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VITAMIN B12 DANGERS?

Q007

Well-Known Member
Messages
466
Location
Wales. UK
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
Dislikes
People who tell lies.
My GP (Dr Doom).
A few months ago, a colleague told me he'd noticed I was forgetful, seemed to have major issues with critical reasoning with numbers and logic, memory was poor, that I seemed very lethargic and tired \ low energy, poor mood. I'm so lucky to have someone who would be this honest. Anyway, I took it all to heart and went to see GP who wanted bloods done and said she was on the look out for something. I got a call a few days later to say my B12 levels were through the floor and needed treatment. I asked what the symptoms would be and she read out the same list as my colleague had told me, I could have finished every sentence that she said.

Apparantly tablets don't work, sublingual sprays not much better and transdermal patches have a little bit of an effect but what I'm booked in for is a course of injections every other day for 2 weeks and then they see how my liver has stored the B12 which decides whether I need them for life \ prolonged period.

What I'm worried about is what triggered this all off? is it that I'm T2? Does anyone else have this issue and would you be so kind as to share your experience or knowledge. I'm waiting on a list (quelle surprise) to start treatment and I'm so hoping I'll see an immediate improvement when the treatment does start. I would apprecoate any feedback or comments from you, as usual with me I worry so much. I trust the day is finding you well today, Kind regards Q..
 
Several family members have had B12 deficiency. They require injections every 3 months to keep levels stable. No ill effects, but they usually feel a bit lethargic in the week or 2 before next injection is due.
 
It might be something as simple as H.Pylori or even using proton pump inhibitors./antacids. Can also be caused by anaemia.

Helicobacter pylori infection has been mooted to be an initiating factor, with subsequent autoimmune changes affecting the gastric mucosa. Genetic susceptibility to this process has been suspected.[1]

http://www.patient.co.uk/doctor/pernicious-anaemia-and-b12-deficiency

Causes of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Vitamin B12 deficiency can happen if you have certain conditions, such as:

http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/guide/vitamin-b12-deficiency-symptoms-causes
 
I am a type 1 diabetic I also have three other auto immune conditions which I have accrued since my diabetes diagnosis. The first was under active thyroid, the second is Addisons Disease (this is my adrenal glands that have given up the day job) and thirdly is the vitamin B12 in the last couple of weeks. I have just completed the course of 6 injections. Still feeling a bit lethargic but to be honest not sure which condition I would blame as tiredness seems to be a dominant feature of all four lol.
The nurse who gave me the B12 did say that there would not be an instant improvement so I will have to wait and see.
I think if you have auto immune conditions you are more susceptible to others so I suppose it is the luck of the draw.
I hope that has answered some of your questions.
 
Q007 said:
What I'm worried about is what triggered this all off? is it that I'm T2?.
Click to expand...
Yes it definitely could be related!

The most common drug used to treat T2 is metformin, and mal-absorption of B12 is one of the known (possible) adverse effects. The following is a quote from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metformin#Adverse_effects
Higher doses and prolonged use are associated with increased incidence of vitamin B12 deficiency.
Click to expand...

What dose of metformin are you currently on Q007?
 
I have been on B12 injections for a couple of years now -- I never got the promised energy boost afterwards, but then I hadn't felt tired before either (my symptoms were permanent non-peripheral numbness).
As for what triggered your B12 deficiency -- if you have been on metformin for several years that might have caused it. Catherinecherub has listed the other usual causes for you (above). None of these pertain to me, so God knows what caused it, but my B12 levels were record-breakingly low. All we know is that I probably had it for a very long time indeed -- well before MODY kicked in -- and it has screwed up my nerve conduction. It's unnerving not to know what causes a condition like this, and if like me there is no obvious cause then it's always worth making sure that every new HCP notices it in case they think of anything or it could be linked to other absorption problems, but the main thing is that it's easily treated, and that really is something to celebrate. (Do ask for a nerve conduction test to check for any nerve damage though).
 


I think you're right, I also have 3 auto immune diseases.
 
I had a B12 deficiency some 6 or 7 years ago & the nurse who gave me the injections said it can be triggered by something as simple as a virus. I had injections for a few months & haven't had any issues since.
 
catherinecherub said:
According to @Q007's profile he is not on any diabetes medication.
Click to expand...
Thanks Catherine. I have to remember to look at the "info" section of the profile.

The profile also says T1 without medication?, whereas the opening post says T2. Hopefully the Q007 can provide more info on his current status.
 
uart said:
Thanks Catherine. I have to remember to look at the "info" section of the profile.

The profile also says T1 without medication?, whereas the opening post says T2. Hopefully the Q007 can provide more info on his current status.
Click to expand...
Looks like the bug still hasn't been fixed @Giverny ?
 
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