comes with long term use but finding out how long is considered long term has escaped all my investigations.
     
    • Like Like x 1
    #16 Guzzler, Nov 14, 2018 at 4:24 PM
  17. Davie boy

    Davie boy Type 2 · Member

    Messages:
    20
    Likes Received:
    7
    Trophy Points:
    43
    I have been on Metformin for years, then progressed to insulin (along with metformin). I guess its like asking how long is a piece of string.
     
    • Like Like x 1
    #17 Davie boy, Nov 14, 2018 at 4:28 PM
  18. bulkbiker

    bulkbiker Type 2 · Oracle

    Messages:
    18,415
    Likes Received:
    12,252
    Trophy Points:
    298
    And meats? Organ meats and fish and shellfish are good sources of B12 too I believe..
     
    • Agree Agree x 3
    #18 bulkbiker, Nov 14, 2018 at 4:30 PM
  19. Davie boy

    Davie boy Type 2 · Member

    Messages:
    20
    Likes Received:
    7
    Trophy Points:
    43
    I love nothing more than grilled mackerel or sea bass, Or the smoked mackerel for breakfast I eat meat too
     
    #19 Davie boy, Nov 14, 2018 at 4:33 PM
  20. Davie boy

    Davie boy Type 2 · Member

    Messages:
    20
    Likes Received:
    7
    Trophy Points:
    43
    I have had half the initial treatment, and actually am surprised at how rough I actually did feel (without realising it and putting it down to other things). I still get some tiredness though
     
    #20 Davie boy, Nov 29, 2018 at 12:56 PM
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)
Page 1 of 2
Style
Red
Language
English (UK)

  • Meet the Community

    Find support, connect with others, ask questions and share your experiences with people with diabetes, their carers and family.

    Did you know: 7 out of 10 people improve their understanding of diabetes within 6 months of being a Diabetes Forum member. Get the Diabetes Forum App and stay connected on iOS and Android

    Grab the app!

  • Tweet with us

  • Like us on Facebook