ROLE OF VITAMIN B12 SUPPLEMENTATION IN METFORMIN INDUCED DIABETIC NEUROPATHY IN INDIAN PATIENTS. CAN SUPPLEMENTATION HELP?

Abstract

Metformin is one of the most commonly used oral hypoglycemic drug amongst type II diabetes mellitus patients, particularly overweight with normal kidney functions. Literature reports an average of 10-30% of patients taking metformin for longer duration (more than 4 years) have shown some signs of vitamin B12 deficiency.

Thus the present study was planned to assess the development of peripheral neuropathy in metformin users due to Vitamin B12 deficiency and effect of its supplementation was assessed for improvement in terms of VPT (Vibration perception threshold) score assessed by Biothesiometer which is a simple, portable, reliable, non-invasive method to screen the peripheral neuropath

Unique about this study is, evaluating the effect of B12 supplementation on Indians patients. They being primarily vegetarian are at more risk to develop Vitamin B12 deficiency, so, metformin induced Cobalamin deficiency assumes greater risk in such patients in terms of development and progression of peripheral neuropathy.