Category Archives: Metformin

Diabetics and Exercise

Posted by on December 7, 2011 No comments

Importance of Physical Exercise For Diabetes Patients?

Although it has been stressed a lot of times that exercise or physical activities are just as important as having a healthy and nutritious diet to maintain healthy blood sugar levels, some individuals are still quite skeptical about it. Exercise is considered equally important with proper diet as well as drugs that help maintain blood sugar levels, but is there adequate proof that can make diabetics include exercise in their blood sugar management regimen?

Sufficient proof is actually readily available and it reiterates that exercise is indeed very important for those who have Type 2 Diabetes. A comprehensive explanation on how exercise can help those who have diabetes will justify how really important it is:

Exercise helps improve blood circulation keeping the heart and the entire body healthy. It then prevents unwanted build-up of plaque and maintains a circulation of blood that is rich in oxygen. With proper and regular exercise, you no longer need to worry about the harms bought by poor blood circulation in the body. Diabetics face higher chances of acquiring cardiovascular diseases compared to other individuals, this makes exercise a very crucial part to effectively reduce that risk.

A healthy release of glucagon and hormones can also be achieved through exercise. These are very important for the body as it helps with the breaking down of the fatty deposits that accumulate in the liver. Exercise also helps your liver effectively deal with insulin, which provides more control with the blood sugar levels in the body.

Diabetics and Exercise

Regular exercise will also help you burn more body fat. Exercise that is more constant trains the muscles, making the body burn more fats easily. Without excess fats in the body, there will be less pressure on the joints, significantly lowering the risks of joint problems, and less strain on the muscles as there is no need to exert more strength in carrying a heavy body.

Diabetics and Exercise – exercise can help maintain healthy blood sugar levels

A decrease in blood sugar levels can also be acquired through exercise. Both cardiovascular and strength training exercises help lower blood sugar levels allowing a balanced and healthy glycemic level. Cardio exercises include cycling, fast walking, and aerobic exercises while strength training exercises include the use of weight machines, as well as the body’s own weight. Regular exercise will also help you achieve a toned body and more defined muscles.

Most people, particularly those who live a sedentary lifestyle, might have a hard time when starting to follow a regular exercise program. Patience is the key as well as slowly incorporating the exercise program into a daily routine.  Make sure to avoid rushing everything and exerting too much as it poses negative effects such as injuries.

Finding the best exercise program to follow is also very important. Most health experts advice diabetics to do aerobic exercises as it is low impact while efficiently burning your calories. An exercise that is too intense might rapidly drop sugar levels, which can cause complications. It is recommended to exercise at least thirty minutes per day, three times a week. Of course, you should listen to your body and your doctor on how to properly incorporate exercise into your lifestyle to improve your body and your overall health.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency and Diabetes

Posted by on December 2, 2011 No comments

Vitamin B12 Deficiency Among Diabetics

Most people, whether they are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes or not, have a mistaken understanding with nutritional supplements. Though you might think that you are already eating a healthy and balanced diet, a harsh truth is that only a few come close to eating a true healthy balanced diet. The type of lifestyle people live in contributes to the decreasing quality of the food we eat. Nowadays, most people eat out everyday in fast foods and in most restaurants that also serve processed foods. These type of foods lack in nutrients needed by the body.

Another misconception is the idea that supplements are really not that beneficial and are only a waste of money. Although it is actually true that both vitamins B and C are not meant to be stored by the body and are water soluble, they need to be replaced everyday as they help saturate the metabolic system. Even if excess vitamins from supplements end up in your urine, these vitamins still benefit your body just like prescription medicines.

One of the water soluble vitamins available is vitamin B12 which provides the following benefits:

  • Effective metabolism of protein, carbohydrates, and fat
  • Improve the function of iron in the body
  • Proper maintenance of a healthy central nervous system
  • Healthy folate activity and calcium absorption
  • Increase in energy
  • Healthy formation and regeneration of red blood cells.

Vitamin B12 can be obtained through the following:

  • Through the consumption of tuna, salmon, chicken, milk, and eggs
  • Vegan burger patties fortified with Vitamin B12

A certain study, which involved 46 individuals diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes and taking either Metformin or Phenformin or both, showed that thirty percent of the said 46 people had vitamin B12 malabsorption. This meant that their bodies had difficulties in absorbing the vitamin, which resulted to the deficiency that continued even when the intake of medications already halted.

Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency include the following:

  • arms and legs are weak and sore
  • sensory perception and reflexes become slow
  • stammering and nervousness
  • difficulty in jerking limbs and walking
  • inflammation of the nerves
  • memory loss and mental slowness
  • mood disorders
  • unpleasant body odor

Your health care provider can easily monitor your vitamin B12 levels through a blood test. Once found deficient, they can administer vitamin B12 injections under the tongue or through using a patch that can deliver the vitamin to the body. Vitamin B12 is also available in most multivitamin supplements.

Vitamin B2 also helps through decreasing the risk of acquiring cardiovascular disease along with vitamin B6. It is also beneficial for the prevention of diabetic neuropathy, which affects healthy nerve function. Vitamin B12 also aids Type 2 Diabetics that are regularly taking Metformin.

Diabetes and Heart Failure

Posted by on November 30, 2011 No comments

Can Diabetes Lead to Heart problems?

One of the fatal complications that can be caused by Type 2 Diabetes is heart disease. Oftentimes, Metformin will be the drug of choice for the pre-treatment and the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes. The Journal Circulation and Heart Failure recently published an article about how Metformin is able to also prevent death from heart disease caused by diabetes.

A study made at Baylor College of Medicine done by researchers and Michael E. DeBakey of VA Medical Center in Houston, Texas involved 6,185 Type 2 Diabetes patients who have heart failure. Twenty five percent of these patients were treated with Metformin. The research concluded with the following results:

  • After a two-year period, 15.8% or 246 patients who were treated with Metformin died.
  • After a two-year period, 25.5% or 1177 patients who were not treated with Metformin died.

Both of the groups that were part of the research had the same total rate of hospitalization due to heart failure as well as the rate of hospitalization. However, diabetic patients with heart failures that have undergone Metformin treatment had a higher chance of survival. The study concluded with the need for more related studies in order to discover effective therapies for patients that are diagnosed with both Type 2 Diabetes and heart failure.

Metformin is also known as Glucophage, Glumetza, or Fortamet in the market. These are brand names of Metformin that provide less side effects. Metformin belongs to a family of drugs known as biguanides, these are drugs that are effective in the regulation and he control of the insulin levels that are released by the liver. Other important facts about the drug include the following:

  • Also known as insulin-sensitizing drugs, they help prevent the fluctuation of glucose between meals allowing effective weight loss.
  • They also limit the total amount of insulin that comes from the pancreas instead of increasing it.
  • The amount of glucose coming from the small intestines and liver that enters the blood is also effectively minimized.

Type 2 Diabetes is known to promote insulin resistance. Biguances like Metformin attack the origin of the disease. In general, Metformin is a safe medication. However, there are rare instances where patients who take the drug develop lactic acidosis, which is a serious condition.

Ten to Thirty percent of Metformin users report that they experience gastrointestinal side effects, which subside overtime. If you experience a similar side effect that does stays long, you can consult your doctor for the administration of a lower dose. Other versions of Metformin such as Fortamet and Glumetza are known to have fewer side effects.

Individuals who are diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes and have kidney, liver, or heart problems, including those who drink too much alcohol, are not advised to use Metformin.

Metformin should be taken regularly to be able to achieve its positive effects. However, there are some instances where its use should be discontinued temporarily. If you are suffering from severe diarrhoea, fever, vomiting, in need of less than normal fluid intake, you should alert doctors as they might advise to discontinue Metformin use temporarily. If you are undergoing X-ray procedures, you should also let your doctor know or ask beforehand if using Metformin when undergoing an X-ray scan is advisable.

Metformin is a popular choice as it is generically available and is cheaper than most drugs available for the successful treatment of Type 2 Diabetes.

Metformin Food Interactions

Posted by on November 26, 2011 No comments

How Does Metformin And Other Anti Diabetic Drugs Interact With Food?

Most individuals suffering from Type 2 Diabetes think that food only contains fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. This is definitely not true.

Foods, especially those that originate from plants, possess different chemical compounds that also interact with the enzymes present in the liver. These enzymes are the very ones that are also used by the liver to destroy and detoxify active chemicals that are present in the medications you take to control diabetes. It would be advantageous to be able to discover which type of foods are able to recycle the active ingredients present in diabetes medications as well as which type of foods can slow it down as these will affect the rise and the dip of blood sugar levels.

How the food you eat will affect the diabetes medication you take in will depend on what enzyme is used by your liver. This is an overview of the interactions of several medications that are typically used to treat Type 2 Diabetes and how the food you eat affects how the liver will process them.

  1. Metformin, which is also known as Glucophage is one medication that does not get processed by the liver. This means the use of Metformin cannot be affected by the food you eat.
  2. Vildagliptin, which is also known as Galvus is a diabetes medication that is processed by the liver with cytochrome P450. However, the processing is very limited. Through consuming licorice, grapefruit, ginger, or hot peppers, you can increase the ability of this medication to decrease blood sugar levels in the body.
  3. Sitagliptin, which is also known as Januvia gets processed in the liver with the CYP2C8 and CYP3A4 enzymes. Avoid eating too much fruit and drinking fruit juices as these will interfere with the enzymes and they will increase the possibility of acquiring the side effects caused by the medication. When using Sitagliptin, you should avoid the consumption of mangoes, oranges, dragon fruits, rambutans, passion fruits, pawpaws, wild grapes, pomegrenates, wild mullberies, and kiwis.
  4. Pioglitazone, which is also known as Actos, is processed with the CYP2C8 enzyme. All of the fruits mentioned above will also affect this medication so it is important to avoid them especially pomegranate juice.
  5. The CYP2C8 enzyme also processes Rosiglitazone, also known as Avandia, so it is also advised to avoid the fruits mentioned earlier. The intake of promegrenate juice will also cause this medication to produce greater side effects so stay away from the fruit juice as much as possible.

Also remember that these diabetic medications will become more effective when you are following a healthy lifestyle, which includes the following:

  1. Eating the right amount of healthy foods
  2. Increased regular physical activities
  3. Reducing stress

These medications are not used to cure diabetes as the disease currently has no possible cures. Most of these medications will work for a certain period, but they will slowly lose their efficiency overtime as the body becomes immune to them. When these medications available lose their desired effect, injectable insulin might be your second best option.

Diabetes And Heart Attacks

Posted by on November 25, 2011 No comments

How Does Heart Attack Survivors Respond to Taking Metformin?

A study was made in the Cardiology Unit of the Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute in Sweden, which involved a group of researchers that aimed to discover how heart attack survivors that were diagnosed with diabetes respond to different types of treatments. On February 2011, the results of their findings were published in a journal named Diabetologia.

Included in the study were 1,145 patients that were diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes and had also suffered and survived a heart attack. These patients where divided into three different groups.

  1. The first group where administered with insulin
  2. The second group where administered with insulin along with conventional treatment
  3. The third group were only provided with conventional treatment for 2.1 years

All of the patients were monitored at an average of 4.1 years. The study showed that the number of fatal heart attacks during the monitoring period was the same in the three groups. However, non-fatal heart attack rates differed. The highest rate of heart attacks that were non-fatal was in the group treated with insulin. The group who received conventional treatment had the lowest risk in death from cancer while the group that were administered with Metformin both had low risks in death from heart attack and from cancer compared to the other patients from the other groups.

Metformin, which is available in tablet form and is commonly known as Fortamet, Glucophage, or Glucophage CR is used to lower blood sugar levels. Individuals diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes commonly use it and it can also be used to prevent the acquisition of Type 2 Diabetes for those who have high risk in acquiring it. A study done in Canada shows that the use of both Avandia and Metformin helped decrease the risk of diabetes in volunteers who were pre-diabetic.

This medicine is commonly taken once, twice, or three times per day depending on your doctor’s prescription. A dosage of 500 milligrams twice per day or 850 milligrams once per day is the usual dose. Moreover, the dosage can be increased gradually mainly depending on how the blood sugar levels in the body react to the dosage.

The following effects are caused by the regular intake of Metformin:

  • The intestinal absorption of sugar is lessened
  • Insulin released by the pancreas is increased
  • Sugar production in the liver is decreased
  • Muscles and fat cells respond to insulin and efficiently take in the needed sugar.

In general, Metformin is considered safe to use, but it can also provide some side effects to someof its users. The most serious side effect that can be caused is lactic acidosis, which will have the following symptoms:

  • chills
  • cool or bluish skin
  • fatigue and muscle pains
  • dizziness , sleepiness, or nausea
  • difficulty in breathing / fast shallow breathing
  • irregular or slow heartbeats
  • pain in the abdominal area
  • diarrhoea or vomiting

 

Although it is a rare case, Metformin might also cause hypoglycaemia or low blood sugar. This condition often occurs when Metformin is used along other anti-diabetic drugs. Symptoms of hypoglycaemia include unexplainable hunger, tingling sensations in the hands and feet, sweating, involuntary shaking, and heartbeat.

Patients that have kidney problems should use Metformin cautiously as the body excretes it through urine. It is advised that patients, especially the elderly should first take some tests to determine their kidney functions and whether the medication is safe for use. Patients who will also undergo X-ray procedures are advised to temporarily stop taking Metformin for a few days before they undergo the X-ray scan.

Diabetes And Artificial Sweeteners

Posted by on November 24, 2011 No comments

Diabetes And Artificial Sweeteners – Are They Really As Good As They Say?

If you have Type 2 Diabetes, it is very important to take extra caution in maintaining the amount of sugar that you intake in your meals. Your dietician or doctor will often instruct you to cut down your sugar and carbohydrate intake but this will often require great discipline especially when you start craving for sweet foods. Good thing there are already a wide variety of artificial sweeteners available in the market. But finding the best ones among the multitude of sweeteners available can be very confusing.

Artificial sweeteners, also known as artificial sugars do not contain sugar at all but they taste like sugar. These sweeteners also do not affect the levels of blood sugar in your body. However, most of these artificial sweeteners might have a bit of calories or kilojoules in them.

These sweeteners are a popular alternative or substitute as they contain little to no calories and they also do not harm your blood sugar levels. The sweeteners, when inside the body are not broken down and processed so they easily pass the intestinal tract as is, except for aspartame.

These sweeteners are commonly used by manufacturers of products that cater do diabetics and those who are conscious about their weight and the type of food they are eating.

Aspartame, a nutritive sweetener, was invented during the 1980s. It was commonly known through its popular brand names such as Spoonfuls, Sweetmate, and Equal. Aspartame is taken from natural sources and it is metabolized and digested by the body, just like food containing protein. Unlike sugar, aspartame is considered 200 times more sweeter so much less amounts of this sweetener is needed to satisfy your sweetness cravings.

Aspartame can be found in the following: Desserts, different kinds of snack foods, gums and candies, salad dressings, beverages, and breakfast cereals.

Another known sweetener is Sucralose, which is also popularly known as Splenda. It is known to be 600 times sweeter than sugar and is in a crystalline powder form made from sugar. Sucralose cannot be absorbed in the body’s digestive tract so has zero calories.

Sucralose or Splenda can be found in the following: most packaged foods, baked goods, frozen foods, and hot or cold foods.

These artificial sweeteners that are easily available in the market should only be used to satisfy your cravings for something sweet. Health experts still advise that these sweeteners should be taken in moderation and physical activity, along with a healthy diet is still the best way available to reduce weight as well as caloric intake.

You should also take in consideration the fact that most of the foods where artificial sweeteners are used will still contain calories. It is true that the sweeteners themselves contain zero calories but the rest of the ingredients present in the food you eat will still contain some calories. Make sure to take special precautions and continue to monitor your caloric intake to be sure.

Artificial Sweeteners Side Effects to Consider

Also take note of the downsides of artificial sweeteners:

  • Artificial sweeteners often leave a bitter aftertaste, which is tolerable for some but can be bothersome for others.
  • Sucralose or Splenda might alter the intestinal bacterial environment in your body, increasing your risks in acquiring gastrointestinal infections caused by the infiltration of microorganisms that cause diseases. This has been proven through a study conducted by the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health (2008).
  • There are also reported cases that show artificial sweeteners such as Splenda, causing drug interactions according to the study made by the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health. Moreover, further research is needed to prove this finding.

Diabetes and Stress

Posted by on November 21, 2011 No comments

Diabetes and Stress – How Are They Linked?

Suffering from stress has already been known to provide unwanted effects on the body. But Type 2 Diabetes patients who are under stress actually have an increased risk in becoming unhealthy and acquiring the harms of it. Stress is now considered as one of the leading causes of death as it manifests itself into a wide array of medical conditions.

Stress is defined as a reaction to pressure, both physical and emotional, that is perceived as a form of threat, both real or imagined. This response to threat is also recognized as the “fight or flight” response that is intrinsic in humans.

Stress also affects the body’s blood sugar levels both directly and indirectly. The change in blood sugar level immediately occurs during the “fight or flight” response as the body immediately releases the stress hormones when threat is perceived. This increases your body’s blood sugar levels even if you have not consumed any food.

If you closely monitor your sugar levels, you will notice that it goes up when your stress level increases and it also lowers when your stress levels decreases. This proves that your stress levels and your blood sugar levels are indeed connected.

Knowing how to deal with stress, or stress management, is considered as the best possible way for yo to be able to beat it and lessen how it impacts your health. Know how to control your emotions and reactions and also know how to relax so that you can prevent the occurrence of complications caused by stress especially when diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes.

One of the best relaxing and physically beneficial methods available is regular exercise. Although it might seem counter-productive as it increases heartbeat, its long-term effects with the body as well as the release of serotonin caused by physical activity can help you reduce stress levels.

Exercise also helps cut down the excess fat in your body, which is dangerous as it affects your blood pressure. Fat can also easily get stored in your mid-section as it affects your health dramatically. As excess fat gets stored in your body’s abdominal area, it has a tendency to crowd your internal organs. The fat you notice externally is just the tip of the iceberg as the fat inside the body disrupts healthy bodily functions.

Carbohydrates are also burnt through exercise. This is very beneficial for diabetics, as this will reduce their risks of acquiring hyperglycemia. In general, exercise is a sure-fire solution to lower your body’s blood sugar levels. It will also help improve your body’s blood circulation, which is another known problem connected to diabetes.

Exercising will also help you reduce the emotional tension and your overall stress levels; this is another benefit you can acquire along with the physical and health improvements. One well-known exercise that involves the combination of breathing and mild exercise is Tai Chi. It is an ancient form of martial arts that is overlooked when it comes to its overall health potential as its graceful and easy-going movements deceive the eye. What most people do not know that meditation is an extremely powerful tool that effectively controls stress. It significantly brings down stress levels and relaxes the body.

A secret in reducing stress levels is to find a form of exercise and meditation that you will take pleasure in doing like reading a book or doing aerobic activities. These exercises will help eliminate the stress, which will be extremely beneficial for those diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes because it will help reduce the risks of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure. Not to mention, it will also help you manage your health condition.

10 Things You Need To Know About Metformin

Posted by on November 21, 2011 No comments

10 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Metformin

1. Metformin can stop the progression of pre-diabetes to Type 2 diabetes. Through its use, along with proper diet and exercise, this one of a kind drug can do wonders.

2. Metformin can possibly help solve weight loss problems. The substance allows the cells in the body become more sensitive towards insulin, allowing the body to use less insulin for the transport of sugar as well as fat. Similar drugs like Avandia (rosiglitazone) and Actos (pioglitazone) also provide the same effects, but they possess a side effect that promotes fat cell development.

3. The smell of Metformin might be a problem to you as most Type 2 diabetic patients complain that its odour is similar to mothballs or raw fish. What you can do is to remove the dose of the Metformin you will be taking and leave it out of the bottle for about five minutes to remove the unwanted odour.

4. A side effect of Metformin is vitamin B12 deficiency, which occurs due to long-term use of the substance. To avoid this side effect while continuously using Metformin for an extended period, you can take vitamin B supplements regularly to ensure you won’t become vitamin B12 deficient.

5. Magnesium deficiency is also another possible side effect of prolonged Metformin intake. Regular intake of minimal doses of magnesium supplement is advised, which is equivalent to less than 100 milligrams of magnesium thrice per day. You can also choose to increase the amount of green leafy vegetables in your diet as they contain adequate amounts of magnesium. Avoid over dosage of magnesium as well as Metformin as this causes diarrhoea.

6. Teenagers suffering from Type 2 diabetes can be effectively treated with Metformin. Together with regular exercise, teenagers can expect significant loss of excess body fat without worrying about stunted growth and hormonal development.

7. The body’s insulin resistance, which can be caused by MSG or monosodium glutamate, can be moderately equalized by Metformin. MSG is commonly added as flavouring in prepared foods, bouillon cubes, canned soups, frozen dinners, and broths. To save on money and to ensure you are eating healthy, you should choose to just cook your own meals.

8. Not all people suffering diabetes are allowed to use Metformin. Your doctor will not advise you to take this drug if you are suffering from PAD or peripheral arterial disease or any kind of disorder related to blood clotting to avoid increased clot risks.

9. Both Metformin and Glucophage contain the same chemicals. However, there are diabetics who respond more positively with Glucophage. The Glucophage-XR is a time-release version of metformin. This costs about US$100 to $200 per month more than Metformin. This particular version is greatly beneficial for diabetics that are able to successfully control their meals. If you are the type that tends to overeat, this version won’t be able to provide you with any blood sugar control benefits.

10. Go ask your doctor for an increased dosage of Metformin if you are advised to take other medications than insulin and are taking less than 850 milligrams of Metformin thrice per day. You can save thousands of dollars per year when you choose to use Metformin instead of other more expensive medications as they can both provide you with the same blood sugar controlling effects.

Metformin For The Treatment of PCOS

Posted by on September 27, 2011 No comments

What is PCOS and Why is Metformin Used to Treat It?

PCOS is short for polycystic ovarian syndrome and this is a primary factor when it comes to female infertility. A lot of women are being diagnosed with PCOS but aren’t receiving a good explanation regarding this syndrome. This article will help you understand about the things going on in your body if you are suffering from PCOS and it will give you an idea of the treatment you may need.

PCOS is a condition that is affects the menstrual cycle of a woman, her hormones, appearance and the chances of bearing children without treatment of infertility.

PCOS Symptoms

Women who suffer from PCOS will have elevated levels of male hormones in their body. Different symptoms can be caused by this. Weight gain, excess hair on the face and other body parts, dark patches on skin, acne, and skin tags are among the physical symptoms of PCOS.

Ovarian cysts, pelvic pain, high blood pressure, insulin resistance and sleep apnea are some other symptoms.

PCOS, Diabetes and Insulin Resistance

When PCOS is discovered, most doctors prescribe the clients with Metformin (Glucophage). Metformin is a leading ant diabetic drug .It affects how insulin manages sugar in your body. Also, this can minimize testosterone production. Metformin enables control of insulin resistance. In addition, having a healthy diet and exercise, one can reduce insulin resistance. Consult your doctor if you are concerned of getting diabetes especially if you already have PCOS.

Treatments for PCOS

Metformin or Glucophage is one drug that doctors commonly prescribe to be able to regulate the resistance of insulin in one’s body.

The doctor may also prescribe other medications such as fertility medications including Clomid. The physician may also suggest other fertility drugs and treatments if you like to get pregnant yet Clomid is not working for you. Since there is an association with this on insulin resistance, lifestyle modifications should include exercise and monitoring caloric consumption.

 

Other health issues you may need to know about if you are diagnosed with PCOS

*More than half of women suffering from PCOS will get diabetes.

*A woman affected by PCOS will have 4-7 times greater chance of experiencing heart attack compared to one of the same age who doesn’t have PCOS.

*A woman who is suffering from PCOS is at high risk for high blood pressure.

 

Metformin and Vitamin b12 Deficiency

Posted by on September 25, 2011 No comments

Metformin, Diabates, Vitamin b12 Deficiency and you!

At present, there is an increasing concern about the risk of getting a vitamin B12 deficiency among those who are taking Metformin. Cobalamin and cyanocobalamin are the other names of vitamin B12 that plays significant roles in the human body like maintaining the healthiness of blood cells and the nervous system.

Also, studies show that vitamin B12 can aid in the prevention of heart disease and also probably Alzheimer’s, but studies are still going on for the latter. Vitamin B12 is mainly obtained from animal products like beef, eggs, seafood and dairy products; hence, vegetarians are at a higher risk of suffering from vitamin B12 deficiency. Often, old people are also at a risk of b12 deficiency due to the absorption problems in the gastrointestinal tract.

Anemia, memory loss, neuropathy, confusion and also dementia are some symptoms of the lack of B12.

Along with insulin and other antidiabetic pills, Metformin is usually the first drug to be used for patients newly diagnosed with diabetes. If you have diabetes and taking a daily dose of Metformin for a year or so then you should check your Vitamin B12 levels. There is an association of taking metformin with the risk of Vitamin B12 deficiency. However, this doesn’t mean that you should quit taking your Metformin, at least not without consulting your doctor first!.

Metformin does an excellent job when it comes to managing type 2 diabetes. Moreover, the safety record of this medication is great.

Decreased absorption however may have occurred leading to lower B12 level. A contributing factor is calcium malabsorption. Studies show that taking supplemental calcium can help in reducing the induced malabsorption of B12. It is not understood how common this happens. However, more researches are being conducted regarding its medical or clinical significance.

When taking Metformin, it is suggested that you have your B12 levels checked!

When taking Metformin, it is suggested that you have your B12 or cobalamin level checked annually. When you have a low B12 level then you should consult your physician about B12 supplementation. It is enough to have a quality supplement taken either orally or in the form of injections. You may also consider taking a B-complex. This supplement may include the B complex vitamins such as B1, B2 ,B3 and B6 (Pyridoxine) which are required for good absorption of vitamin B12. A quality B-complex supplement should also contain folic acid.

If your health care provider suggests calcium supplementation, then you should be taking a certified pure or quality coral calcium supplement. Certified pure suggests that the methods are proper in getting calcium from coral as well as the danger of heavy metals including mercury, lead, and aluminum is eliminated.