Metformin and B12 deficiency
Posted , 2 users are following.
I am 70 and have had diabetes for 21 years. Almost from the time of diagnosis I was prescribed Metformin as well as eventually going onto two types of insulin. Over the years I had been feeling tired, lethargis, no appetite which I just put down to old age. I have never been overweight, being 9 stone when I was diagnosed but over the last three years I have lost weight as my appetite was very bad. At one time I was 67 kgs and now I am 57kg. I saw a doctor and had some blood tests done and I am "borderline B12 deficient". I have found out that Metformin is given to overweight women as it is an appetite supressant, something I hardly needed! Metformin is one of the main causes of B12 deficiency. Those side effects they talk about on the information leaflet that comes with the tablets doesn't actually mention B12 but gives a lot of the side effects, one of them being tinnitus, something I've had for years. Vegans and Vegetarians can get B12 deficiency as you get it from animal products but obviously from drugs as well.
A week or so ago I took it upon myself to stop the Metformin and instantly my appetite came back, I actually felt hunger pangs for the first time in years! I have had to increase my insulin slightly to keep my sugar levels down but just being able to eat more makes me feel better.
Today I am starting a course of B12 injections, one every other day, five doses in all and hope that this helps with the deficiency symptoms. Another case of having to take one drug to counteract the effects of another drug. If anyone is on Metformin it may pay them to look up Metformin and B12 and see if anything they are experiencing could be caused by taking it.
1 like, 3 replies
MtViewCatherine Spindles
Posted
I'll try to get her some injections, but will also give her a coblimated B supplement, because many people with B deficiency don't process Bs and need the coblimated.
Spindles MtViewCatherine
Posted
Je_n Spindles
Posted
Hope you are feeling a bit better.