Prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency in type 2 diabetic patients: A review

Abstract

Vitamin B12 also named as Cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin. It acts fundamental role in Neurological function, Optimal Haemopoiesis and DNA Synthesis. The deficiency of Vitamin B12 features as the haematological and neuro cognitive dysfunction. Diabetic patients have been demonstrated highly prevalent of Vitamin B12 deficiency. The purpose of the current study to review the literature related to the prevalence of Vitamin B12 deficiency in type 2 diabetic patients. The studies assess that the prevalence of Vitamin B12 deficiency is ranges about 5.8 to 52% in diabetic patients. Such as the study of D. Malla et al reported as high as 50.95% prevalence of Vitamin B12 deficiency in diabetic patients. However, the patients enrolled in the study are on metformin treatment. Several Studies reported that the deficiency of Vitamin B12 may associated with the treatment of Metformin and old age population. Metformin is known as the initial hypoglycaemic drug to treat Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. It prescribed by many health practitioners as front-line treatment for T2DM. It is used as monotherapy or combined with other drugs according to the need with some of the mild or self-limiting side effect of the drug. However, studies reported that the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency is highly associated with dose and duration of metformin treatment in diabetic patients. Old age population may associate due to the low absorption capacity of the micronutrient in that period of lifecycle. The deficiency of vitamin B12 leads to various complication related to peripheral neuropathy which diagnose as diabetic neuropathy. The literature indicates the necessity of screening status of serum Vitamin B12 in patient of diabetes regularly will help to be aware.