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Drug Induced Nutrient Depletion Part 2

A growing number of Canadians have been diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes.

Unlike Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes is preventable by engaging in a healthy lifestyle, which includes healthy activity and diet. If one does not make healthy lifestyle change where necessary, however, the risk of Type 2 diabetes will increase.

The Canadian Diabetes Association defines Type 2 diabetes as “a disease in which your pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or your body does not use the insulin it makes”. Insulin is a hormone in your body that controls the level of glucose in your blood.

One of the prescriptions used by Type 2 diabetics to control the level of sugar in their blood is Metformin. Metformin belongs to a class of drugs known as biguanide medications and works in several ways. The medicine reduces the amount of sugar made by the liver, limits the amount of sugar absorbed into the body from the diet, and makes insulin receptors more sensitive (helping the body respond better to its own insulin). All of these effects cause a decrease in blood sugar levels.

The benefits of Metformin to a Type 2 diabetic are obvious but one of the issues which can arise from taking Metformin long term is a drug induced Vitamin B12 deficiency. Metformin may decrease absorption of Vitamin B12 by lowering intrinsic factor secretion in the stomach. Some symptoms of B12 deficiency may include fatigue, depression and poor memory.

Luckily Vitamin B12 is easily supplemented either in tablet form or from diet. Either method (or both) is an excellent way to prevent Vitamin B12 deficiency related to taking Metformin.

Speak to your Live Well Pharmacist at Pharmasave Summerland today for more information about drug induced nutrient depletion, vitamin B12, or Metformin.