Development of B12-deficiency anemia in a patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus in the treatment of metformin

The article describes the case of development of B12-deficiency anemia in a 68-year-old patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus after 4 years of metformin therapy. A brief review of literature data on metformin-induced B12-deficiency anemia and its correction methods is presented. Patients who take metformin for a long time are recommended to study the concentration of vitamin B12 and, at its reduction, to carry out preventive maintenance therapy with vitamin B12 to avoid the development of anemia and/or polyneuropathy. Particular attention in patients with type 2 diabetes should be given early diagnosis of polyneuropathy, which may be associated with the use of metformin, so that, at the first signs of it, an adequate treatment should be prescribed.

type 2 diabetes mellitus, metformin, vitamin B deficiency, anemia