Does taking diabetes medication for a long time cause vitamin B1 and B12 deficiency?

(Mr. Van Tai, residing in Thong Nhat district)

Doctor replied:

Hello!

I understand how confusing it can be to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, especially if you’re young and unmarried. But rest assured, this can be the start of a journey to a more health-conscious lifestyle – and one that can be managed.

Although type 2 diabetes cannot be "completely cured", it can be completely controlled and stabilized long term.

Nowadays, the rate of type 2 diabetes in young people (under 40 years old) is increasing rapidly due to eating a lot of refined starch, fast food, few vegetables; little exercise, sitting a lot; prolonged stress; genetic factors (father/mother with diabetes); fatty liver, excess abdominal weight, lipid disorders,...

Note that obesity does not necessarily cause diabetes. Many thin people have insulin resistance and metabolic disorders.

Regarding the question, does long-term use of diabetes medication cause vitamin B1, B12 deficiency? The answer is yes, but not all medications, and not everyone, are affected.

If you use Metformin (the most common drug), it can cause reduced absorption of vitamin B12, especially when used for >3 years. Consequences: Numbness in hands and feet, fatigue, easily mistaken for diabetic neuropathy; does not cause B deficiency. The solution for you is to check your vitamin B12 levels periodically every year if you use metformin for a long time; supplement B12 if necessary (oral or injectable); you can supplement with multivitamins containing B1, B6, B12 if your doctor prescribes it.

Type 2 diabetes is not dangerous if well controlled. Complications only appear if you are subjective and do not control blood sugar, blood pressure, and blood fat. Therefore, right now, you should change your lifestyle. Specifically, eat moderately, limit white starch, soft drinks, animal fat; eat lots of vegetables, fish, fiber, drink enough water; exercise 30 minutes a day: brisk walking, light gym, swimming, cycling; get enough sleep, limit stress (stress also increases blood sugar)...

In addition, you should also have regular check-ups and tests, including: HbA1c test every first 3 months; blood lipid test, liver, kidney, eye function, electrocardiogram; take medication as prescribed by your doctor, regularly every day, do not arbitrarily stop taking medication or change the dosage.

Friendly!

MD, PhD DO HOANG AN LOC,

INTERNAL MEDICINE, AI NGHIA MEDICAL SYSTEM