Type 2 Diabetic? Prevent Neuropathy by Taking B12

In my practice Vitamin B12 is the most common vitamin deficiency I see. Low stomach acid, stress and irritation / inflammation all contribute to decreased B12 levels.  You may be at greater risk of not only low levels of B12, but also Folate if you are a Type 2 Diabetic on Metformin.

A  study published, in the Journal of Internal Medicine, demonstrated after a 16 week use of Metformin a 14% decrease in Vitamin B12 and a 7% decrease in Folate. The individuals who took the metformin also had higher levels of homocysteine and methylmalonic acid (markers of B12 deficiency which also correlate with increased cardiovascular risk) and significantly worse scores on standardized assessments of severity of neuropathy.

Effects of short-term treatment with metformin on serum concentrations of homocysteine, folate and vitamin B12 in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial

M. G. Wulffelé ¹ , A. Kooy ¹ , P. Lehert ² , D. Bets ³ , J. C. Ogterop ⁴ , B. Borger van der Burg ⁵ , A. J. M. Donker ⁶ & C. D. A. Stehouwer ⁶

Volume 254 Issue 5, Pages 455 - 463

Both Folate and Vitamin B12 are critical nutrients for the production of cellular energy, are major co-factors in many biochemical pathways and are extremely important for neurotransmitter production and mood. Among the many side effects of a B12 deficiency is peripheral neuropathy, which is also a major complication  of Type 2 Diabetes.

To correct both deficiencies I recommend starting with series of inter-muscular injections of a combination of B12 and Folic acid, followed by monthly injections or a daily sub-lingual B12 tablet (a tablet that dissolves under the tongue). I prefer the methylcobalamin form of B12 and the L-methlyfoloate form of Folate as these forms are more readily used by the body. B12 is a bit of a problem nutrient as it needs a carrier called intrinsic factor, it is only absorbed if you are producing enough stomach acid, and is only absorbed in a very small portion of your small intestine, for these reasons an injection or sub-lingual tablet is preferred over a capsule that you would swallow.

Detox your Diet: Cancer Prevention and Diet Tips

1. Get regular check-ups
• Many cancers can be prevented/discovered in the early stages with screening tests available through your healthcare provider

2. Go Vegetarian
• Eat more vegetables (especially tomatoes and coniferous vegetables); fruits, whole grains, and legumes to help optimize body weight, immune function, hormone regulation, and avoid meat-related carcinogens, all of which may influence cancer risk

3. Focus on Fiber
• Eat foods rich in fiber, especially those made with whole grains, to help reduce the risk of several cancer

4. Find healthy fats
• More meals containing olive oil or fish, help protect against cancer, and avoiding fat from meat, dairy, and processed foods, may decrease cancer risk

5. Avoid alcohol
• Use alcohol beverages in moderation or not at all to reduce the risk of many cancers

Health Benefits of Antioxidant intake:
• Antioxidants help protect against free radical damage and help boost the immune system
• Free radicals are highly reactive compounds that are created in the body during normal metabolic functions or introduced from the environment
• Free radicals interfere with the cells’ ability to function normally and are believed to play a role in more than 60 different health conditions, including heart disease and cancer
• Antioxidants stop free radicals from forming & minimize the damage caused by free radicals
• Thus, increasing the intake of antioxidant nutrients has the potential to reduce the risk of free radical-related health problems
• Antioxidant nutrients include:
- Vitamins: A, C, E, and B-vitamins
- Minerals: Selenium & Zinc