Keywords
Metformin
Vitamin B12 deficiency
How to Cite
Abstract
Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is one of the most encountered diseases. Vitamin B12 deficiency is highly prevalent among the adult individuals with diabetes mellitus under the Metformin therapy.
Objective: Objective of this study is to assess the prevalence of Vitamin B12 deficiency among the diabetic individuals under Metformin therapy.
Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the department of Biochemistry, Nepalese Army Institute of Health Sciences (NAIHS), Sanobharyang from January 2024 to January 2025. A total of 255 diabetic patients under Metformin therapy were included in this study. Data collected included their age, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level and Vitamin B12 level. Chi square test was used to find the association of different variables.
Results: Among the total 255 participants in this study, 150 (58%) are female. Mean age group of participants was 55.14 years and mean value of HbA1c was 6.18. In this study 156 (61%) of participants have Vitamin B12 deficiency. The highest prevalence of Vitamin B12 deficiency was seen among the age group >60 years i.e., 55 (64.7%). Also the deficiency was highest among the female 95 (63.3%) than in male 61 (58.1%). Comparing with HbA1c, Vitamin B12 deficiency is higher i.e., 78.6% among the poor control group and least deficiency were seen among the good control group i.e., 59.9%.
Conclusion: This study concludes that in diabetic patients, Metformin therapy could be a major factor related to Vitamin B12 deficiency. It increases with age and poor control of diabetes as well. Screenings of Vitamin B12 deficiency or supplementation in such individuals were recommended.
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