Comparison of Vitamin B12 Deficiency Among Diabetics with Peripheral Neuropathy Taking Metformin Versus Non-Metformin Therapies

Abstract

Objectives: 1). To assess the frequency of low vitamin B12 levels in diabetics having peripheral neuropathy 2). To compare frequency of vitamin B12 deficiency among diabetics with peripheral neuropathy who are taking metformin Vs non-metformin therapies.

Methodology: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in the Medicine department POF hospital Wah, Pakistan from 1^st march 2023 to 31^st August 2023. A total number of 215 patients with diabetes mellitus aged 12-70 years of either gender who fulfilled the selection criteria were selected. The data was filled on the Proforma. Serum vitamin B12 was calculated by chemiluminescence immunoassay in the POF hospital laboratory

Results:  Frequency of vitamin B-12 deficiency among diabetics presenting with peripheral neuropathy was 11.63%(n=25). Vitamin B-12 deficiency among diabetics on metformin was n=18(13.95%) and among diabetics on non-metformin therapy was n=07(8.14%). The p value was calculated that was 0.193, therefore statistically insignificant.

Conclusion: No significant difference in vitamin B12 levels was observed between diabetics on metformin and those on non-metformin therapies, suggesting that diabetic neuropathy itself is the primary contributor to peripheral neuropathy in these patients.

Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, Metformin, Vitamin B12 deficiency