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Metformin and Vit B 12

S

sugarless sue

Master
Just been sent this link..Worth checking with your doctor.

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/artic ... dults.aspx


Use of the Drug Metformin©

If you take Metformin© (brand names Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Fortamet, Riomet, Glumetza, and others) for diabetes, the drug may reduce your B12 absorption through interference with the metabolism of calcium in your body. Calcium is another necessary component in your body’s ability to absorb B12.

A recent study indicates that the longer a person with Type 2 diabetes takes Metformin© and the higher the dose, the greater the risk for vitamin B12 deficiency.
 
From my experiments with patients the good news is that the effect is dose related and is reversible. You may choose to stay on metformin and take vitamin b 12 injections but you don't have true pernicious anaemia ie the autoimmune disorder.
 
Not really, am just stating a fact. I would have thought a mention about metformin & vit B12 is in the good book Diabetes Solutions :)
 
Err I don't have the book by Dr Bernstein so should I go and ask for a B12 test, been on 4 x 500g metformin for about 10 years and never been tested!
 
Hi fiona.

Mettformin has many side effects, one of which is shown below in Red. You may be fine but it should be tested at regular intervals throughout your treatment. Ask your Gp for this test as you are concerned. Mine has been tested every 6 mths for the last 10 years ? All clear. It is just another tick in the box on the path lab form.

Side-effects anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea (usually transient), abdominal pain, taste disturbance, rarely lactic acidosis (withdraw treatment), decreased vitamin-B12 absorption, erythema, pruritus and urticaria; hepatitis also reported

Ken.
 
iHs
Bernstein does mention it and recommends checking every 6 months and taking calcium.
What I really wanted to know, was after how long using Met should I get my DSN to check B12? I have been using it at a lowish dose for 6 years. I do eat dairy foods, so I'm getting calcium in my diet. Had greek yogurt with blueberries for dessert after salad lunch today. 8)
T1 husband saw DSN for dressing his foot ulcer today and as I'd asked him to, did ask her. She knew nothing, but will google it.
 
hanadr said:
iHs
Bernstein does mention it and recommends checking every 6 months and taking calcium.
What I really wanted to know, was after how long using Met should I get my DSN to check B12? I have been using it at a lowish dose for 6 years. I do eat dairy foods, so I'm getting calcium in my diet. Had greek yogurt with blueberries for dessert after salad lunch today. 8)
T1 husband saw DSN for dressing his foot ulcer today and as I'd asked him to, did ask her. She knew nothing, but will google it.
Click to expand...



Hanadr.
That 6 month figure was given to me by my Endo who has stuck to that rigidly over ten years. I even tick the box if he forgets sometimes. He just thanks me for remembering !
Ken.
 
I don't have any evidence based advice to give but it seems to me that getting it checked yearly or six months after a significant dosage increase would be reasonable.
 
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