6 Reasons to Test Your Vitamin B12 – Especially If You’re on Metformin

Vitamin B12 is vital for nerve function, red blood cell production, and DNA synthesis. Yet, deficiency is easy to miss, and the symptoms can be mistaken for other diabetes-related issues.

Here are 6 reasons you should check your Vitamin B12 levels, especially if you take Metformin regularly.

  1. Metformin Can Lower B12 Absorption

Long-term Metformin use interferes with Vitamin B12 absorption in the gut, potentially leading to deficiency after just a few years.

If you have been on Metformin for over 2 years, B12 testing is strongly recommended.

  1. Deficiency Mimics Diabetic Neuropathy

Tingling, numbness or burning sensations in the feet and hands are often blamed on diabetic neuropathy, but they could actually be due to B12 deficiency.

Identifying the true cause means more effective treatment and faster relief.

  1. Low B12 Affects Mood and Memory

Vitamin B12 is essential for brain and nerve health. Deficiency may lead to:

  • Brain fog
  • Depression
  • Memory issues

Feeling forgetful or mentally slow? It could be low B12, not just ageing or stress.

  1. Fatigue or Weakness Despite Normal Sugar Levels

B12 helps produce healthy red blood cells. Low levels can cause anaemia, leading to fatigue, pale skin, and weakness.

If you’re tired all the time, even with normal sugars, check your B12.

  1. Vegetarians and Older Adults Are at Higher Risk

Vitamin B12 is mainly found in animal products. So, if you are a vegetarian, vegan, or over 60, your risk of deficiency is already elevated, even without Metformin.

Diet and age both play a role — testing helps tailor your supplementation needs.

  1. It is Simple to Treat Once Detected

The good news? If caught early, Vitamin B12 deficiency is easy to correct with oral supplements or injections, often reversing symptoms quickly.

Early testing = faster recovery = fewer complications.

Normal Vitamin B12 Range

Category Vitamin B12 Level (pg/mL)
Normal 200 – 900
Borderline 150 – 200
Deficient < 150

Note: Symptoms may occur even in the borderline range.

At Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre, we recommend Vitamin B12 testing for all individuals on long-term Metformin therapy. It’s a simple blood test that protects your nerves, energy, and quality of life.

For an appointment, visit our site: https://drmohans.com/