Abstract

Aim of the study: The aim of this study was to assess the association between vitamin B12 deficiency and diabetic neuropathy, as well as the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency in patients receiving long-term metformin therapy. Materials and methods: It was a cross-sectional study, conducted in the Dept. of Pharmacology in association with the Dept. of General Medicine in our tertiary care hospital, which included 100 patients, which are using metformin. Chemiluminescence immunoassay was used to determine vitamin B12 levels. Nerve conduction, the Michigan test, and patient records were used to assess diabetic neuropathy. Further information was gathered, encompassing demographic traits. The variables that were correlated with vitamin B12 levels and diabetic neuropath were assessed using a linear regression model. Results and Discussion: Of all the patients, 9 % had low vitamin B12 levels. Vitamin B12 levels were found to be altered (low and borderline) in 66.66 % of patients with diabetic neuropathy and 22.64 % of patients without the condition. Vitamin B12 levels were lower in those taking a higher dose of metformin. Furthermore, vitamin B12 levels were higher in female patients than in male patients.

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