Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin that plays a crucial role in the processing of energy and nutrients. In most people with type 2 diabetes, the production of energy and use of nutrients is abnormal due to the disruption of the effects of insulin and other hormones. Supplementing with B12 may decrease the risk of heart disease and improve metabolism in diabetics.
About B12
Although B12 is critical for health, it plays a role in only two biochemical reactions. B12 helps produce the amino acid L-methionine from homocysteine and succinyl Coenzyme A, an important cofactor for the use of protein and fats for energy. Your body can store up to a year's worth of vitamin B12. Many foods contain significant levels of B12. Due to these factors, vitamin B12 deficiency is rare in healthy individuals. However, according to the Linus Pauling Institute, 10 percent to 15 percent of individuals older than 60 may have B12 deficiency.
Type 2 Diabetes and B12
Type 2 diabetes is characterized by high blood-sugar levels and carries an increased risk of heart disease, nerve damage and tissue damage throughout the body among many other complications. The hormones regulating metabolism and energy use in your body are abnormal in type 2 diabetes. Without hormones such as insulin, it is very difficult to absorb sugar from the blood. Your cells must rely on protein and fats for energy.
Diabetics may have a higher requirement for vitamin B12 since they rely on proteins and fats for energy and, due to cardiovascular problems, cannot deliver as much B12 to their body tissues.
Benefits
According to the Mayo Clinic, B12 supplements can help reduce the levels of homocysteine in the blood. High homocysteine levels indicate a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular disease and heart attack. As of 2011, it was still unclear whether artificially reducing homocysteine levels through B12 supplementation eliminated the risk of heart disease. Due to dysfunction of the pancreas, type 2 diabetics may not be able to efficiently absorb B12 from foods, potentially requiring B12 supplementation.
Supplementation
B12 supplements will not replace medical care or prescription medication. Talk to your doctor before starting B12 supplementation for diabetes or any other medical condition. A number of drugs may interact wit B12 supplements. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, people such as diabetics who do not use B12 efficiently should take 100 to 400 mcg of B12 per day. The best effects may be seen when taking a supplement containing other B vitamins in addition to B12.
