FREQUENCY OF VITAMIN B12 DEFICIENCY IN TYPE 2 DIABETIC PATIENTS TAKING METFORMIN THERAPY

Objectives: To determine the frequency of vitamin B12 deficiency in type 2 diabetic patients taking metformin therapy.

Materials and methods: This Cross Sectional Study was conducted at Allied Hospital Faisalabad during Sep 2019 to Feb 2020. The sample size will be 218 patients. The data was collected through non probability consecutive sampling. Sample was drawn by the postgraduate resident under full aseptic measures and stored in two serum bottles. Both samples were clearly marked with patient’s name and admission number/OPD number. Sample bottles were sent to Fauji Foundation Hospital Rawalpindi laboratory for measurement of Serum B12 level and HbA1c. Serum B12 level was checked by Roche B12 kit. The rationale to check HbA1c is to look for the control of sugars.

Results: Total 218 patients were included according to the inclusion criteria of the study. Descriptive statistics of age (years) of patient was also calculated in terms of mean and standard deviation. Mean age (years) in the study was 54.08+13.74 with ranges from 20 to 80 years. Distribution of gender of patient was also calculated in terms of frequency and percentage of male and female patients. There were 61 (28.0) male and 157 (72.0) female patients who were included in the study according to the inclusion criteria. Descriptive statistics of plasma sugar level was calculated in terms of mean and standard deviation. Mean duration of plasma sugar level was 16.02+3.55 in the study. Conclusion: The study concluded that frequency of vitamin B12 deficiency is substantial in type 2 diabetic patients taking metformin therapy.