Exploring Hypovitaminosis B12 in New Onset Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Prediabetes

BACKGROUND: Diabetics often develop vitamin B12 deficiencies, which are crucial for blood, nerve, cognitive, and cardiovascular functions. The impact of metformin on vitamin B12 levels, leading to complications such as peripheral neuropathy and anemia, is well-known; yet no studies focus on deficiency status at diabetes diagnosis or the start of treatment. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at 2 tertiary care institutions in India, Command Hospital (Western Command), Haryana, and Civil Hospital in Sirsi, Karnataka, from July 2022 to November 2023. The study included 326 newly diagnosed type II diabetes mellitus (DM) patients and prediabetes individuals attending outpatient and inpatient departments, collecting data on substance use, dietary practices, fasting blood sugar, random blood sugar, HbA1c, and vitamin B12 levels (CLIA method). RESULTS: The study population of 326 individuals showed significant regional differences in mean age, gender distribution, and dietary preferences. Vitamin B12 deficiency (