Wahlen A, et al. – The prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency in metformin–treated, morbidly obese, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients was evaluated during this study, compared to morbidly obese controls. In addition, it investigated the Magnesium status. The data suggested that in order to gain a complete advantage from metformin medication, routine testing of B12 along with Magnesium in metformin–treated, morbidly obese patients ought to be carried out, taking into account the substitution to avoid low levels.

Methods

• The scheme of this trial was a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of plasma vitamin B12, plasma Magnesium, glucometabolic status and clinical measurements in all consecutive morbidly obese patients, during 1 year.
• It was performed at the Outpatient Clinic of Obesity Care.
• The enrollment comprised of 147 patients: 107 morbidly obese controls and 40 metformin-treated, morbidly obese patients with T2DM.
• The main outcome measures included circulating plasma concentrations of vitamin B12 (cobalamin), Magnesium, clinical measurements and metformin medication.

Results

• Variations were noted between the two groups regarding age, sagittal diameter, glucose parameters and Magnesium concentrations.
• Longer diabetes duration exhibited a link with lower Magnesium.
• Metformin-treated T2DM patients reported lower Magnesium (0.76±0.07 mmol/L) than controls (0.82±0.07 mmol/L).
• The assessment of 26 non-metformin-treated T2DM patients illustrated a normal Magnesium concentration compared to controls, that is, 0.81±0.06 mmol/L.
• There were no statistical changes in B12 concentrations between the two groups.