Effect of metformin on serum level of vitamin B12 and folate in patients of type-2 diabetes mellitus

Authors

  • Rajesh Meena Department of Medicine, RNT Medical College, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India
  • Ramesh Kumar Department of Medicine, RNT Medical College, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India
  • Atul Meena Department of Medicine, RNT Medical College, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India
  • Om Prakash Meena Department of Medicine, RNT Medical College, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India
  • Lokesh Meena Department of Medicine, RNT Medical College, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India
  • Arun Meena Department of Medicine, RNT Medical College, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2349-3933.ijam20212402

Keywords:

Type 2 diabetes mellitus, Metformin, Vitamin B12, MCV, Serum folate

Abstract

Background: Several types of DM are caused by a complex interaction of genetic and environmental factors. Depending on the etiology of the DM, factors contributing to hyperglycaemia include- reduced insulin secretion, decreased glucose utilization, and increased glucose production.Objective of the current study was to study the effect of metformin on the level of vitamin B12 and folate in patients of type 2 DM.

Methods: This is hospital based study before and after metformin therapy randomized controlled trial was conducted in medicine ward of M. B. hospital, Udaipur. Baseline serum vitamin B12 and folate level of all patients were measured and treatment with metformin 500 mg twice a day was given for 6 months. After 6 months serum vitamin B12 and folate level of all patients were re-evaluated.

Results: There was a significant positive correlation (r=0.824, p<0.001) between decrease in vitamin B12 and decrease in folate level after metformin treatment. When analysis for change in vitamin B12 is compared with change in MCV values after 6 months, negative correlation (r=-0.08, p>0.05) was obtained. A non significant correlation (r=-0.08, p>0.05) with change in level of serum folate and change in MCV values or haemoglobin level was obtained.

Conclusions: Low serum vitamin B12 level is associated with longer duration and higher dose of metformin use. Routine determination of vitamin B12 level in patients with type 2 DM on high dose of metformin and those with prolonged use of metformin might help in identifying patients that would benefit from vitamin B12 supplements.

Author Biographies

Rajesh Meena, Department of Medicine, RNT Medical College, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India

Sr. Resident, Department of Medicine

Ramesh Kumar, Department of Medicine, RNT Medical College, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India

Resident, Department of Medicine

Atul Meena, Department of Medicine, RNT Medical College, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India

Resident, Department of Medicine

Om Prakash Meena, Department of Medicine, RNT Medical College, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India

Sr. Professor, Department of Medicine

Lokesh Meena, Department of Medicine, RNT Medical College, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India

Resident, Department of General Medicine

Arun Meena, Department of Medicine, RNT Medical College, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India

Resident, Department of General Medicine

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Published

2021-06-23

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Original Research Articles