B-12 deficiency presents an important challenge for diabetics

Diabetics have a particularly good reason to be aggressive about preventing vitamin B-12 deficiency: peripheral neuropathy.

A recent article in Southern Medical Journal notes that when anemia develops due to low B-12, neuropathy often precedes the anemia.

Peripheral neuropathy is nerve damage in the arms and legs–a common and dangerous problem for diabetics.

Most importantly, anemia can be cured and the advance of neuropathy can be stopped with B-12 therapy. But whatever progress neuropathy has already made can’t be reversed.

Prolonged B-12 deficiency permanently damages protective sheaths that coat nerve fibers. This is followed by death of neurons–key cells that transmit information. Once those neurons are lost, they’re gone forever.

Unfortunately, this neuronal death is not only peripheral, it may also occur in the spine and brain–yet another instance where a daily B-12 supplement can save the day.

Source:
“Metformin-Induced Vitamin B12 Deficiency Presents as Peripheral Neuropathy” Southern Medical Journal, April 2010, medscape.com