Metformin And Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Q: I am a 72-year-old woman currently taking metformin for diabetes. My diabetes is well controlled with this medication, but I heard from a friend that metformin can cause a deficiency of vitamin B12. Can you tell me if this is true, and if so, what I can do about it? I do not want to stop taking this medication. A: Many patients who are taking metformin, as well as quite a number of their physicians, are not aware that a deficiency of vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is a potential side effect of the drug. Studies have found that 10-30% of patients taking metformin experience below-normal levels of serum B12; these individuals previously had normal serum B12 levels.1 So your friend is right, and you do have reason to be concerned. However, it is possible to avoid this problem and to safely continue taking metformin by adding daily supplements of vitamin B12 and calcium. Metformin has also been found to interfere with calcium metabolism, which can affect B12 absorption, so calcium supplements are also recommended for metformin patients. Understanding Diabetes About 20% of North Americans over the age of 65 have type 2 diabetes, which too often becomes a chronic, progressive, and irreversible disease. An even greater percentage of American adults suffer from metabolic syndrome or pre-diabetes, which may cause more arterial disease than type 2 diabetes, since so many aging people are affected. The causes of type 2 diabetes (as well as metabolic syndrome) include genetics and normal aging, as well as environmental factors such as obesity, poor diet, and a sedentary lifestyle. Patients with type 2 diabetes initially suffer from “insulin resistance,” which means that the body’s cells do not respond appropriately when insulin is present. The body responds initially by overprodu Continue reading >>
Metformin Memory Issues – 841935
This amazing site, which includes experienced business for 9 years, is one of the leading pharmacies on the Internet. We take your protection seriously. They are available 24 hours each day, 7 days per week, through email, online chat or by mobile. Privacy is vital to us. Everything we do at this amazing site is 100% legal. – Really Amazing prices – NO PRESCRIPTION REQUIRED! – Top Quality Medications! – Discount & Bonuses – Fast and Discreet Shipping Worldwide – 24/7 Customer Support. Free Consultation! – Visa, MasterCard, Amex etc. – – – – – – – – – – Metformin Memory Issues Metformin and Impaired Thinking – Diabetes Self …13-9-2013 · Metformin and Impaired Thinking . our family has ever had memory problems, could metformin have to see if it would improve my memory issues.Can Metformin cause Memory Problems? – treato.comCan Metformin cause Memory Problems? viagra online Complete analysis from patient reviews and trusted online health resources, including first-hand experiences.PCOS and Memory Issues? Quickly Improve Your MemoryMany women with PCOS complain of brain fog and memory issues. Psychologist and memory coach Harold Magnum of Memory Technologies Institute speaks about memoryCan Metformin cause Memory Problems? – Page 3 – …Can Metformin cause Memory Problems? Complete analysis from patient reviews and trusted online health resources, including first-hand experiences. – Page 3The Low Down on Metformin and Vitamin B12 Deficiency If you have PCOS, here is what you need to know about Metformin and Vitamin B12 deficiency.Brain Fog | Brain Fog Caused by Metformin for DiabetesHas anyone heard Continue reading >>
Side Effects Of Metformin May Cause Problems With Thinking: Study
The findings of a new study raises potential concerns about the side effects of meformin, suggesting that the popular diabetes drug may impair brain functions and cause users to experience problems thinking. Metformin is a widely used medication for treatment of type 2 diabetes, which is also known under the brand names Glumetza, Riomet, Fortamet and Glucophage. It is also part of several popular combination therapies, including the blockbuster medication Janumet, which combines metformin with the top selling diabetes drug Januvia. In a report published by the journal Diabetes Care, researchers compiled data from several different studies, including the Primary Research in Memory (PRIME) study; Australian Imaging, Biomarkers and Lifestyle (AIBL) study and data from the Barwon region of southeastern Australia. Researchers found that participants with diabetes performed worse on cognitive performance than those who did not have diabetes, with individuals taking a metformin drug performing significantly worse. More than 1,300 patients were evaluated who had Alzheimer’s disease, mildly impaired brain function and no cognitive impairments; along with a subset group which also had type 2 diabetes or impaired glucose intolerance. Patients who suffered a stroke or had neurodegenerative diseases other than Alzheimer’s were not included in the study. Patients with type 2 diabetes performed poorly on cognitive impairment tests and those who took metformin performed even worse. Researchers found metformin was associated with a vitamin B12 deficiency, which in turn resulted in impaired cognitive performance. Patients with vitamin B12 levels less than 250 pmol/L had the worst cognitive performance. Conversely, patients with type 2 diabetes taking metformin, but who also took calc Continue reading >>
Study: Metformin Linked To Higher Risk Of Alzheimer’s And Parkinson’s
A recent study found that the use of metformin in people with diabetes increased their risk for developing dementia and Parkinson’s Disease. This may be surprising as not too long ago, we reported on a different study which found the opposite–that using metformin might lower the risk for dementia in older men. The study from Taiwanese researchers was presented on March 29, 2017 at The 13th International Conference on Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases in Vienna Austria by Dr. Yi-Chun Kuan from the Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taiwan. The researchers found that long-term use of metformin may raise the risk of neurodegenerative disease in those with type 2 diabetes. How Harmful Might Metformin Be to the Brain? As reported by Medscape Medical News, Yi-Chun Kuan and team conducted a cohort study to follow a total 9,300 patients with type 2 diabetes in Taiwan for up to 12 years. They checked records for these patients from the National Health research database of Taiwan including 4,651 who had metformin prescriptions and 4651 matched controls who didn’t take any metformin. Dr. Kuan told Medscape they adjusted for age, sex, and diabetes severity and that despite this, “the cumulative incidences of Parkinson’s and dementia were significantly higher for our metformin cohort” at 12 years. In fact, the risk for Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer’s dementia went up over 50 percent during a 12 year period in those who took metformin when compared to those who did not. Researchers also found that “outcome risks increased progressively with higher dosage and longer duration of treatment.” Dr. Yi-Chun Kuan said, “We’d heard about a possible protective effect from metformin. However, we found the reverse,” and she added t Continue reading >>
Can Metformin Cure Alzheimer's Disease?
Metformin is a diabetes drug that is readily available via prescription. Can it be used to treat Alzheimer's disease? Alzheimer's Reading Room The question here is, Can the drug Metformin repair the damage done by Alzheimer's disease? No. However, it might become a potential treatment for Alzheimer's. But, not any time soon. The interesting and exciting part of this research is how it unfolded. The researchers showed that metformin could enhance the development of mature nerve cells from stem cells. This works with human brain cells in the laboratory, and in mice. This has not actually been tested in humans. In addition, this is not Alzheimer's research. However, you could make a giant leap and hypothesize that this might work with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. There might be some excitement in the Alzheimer's community because you can buy this drug right now, and it appears that it does enhance memory in mice. Keep in mind, there is no evidence in any of this research that Alzheimer's could be reversed. It appears that the drug can help existing brain cells to divide and produce new brain cells. The video below is very good, and walks you right through the process of this research up to this point. It is worth viewing. Common diabetes drug promotes development of brain stem cells SickKids researchers suggest metformin helps produce new brain cells and enhance memory Researchers at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) have found that metformin, a drug commonly used to treat Type II diabetes, can help trigger the pathway used to instruct stem cells in the brain to become neural (nerve) cells. Brain stem cells and the neural cells they generate play a role in the repair of the injured or degenerating brain. This study suggests a novel therapeutic appro Continue reading >>
Diabetes Drug Metformin 'could Aid Alzheimer's'
Today’s Daily Express headline claims that a “2p diabetes pill could hold key to Alzheimer’s cure”. The headline accompanies a story about a potential new use for the drug metformin. The story is based on a study that examined the effect metformin had on promoting the growth of new nerve cells in the brain. The headline is misleading as the research is promising but only preliminary research into treating Alzheimer’s. The first stage of the research successfully showed that metformin can stimulate the development of both mice and human stem cells into nerve cells in a laboratory setting. The second stage tested the effects of metformin in a real-life setting on mice. Researchers found that when mice were injected with the drug, new nerve cells developed in the area of the brain responsible for learning and memory. The mice were also better at navigating a ‘water maze’ test. This is potentially exciting as current treatments for Alzheimer’s can slow the progression of disease but cannot reverse it. If the same effects seen in mice were also seen in humans it may lead to an improvement in symptoms such as memory loss. However, what is effective when injected into mice brains is not necessarily safe and effective when given to people in tablet form. To find out if oral metformin offers a viable treatment option for people with Alzheimer’s, let alone a “cure”, will require many more years of research. To learn more about stem cells, read the Behind the Headlines special report, Hope and hype: an analysis of stem cells in the media. Where did the story come from? The study was carried out by researchers from Canada and the US and was funded by the Canadian Institute of Health Research, the McEwen Center for Regenerative Medicine, the Canadian Stem Cell Continue reading >>
In Some Patients Metformin Impairs Thinking
The widely acclaimed diabetes drug metformin was linked with impaired brain function in patients who took the drug, although supplementation with vitamin B12 may alleviate metformin-induced deficiencies, according to new research. In a retrospective study, diabetic patients who were taking metformin had worse cognitive performance than those not taking the drug (odds ratio 2.23, 95% CI 1.05-4.75), Eileen Moore, PhD, of the University of Melbourne in Australia, and colleagues reported online in Diabetes Care. Additionally, patients with diabetes who had vitamin B12 levels less than 250 pmol/L also had worse cognitive performance (OR 2.29, 95% CI 1.12-4.66), and the association between metformin and cognitive impairment was weakened after adjusting for vitamin B12 levels, they stated. "Increased monitoring of cognitive ability in patients with diabetes who use metformin is warranted, particularly among older adults," they wrote, adding that "prospective trials are warranted to assess the beneficial effects of vitamin B12 and calcium use on cognition in older people with diabetes who are taking metformin." Metformin has been hailed as a sort of wonder drug, with benefits in a number of comorbidities including heart disease and cancer. But some research has suggested that it's not such a boon to cognitive outcomes, mainly because of its association with vitamin B12 deficiency. To assess the effects of the drug on cognitive performance, the researchers looked at data from 1,354 patients involved in various trials: the Primary Research in Memory (PRIME) clinics study, the Australian Imaging, Biomarkers, and Lifestyle (ABIL) study, and clinical data from the Barwon region of southeastern Australia. Moore and colleagues included patients with Alzheimer's disease and mild cognit Continue reading >>
Metformin In The Diabetic Brain: Friend Or Foe?
Diabetes is fast becoming the epidemic of the 21st century. Individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) are at an increased risk for developing cognitive disorders, such as Alzheimer disease (AD). To avoid or slow the development of T2D-associated complications anti-diabetic agents should be capable of achieving the desired glycemic and metabolic control goal, which should be as close to normal as possible. Metformin (1,1-dimethylbiguanide), an inexpensive, well-tolerated oral anti-diabetic agent is the most widely prescribed drug for treating T2D and is recommended, in conjunction with lifestyle modification (i.e., diet and physical activity), as a first-line oral therapy (1). Besides being highly effective in improving glycemic control, metformin has also a low risk of hypoglycemia. This anti-diabetic drug can be used at all stages of T2D progression, either as monotherapy or in combination with sulfonylureas and other secretagogues, thiazolidinediones, and insulin. The mechanism of action of metformin depends on alterations in cellular energy metabolism (i.e., increased AMP/ATP ratio). Metformin exerts its glucose-lowering effect by inhibiting hepatic gluconeogenesis and opposing the action of glucagon. Metformin-mediated inhibition of mitochondrial complex I results in defective cAMP and protein kinase A signaling in response to glucagon. Although unnecessary for the glucose-lowering effect of metformin, the stimulation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) confers insulin sensitivity, mainly through the modulation of lipid metabolism (2). Metformin can cross the blood-brain barrier and have specific effects on the central nervous system, although the exact mechanism and sites of its action remain uncertain. In addition, conflicting information exists about the benefici Continue reading >>
The Low Down On Metformin And Vitamin B12 Deficiency
So many women with PCOS are prescribed Metformin (an insulin-sensitizing drug) to manage their Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. And for good reason too. Metformin has been shown to improve many aspects of PCOS, including weight loss, fertility and improved testosterone levels (1). But, it also leads to Vitamin B12 deficiency if used at high doses or for long periods of time. So, here’s what you need to know about Metformin and Vitamin B12 deficiency with PCOS. What is Metformin? As I have already mentioned, Metformin is an insulin sensitizing drug that is often prescribed for women withPCOS. It works by decreasing absorption of glucose through the intestines, lowering the amount of glucose produced by the liver and making the body more sensitive to the insulin that is being produced. The overall effect of Metformin use for PCOS is lowered testosterone levels, improved ovulation and fertility as well as a more regular menstrual cycle. This is all sounding good, right? Well, it is good although there are some nasty side effects. A full discussion on Metformin is not going to be dealt with now, though. I really want to hone in on Metformin’s effect of Vitamin B12 levels as this could be affecting you right now. A free 6 lesson course that has helped women with PCOS around the world learn how to see lasting changes in their PCOS symptoms. Ready to join? Vitamin B12 Vitamin B12 is a vitamin that is vital for the body’s functioning. It is important for red blood cell formation, neurological function and DNA formation. If you are deficient in this important vitamin, it could lead to anaemia and neurological problems. (including memory loss – something that I have seen cropping up more often in PCOS communities). (2) Metformin and Vitamin B12 Right, so this is where it gets Continue reading >>
Does Metformin Cause Memory Loss?
In this article, our pharmacist discusses whether or not metformin causes memory loss and how to reverse the effects. Does metformin cause memory loss? I feel as though the longer I have been on the drug, I have gotten worse. Answer Current evidence suggests that metformin does in fact have a negative effect on memory, although more studies are needed. Interestingly, early studies indicated that metformin showed potential promise in treating and preventing certain neurological conditions such as Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease. In Vitro studies (i.e. studies conducted in the lab in a non-biological context) showed that metformin could prevent the formation of amyloid beta peptides, one of the hallmarks of neurodegeneration in Parkinson's Disease. Furthermore, studies in mice have shown that metformin promoted neurogenesis (i.e. generation of new neurons) and enhanced memory in rodents, as well as a overall reduction in oxidative stress. Unfortunately, these past results don't seem to have transferred over to the human use of metformin. Many current studies now show that metformin is associated with cognitive decline. In fact, there have been studies that suggest a nearly two fold increase in the likelihood of mental impairment in those taking metformin versus those who are not. Worse yet, metformin has been linked to an increased risk of developing dementia and Parkinson's Disease. One study followed over 9,000 patients for up to 12 years and found that the risk Parkinson’s disease, as well as dementia, increased over 50 percent during that period in those who took metformin. They concluded that long term metformin exposure in patients with diabetes may lead to the development of neurodegenerative diseases. The problem with most of the studies linking metf Continue reading >>
Memory Loss (amnesia)
Memory loss can be caused by a number of factors, from short term causes such as low blood sugar or medication side effects to long term health issues such as dementia. Treatment for long term memory loss will depend on what is causing it. Evidence from research suggests that good control of diabetes can help prevent memory problems developing over the longer term. Memory loss tends to become more prevalent as we get older. The NHS notes that around four in 10 people over the age of 65, in the general population, have some form of memory difficulties. The NHS notes that around 4 in 10 people over the age of 65, in the general population, have some form of memory difficulties. How can diabetes affect memory loss? Memory loss in diabetes can be a short term problem brought on by too low or high blood glucose levels. During hypoglycemia, for example, you may struggle to remember words. This is not necessarily a sign of a long term problem. In most cases, raising sugar levels over 4 mmol/l should get your memory back to normal. If memory problems happen at other times and this significantly affects your life, speak to your GP. Diabetes can increase the risk of developing long-term memory problems if blood glucose levels are less well controlled. High blood glucose levels, over a number of years, can damage the nerves, including those of the brain, which can increase the risk of dementia. Research shows that good diabetes management can help prevent memory problems from developing or advancing. Symptoms of memory loss Symptoms of memory loss could include: Not being able to recall an important event in your life Forgetting what you have just done Forgetting where things in your home are Forgetting the names of people close to you Some of these can happen to all of us from ti Continue reading >>
Review Elevated Risk Of Type 2 Diabetes For Development Of Alzheimer Disease: A Key Role For Oxidative Stress In Brain
1. Introduction Alzheimer disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia among the elderly and is characterized by progressive loss of memory and cognition [1]. Epidemiological data show that the incidence of AD increases with age and doubles every 5 years after 65 years of age with 1275 new cases/100,000 persons/year [1,2]. The Alzheimer Association points out that the financial, emotional, and family costs for care of AD patients are enormous and will increase markedly in the near future in the absence of a therapeutic modality to slow or stop onset. From a neuropathological point of view, amyloid-β-peptide (Aβ) leads to senile plaques, which, together with hyperphosphorylated tau-based neurofibrillary tangles and synapse loss, are the principal pathological hallmarks of AD. Aβ is associated with the formation of reactive oxygen (ROS) and nitrogen (RNS) species, and induces calcium-dependent excitotoxicity, impairment of cellular respiration, and alteration of synaptic functions associated with learning and memory [1]. Like AD, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) represents another prevalent disease associated with obesity and often aging, and it is estimated that about 24 million people living in the USA show clinical symptoms of T2DM [3]. T2DM is a condition in which high blood glucose levels result from increased hepatic glucose production, impaired insulin production by pancreatic β-cells and “insulin resistance” [inadequate response to insulin by target cells due to a down-regulated expression of the insulin receptor (IR), the IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R), and the insulin receptor substrate (IRS) proteins] [3]. In different clinical studies, an association of T2DM and neurodegenerative disorders as well as decline in memory has been described. A series of longit Continue reading >>
5 Surprising Causes Of Memory Loss
You can't find your keys or you forget an appointment. For many people in middle age or older, simple acts of forgetfulness like these are scary because they raise the specter of Alzheimer's disease. But Alzheimer’s is not the only health issue that can lead to forgetfulness, which is often treatable if you know the cause, according to the National Institute on Aging. Memory loss can happen at any age and for a number of reasons. “Patients might experience memory loss and describe their symptoms similarly, but a doctor can tease apart what parts of the brain are affected,” says Seth Gale, MD, a neurologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. He points out things like polypharmacy (taking several medications), significant depression, and poor sleep that can lead to memory complaints. “When you drill down and find out what is actually happening with brain function, you can reassure someone. They have the capacity to learn and store information but because of their overloaded mental resources, they are having trouble,” says Dr. Gale. Talk with your doctor about concerns you may have about your memory, so the condition responsible for your symptoms can be addressed. Discussing your symptoms and taking various tests, possibly including an MRI, may help your doctor determine what is affecting your memory, Gale says. In some cases, one or more of the following issues could play a role. 1. Sleep Apnea This common but treatable sleep disorder causes breathing to stop briefly and frequently throughout the night. It is linked to memory loss and dementia, according to Constantine Lyketsos, MD, director of the Memory and Alzheimer's Treatment Center at Johns Hopkins Medicine and professor and chair of psychiatry at Johns Hopkins Bayview. You might have sleep apnea Continue reading >>
Memory Loss (amnesia)
Memory loss can be caused by a number of factors, from short term causes such as low blood sugar or medication side effects to long term health issues such as dementia. Treatment for long term memory loss will depend on what is causing it. Evidence from research suggests that good control of diabetes can help prevent memory problems developing over the longer term. Memory loss tends to become more prevalent as we get older. The NHS notes that around four in 10 people over the age of 65, in the general population, have some form of memory difficulties. The NHS notes that around 4 in 10 people over the age of 65, in the general population, have some form of memory difficulties. How can diabetes affect memory loss? Memory loss in diabetes can be a short term problem brought on by too low or high blood glucose levels. During hypoglycemia, for example, you may struggle to remember words. This is not necessarily a sign of a long term problem. In most cases, raising sugar levels over 4 mmol/l should get your memory back to normal. If memory problems happen at other times and this significantly affects your life, speak to your GP. Diabetes can increase the risk of developing long-term memory problems if blood glucose levels are less well controlled. High blood glucose levels, over a number of years, can damage the nerves, including those of the brain, which can increase the risk of dementia. Research shows that good diabetes management can help prevent memory problems from developing or advancing. Symptoms of memory loss Symptoms of memory loss could include: Not being able to recall an important event in your life Forgetting what you have just done Forgetting where things in your home are Forgetting the names of people close to you Some of these can happen to all of us from ti Continue reading >>
Can Diabetes Lead To Memory Loss?
In 2012, 9.3 percent of people in the United States had diabetes. That means that about 29.1 million Americans had diabetes in 2012. This number is growing. Every year, doctors diagnose an estimated 1.4 million new cases in the United States. Diabetes is a disease that involves having higher-than-normal blood glucose levels. This is known as hyperglycemia. Hyperglycemia occurs when your body can’t produce or respond to insulin. Your pancreas produces the hormone insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. Because of the reduced insulin production or resistance to the hormone, blood sugar levels tend to be high. Type 1 diabetes This is also known as juvenile diabetes. An autoimmune process may cause type 1 diabetes. If you have type 1 diabetes, your body’s antibodies attack the insulin-producing cells in your pancreas. You need insulin to help glucose molecules enter the cells. Once glucose enters the cells, your body can use it to create energy. People with type 1 diabetes don’t produce adequate amounts of insulin. This leads to higher than normal levels of blood sugar. Insulin injections are a necessary part of life for people living with type 1 diabetes. As of 2012, approximately 1.25 million Americans had type 1 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes This is the most common form of diabetes worldwide. If you have type 2 diabetes, your body produces insulin, but it can’t use it in the way that it should. This resistance causes the pancreas to produce more insulin. The added insulin increases the hormone levels in the bloodstream. This can have long-term negative effects on the brain. Check out: Diabetes by the numbers: Facts, statistics, and you » Memory loss is a normal phenomenon of aging. There are differences between memory loss that occurs with age and the complex memory Continue reading >>
