Having Type 2 diabetes means that you will need to manage your diet and activity level to control your blood sugar. If needed, your doctor may prescribe medication, such as Metformin, to best manage your condition. All medications have side effects and the risks and benefits of each should be considered before you begin. Metformin may alter the absorption of vitamin B12 and what this entails should be discussed with your physician to manage your overall health.
Metformin
Metformin is a prescription medication used to control blood sugar levels in Type 2 diabetics. Metformin works by decreasing the amount of glucose you absorb from your food and the amount of glucose your liver produces. Metformin is not used to treat Type 1 diabetes, a condition that occurs when the body cannot produce any insulin.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin commonly found in meat, fish and dairy products. According to the Mayo Clinic, Vitamin B12 helps to maintain healthy nerve and red blood cells. It is also needed to make DNA. Although deficiencies of vitamin B12 are rare, they can cause megaloblastic and pernicious anemia.
Metformin's Effects on B12 Levels
The Office of Dietary Supplements states that Metformin may decrease the absorption of vitamin B12. This may occur, "possibly through alterations in intestinal mobility, increased bacterial overgrowth, or alterations in the calcium-dependent uptake by ileal cells of the vitamin B12-intrinsic factor complex," the office reports. The research suggests that 10 to 30 percent of patients using Metformin may experience decreased vitamin B12 absorption, which may lead to a deficiency within your body.
Treatment
Using Metformin for your diabetes management does not mean that you will automatically suffer from vitamin B12 deficiency. Deficiencies generally occur with long-term use of Metformin. Your physician should monitor your vitamin B12 level annually and will recommend supplements if they become necessary. Be sure to discuss the use of supplements before you start them on your own as they may interact with other medications or medical conditions.
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