[bizikfm]

I was diagnosed a Type 2 about 8 years ago and after attending a diabetic training program, I was started on Metformin 500 mg twice daily with Gluconorm as a back-up for a higher carb meal. Maintainence on this regime has been fairly good. I did seem to have problems with too much acid in my digestive system and a different taste in my mouth. After taking this drug for 5 years I developed pernicious anemia (B12 deficiency) and was advised by my hemologist that I likely developed this type of anemia because of taking Metformin. I am now retired and have been struggling with a very low hemoglobin and hemacrit count for close to a year. After consulting with several specialists (kidney and endocrinologist) and after researching side effects of long term use of Metformin, I started taking Lantus (the pen) a month ago. I am now feeling a lot better and hemoglobin and hemacrit numbers having been going up. The once a day injection is really nothing. Has anybody else had this kind of experience with Metformin?

 

[jwags]

I take 2550 mg of metformin for the last 5 years and so far has no problems so far. I do take B 12 supplements as a preventative measure. I also stay on a very low carb diet. I am not familiar with the other drug you are on, is that a sulfyurea drug? I try to avoid the higher carb meals because they really do a number on my bgs and I try to keep them below 120 most of the time.

 

[Insulation Tim]

Ironic that you post this. I have donated blood religiously every 8 weeks for many years. About 2 years ago, and 4 years after starting Metformin, I could no longer qualify as my hematocrit was below the minimum. I mentioned it to my family doc who blew it off as the standards for the blood centers are too high.

Makes me wonder.

 

[moon]

I've not been taking metformin for very long (< 1 yr) but do take a mega-vitamin for my eyes that has B12 in it. My last blood test showed my B12 at 1193 (with normal range 211-911) - so I think vitamin supplements work!

Before diabetes, I was negligent about getting blood tests (else I wouldn't learned about it earlier) and am amazed every specialist I saw for other things didn't ask that simple question: what blood work have you had recently?

Did your deficiency show up suddenly? I guess B12 isn't part of routine blood work, but when taking metformin seems it should be.

 

[Shanny]

I also take a B12 supplement because of metformin possibly causing a deficiency. And I'm going to ask doc next time to order both the B12 & vitamin D tests.