Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the way your body processes sugar.
Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in red blood cell formation, nerve function, and DNA synthesis.
Studies have suggested that vitamin B12 deficiency may increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, while adequate intake of vitamin B12 may help prevent or manage the condition.
In this review, we will examine the relationship between vitamin B12 and type 2 diabetes.
Research Evidence
Several studies have investigated the relationship between vitamin B12 and type 2 diabetes.
A systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of Diabetes Investigation in 2019 analyzed the results of 15 observational studies and found that low levels of vitamin B12 were associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
Another study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2011 found that higher levels of vitamin B12 were associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes in women.
Furthermore, a randomized controlled trial published in Diabetes Care in 2010 examined the effects of vitamin B12 and metformin, a medication commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes, on glycemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
The study found that vitamin B12 supplementation improved glycemic control and decreased homocysteine levels, a marker of inflammation, compared to metformin alone.
Vitamin B12 and the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
Several studies have suggested that low levels of vitamin B12 may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes.
A systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of Diabetes Investigation in 2019 analyzed the results of 15 observational studies and found that low levels of vitamin B12 were associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
The study concluded that vitamin B12 deficiency may be a modifiable risk factor for type 2 diabetes.
Another study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2011 found that higher levels of vitamin B12 were associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes in women.
The study followed more than 80,000 women for 20 years and found that women with the highest levels of vitamin B12 had a 30% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes than those with the lowest levels.
Vitamin B12 and blood sugar control
Vitamin B12 may also play a role in glycemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
A randomized controlled trial published in Diabetes Care in 2010 examined the effects of vitamin B12 and metformin on glycemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
The study found that vitamin B12 supplementation improved glycemic control and decreased homocysteine levels, a marker of inflammation, compared to metformin alone.
Another study published in the Journal of Diabetes and its Complications in 2018 examined the effects of vitamin B12 supplementation on glycemic control and nerve function in individuals with type 2 diabetes and diabetic neuropathy.
The study found that vitamin B12 supplementation improved glycemic control, nerve function, and quality of life compared to placebo.
Vitamin B12 deficiency and metformin
Metformin, a medication commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes, has been associated with vitamin B12 deficiency.
Metformin can interfere with vitamin B12 absorption in the gut, leading to lower levels of vitamin B12 in the body.
A systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of Diabetes and its Complications in 2018 analyzed the results of 10 randomized controlled trials and found that metformin use was associated with a significant decrease in vitamin B12 levels.
The study concluded that routine screening and supplementation of vitamin B12 may be necessary for individuals with type 2 diabetes who take metformin.
Vitamin B12 supplementation
Vitamin B12 supplementation may be beneficial for individuals with type 2 diabetes, particularly those with vitamin B12 deficiency.
A randomized controlled trial published in Diabetes Care in 2010 found that vitamin B12 supplementation improved glycemic control and decreased homocysteine levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Another study published in the Journal of Diabetes and its Complications in 2018 found that vitamin B12 supplementation improved glycemic control, nerve function, and quality of life in individuals with type 2 diabetes and diabetic neuropathy.
It is important to note that while vitamin B12 supplementation may be beneficial, it should be approached with caution in individuals with kidney disease, as high doses of vitamin B12 can lead to hypercalcemia, or high levels of calcium in the blood.
Conclusion
Vitamin B12 may play an important role in the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes.
Low levels of vitamin B12 have been associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, while vitamin B12 supplementation has been shown to improve glycemic control and decrease inflammation in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
However, metformin use can lead to vitamin B12 deficiency, and routine screening and supplementation may be necessary for individuals with type 2 diabetes who take metformin.
While vitamin B12 supplementation may be beneficial, it should be approached with caution in individuals with kidney disease.
Overall, maintaining adequate levels of vitamin B12 through diet and/or supplementation may be an important part of managing type 2 diabetes.
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