Metformin's Issues

Metformin-related vitamin B12 deficiency might contribute to clinically significant peripheral neuropathy in diabetes patients, new research suggests from the European Association for the Study of Diabetes Meeting.

"The consequences of vitamin B12 deficiency, like neuropathy or mental changes, may be profound. Even more, they may be difficult to diagnose, because they may be ascribed to old age or diabetes itself and may be or become irreversible. On the other hand, vitamin B12 deficiency is relatively easy to diagnose, and treatment is easy, cheap, and effective," the lead researcher commented.

Corroborating with previous research raises concern that the drug may be contributing to peripheral neuropathy separate from the effect of the diabetes itself.