Get the Diabetes Forum App for your phone - available on iOS and Android.
Dismiss Notice
Guest, we'd love to know what you think about the forum! Take the Diabetes Forum Survey 2020 »
Dismiss Notice
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
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

Find support, ask questions and share your experiences. Join the community »

Metformin and Vitamin B12

Discussion in 'Metformin/Biguanides' started by MadMat, Feb 26, 2012.

MadMat · Well-Known Member

Messages:

92

Likes Received:

0

Trophy Points:

26

Hi All,

Newly diagnosed, so don't have much experience with managing my meds yet!

I have read in the leaflet that comes with my metformin that a side effect can be to reduce your Vitamin B12 levels,
As I also suffer from pernicious anaemia, managed by regular B12 shots, should I be asking to be on a different treatment ?

Mat

#1 MadMat, Feb 26, 2012 at 3:19 AM
Sid Bonkers Type 2 · Well-Known Member

Messages:

3,976

Likes Received:

1,100

Trophy Points:

178

I think thats a question best answered by your doctor Mat, but the fact that you are having B12 shots may mean you will be OK and don't forget side effects are not guaranteed :thumbup:

#2 Sid Bonkers, Feb 26, 2012 at 8:07 AM
Geocacher · Well-Known Member

Messages:

165

Likes Received:

14

Trophy Points:

38

Based on having recently experienced B12 deficiency caused by Metformin, and what I found in my own research for a solution, taking metformin shouldn't be a problem for you. You are already receiving your B12 in a way that bypasses the mechanism that is disrupted by metformin.

Talk to your GP about it, it may be that you could ask for additional B12 blood tests just for peace of mind.

#3 Geocacher, Mar 31, 2013 at 1:26 PM

(You must log in or sign up to post here.)