Evaluation level of serum vitamin B12 in Iraqi patients with diabetes mellitus type 2, who used the metformin drug as a hypoglycemic agent

Diabetes mellitus type 2 is characterized by insulin resistance, which can be combined with relatively decrease secretion of insulin hormone in the body. Metformin is usually recommended as a first-line treatment for diabetes mellitus-type 2, as it has a significant role in decrease mortality. This study aims to evaluate the B12 levels in Iraqi patients with type 2 diabetes, who were using the metformin drug in short-, medium-and long-term periods. The study included 202 patients, who were classified into four groups, according to their use of the Metformin drug as a hypoglycemic agent, while the fourth group did not use metformin and was termed as 'the standard group'. The results showed that the levels of vitamin B12 in patients using Metformin drugs in short-, medium-and long-term periods were, (444.4 +/- 17.21)pg/ml, (403.0 +/- 20.34)pg/ml and (261.7 +/- 14.70)pg/ml, respectively, compared to the standard group (469.7 +/- 26.37)pg/ml. The conclusion of this study was that a significant reduction was seen in the level of vitamin B12 in patients using the Metformin drug for medium-and long-term periods compared to the standard group, who did not use the Metformin drug.