Do l have Peripheral Neuropathy?

[ramkya]

I am a diabetic, last 10 years on Metformin 500 mg twice daily with Glimipride 2mg. Now having hot sensations, tingling in the legs, some times fingers, and wondering if its neuropathy due to B12 deficiency? Surprising none of the expert docs told me check out blood B12 levels! Realised need after reading posts here. Will check out pronto.

[Nackapan]

Yes a very good idea.Normally folate tested at the same time.

It's a post code lottery if b12 tested here in the UK too.

Not on the standard blood form. !!

My husband has diabetes and is on a daily oral b12 supplement which surfices

[Technoid]

Diabetic neuropathy is a possibility if diabetes is not well controlled. But Metformin is a known risk to reduce B12. The UK government have this statement:

"Decreased vitamin B12 levels, or vitamin B12 deficiency, is now considered to be a common side effect in patients on metformin treatment, especially in those receiving a higher dose or longer treatment duration and in those with existing risk factors. We are therefore advising checking vitamin B12 serum levels in patients being treated with metformin who have symptoms suggestive of vitamin B12 deficiency. We also advise that periodic monitoring for patients with risk factors for vitamin B12 deficiency should be considered."

gov.uk/drug-safety-update/m...

Considering the risks I find it outrageous that patients prescribed PPI's or Metformin often seem not to be regularly monitored for B12 sufficiency which IMO should start right when such treatment begins and continue at regular intervals while the prescription remains.