Vitamins B12 and D deficiencies and macro- and microelement disturbances among diabetic elderly patients

Vitamin and mineral disturbances may interfere with glucose metabolism. Elderly persons with diabetes type 2 (T2DM) are more prone to mineral disturbances and vitamin deficiencies. The aim of this study was to analyze concentrations of vitamins B12 and D and macro- and microelements among diabetic elderly patients. The study enrolled 347 patients with T2DM of whom 247 were elderly (median 76 years of age) (SenDM group) and 100 younger T2DM (median 59 years of age) (Y-DM group), and 320 patients aged 65 years and above without T2DM (mean 77 years of age) - Sen-nonDM - as a control group. Patient clinical and biochemical characteristics were recorded (drugs taken and glucose concentration, glycated hemoglobin level, complete blood count, concentration of Na, K, Ca, Fe and serum vitamins D and B12 levels). All elderly patients had insufficient/deficient vitamin D concentration. Vitamin B12 levels were below the reference limit for 15.6% of the SenDM group. No significant differences in Na, K, were observed among the investigated groups. 30.7% of the SenDM were Fe-deficient. In the SenDM group, vitamin B12-deficient patients did not develop macrocytic anaemia while Fe-deficient patients with T2DM tended to develop microcytic anaemia. The prevalence of vitamin deficiencies in elderly patients with T2DM is clinically relevant. Elderly patients with T2DM are clinically predisposed to Fe deficiencies. We suggest to monitor vitamin B12 and Fe concentration toward developing a full clinical picture as it may accelerate the treatment options and improve elderly patients' outcome.