Metformin (MTF) associated gastrointestinal symptoms are fairly common side effects that adversely affect patients' treatment adherence. However, the variability of gastrointestinal symptoms in MTF-using patients has not been fully explained. In our study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between vitamin B12 deficiency with MTF-related gastrointestinal symptoms. Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) using MTF were included in the study sequentially. Demographic characteristics of the patients, duration of diabetes, MTF dose and duration used, and gastrointestinal symptoms were recorded. Afterward, a hemogram, HgbA1c, and vitamin B12 measurements were performed. Patients with and without vitamin B12 deficiency were divided into two groups. The two groups were compared with statistical methods. Twenty-five percent of patients had low serum vitamin B12 levels. Patients with vitamin B12 deficiency had a longer diabetes duration, and a longer MTF usage duration (p
Key words: Diabetes mellitus, gastrointestinal symptoms, metformin, vitamin B12 deficiency
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