b12 and folate

The video discusses the connection between diabetes, vitamin B12, and metformin. It explains that a lack of vitamin B12 can cause neurological issues and that people with type 2 diabetes who use metformin have an increased risk of developing a B12 deficiency. Taking metformin for a long time can affect the absorption of B12, and age and dosage can multiply this risk. The video suggests that diabetic patients should be regularly monitored or supplemented with B12. It also mentions that certain medications and a vegetarian diet can impact B12 absorption. The video recommends getting tested for B12 deficiency and considering supplements or fortified foods if necessary. It also mentions the importance of folate and suggests adding it to the diet. The video concludes by encouraging viewers to visit the SugarMDs website for more resources and information. Test, test, test, test. Why V12 vitamin is so vital for diabetics? Why vitamin V12 is such an important nutrient for diabetics, right? Hello there, my diabetes champions. Today I want to talk to you about a topic that has been making the rounds in the health world. And that is the connection between diabetes and vitamin V12 and metformin. That's a good dilemma there. Specifically, I want to talk to you about how these three things are related to one another and how they can be unrelated too. Now, if left untreated, a lack of vitamin V12 can result in neurological issues, such as persistent tingling in your hands and feet, issues with balance, anemia, neuropathy, you name it. According to a number of studies, people with type 2 diabetes who use metformin in the long term have a significantly increased chance of developing V12 deficiency, with the percentages reaching as high as 33%. Now we are all aware of how essential vitamin V12 is for maintaining your overall health. And yet, the issue remains here is why is this taking place? Is this a side effect of the medication or does the sickness itself cause it? But stay tuned, because in this video we are going to delve into the fundamental reason of this problem, as well as we will discuss the steps that you can take to guarantee that your body is receiving enough amount of vitamin V12, even if you are treating your diabetes with metformin. I'm not saying give up the metformin. A lot of people hate metformin. But if you have to stay on metformin, you have to watch out a few things, like vitamin V12. So without further ado, let's get right down to the business, shall we? Unfortunately, taking metformin for an extended period of time might cause a storage problem in V12, actually more of an absorption problem. An essential ingredient for keeping the nerve function normal and even making red blood cells. This risk is multiplied by factors such as increasing age, taking a bigger dose of metformin, using medication for a longer period of time, etc. So the absorption of V12 levels and the vitamin V12 can begin to fall as early as the fourth month actually using metformin. So if you're using it for years, you're in trouble. It's essential that your physician to regularly monitor diabetic patients or supplement them with V12 to prevent a deficiency. Now, diavitamin, as you know from sugar MDs, is what the vast majority of my patients take. And this ensures that they have all they need from a vitamin standpoint. It's available at SugarMDs.com. Some of my patients who don't like metformin sometimes might decide to take sugar MD superberberine instead so they won't have to worry about the adverse effects of metformin. Again, most of you love that superberberine at SugarMDs.com. But however the decision is, that's all in your hands and I'm here to help you with any decision you make. Some of the reasons that have been postulated to explain the delightful side effect of metformin includes some through mouthfuls. Are you ready? Well, there will be alterations in small bowel motility which stimulates bacterial overgrowth and consequently cause vitamin V12 deficiency. Or it can cause competitive inhibition or inactivation of vitamin V12 absorption. And let's not overlook the age-old alterations in intrinsic factor levels. I mean, seriously, is there anyone who hasn't heard of that one, the intrinsic factor? Well, taking the humor out of the situation, this is quite interesting material, right? But let's face it, anything that disrupts the balance of nutrients in our bodies is no laughing matter. There is a widespread misconception that only persons who can develop a lot of vitamin V12 are those who use the medication metformin. However, this is not the case. Have you ever taken a medication for acid reflux or peptic ulcer disease? We call them PPIs. If so, you may want to be aware of the potential impact on your body's ability to absorb V12 as well. Certain medications like famotidine, which is your lovely pepcid, or lanceprazole, like Prevacid, or omeprazole, which is Prilosec, can make it harder for your body to absorb this essential vitamin. Also, those who don't consume meat, fish, dairy products, like vegetarians, might need to look for foods that have been fortified with vitamin V12, or they might need to take a supplement. Those who do consume these items should not have any trouble getting enough vitamin V12 through their diet. Unless they're on metformin, right? But because the symptoms of V12 storage can be unpleasant, and because a shortfall can have long-lasting impacts on your health, it is vital to pay attention to your food and take preventative measures to avoid developing that deficiency. Here's a tip. The tip is, maybe not even your doctor knows this, but when screening patients with type 2 diabetes who have minor hematological symptoms, like minor signs of anemia, etc., or some blood work abnormality on their CVC, the borderline V12 concentration is around 2-400, and it looks normal on the blood work. However, measuring serum MMA, which is methylmalonic acid, or homocysteine concentrations, is a way more sensitive and specific technique than just measuring V12, especially in the low normal levels. So if your V12 levels are a little questionable, like below 400, you should consult with your physician and ask about these tests. If you are looking for a simple way to get more vitamin V12, I would say oral administration is a very popular choice, unless you are intrinsically anchor-deficient, right? To make sure you are getting enough, most adult doses usually start at 1000 mg per day for the first week, followed by the same amount given once a week for a month, and then once a month, and so forth. You don't have to really overdo it. However, if you are already taking a vitamin designed for diabetes, like diavitamin or sugar-empty neuropathy support, you might actually get all you need, so you may not even have to worry about taking extra V12. So when it comes to V12 supplements, the pattern of administration also gives your body a chance to absorb and use the vitamin most effectively. People who are trying to at least eat meat once a week or so, or if they are eating less than that, V12 supplementation will be an absolute necessity. Did you know that most people who are deficient in V12 are also lacking folate? It is true, and while it is important to address a V12 deficiency, it is equally important to make sure you are getting enough folate. Likely adding folate to your diet or supplement routine can be an easy fix, and if you are, like I said, taking sugar-empty diavitamin, nothing to worry about. So I would say go ahead and add some folate to your daily routine and reap the benefits of a balanced vitamin intake. And thank you. Thank you for tuning in. I think we are done. We hope you found the information helpful and informative. Make sure you sign up to our newsletter at SugarMDs.com. And if you want to learn more about how to manage your blood sugar levels and maintain a healthy lifestyle, we encourage you to check out SugarMDs.com. On our website, you will find helpful resources, articles, tips to help you reach your health goals and educate yourself. So go ahead and click on SugarMDs.com right now, and remember to stay committed and focused on taking care of yourself. I'll see you later.