EFFECT OF METFORMIN ON THE LEVEL OF VITAMIN B12 AND FOLATE IN PATIENTS OF TYPE 2DM, (DIABETES MELLITUS)

Abstract

Background and Aim: Due to the clinical benefits of metformin, its associated side effects such as vitamin B12 deficiency are rarely investigate and usually overlooked. In the reports of  previous study done; showed that there is association of deficiency of vitamin b12 and use of metformin. The primary aim of the present study is check the assessment of metformin on the folate and vitamin B12 levels. The study population consist of patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Other objectives of the current study were; to assess and compare the serum level of vitamin B12 before and after metformin therapy, to find out the correlation of serum level of vitamin B12 with haemoglobin and MCV values, to assess and compare the serum levels of folate before and after metformin therapy & to find out the correlation of serum level of folate with haemoglobin level and MCV values.

Material and Methods: This is a hospital based randomized cross-sectional observational study. Each and every eligible case of type 2 diabetes attending medicine OPD, Tertiary care Institute of India for the duration of 1 year were included in the study. The metformin 500 mg was given twice daily for 6 months, the folate and serum vit. B12 levels of all the included patients were recorded.

At the end of the study period of 6 months the foalte levels and serum vit. B12 levels were reevaluated.

Results: On follow up data analysis the significant correlation was found between the change in MCV levels and serum vitamin B12 levels. A non significant correlation was found in the individuals after undergoing the treatment for metformin; between the change in MCV levels and serum folate level.

Conclusion: With the use of high dose and long duration of metformin there is significant low level of serum vitamin B12 level in individuals. Therefore for the patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus regular check up for vitamin B12 levels should be done and sometimes its advised to prescribe them with vitamin B12 suppliments.

Key Words: Diabetes Mellitus, Metformin, Serum Folate levels, Vitamin B12 level