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Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Patients With Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study.
Tariq Hayat1, Ramshaw Waqar2, Salman Farsi3
1Acute Internal Medicine, Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar, Peshawar, PAK.
Cureus
|August 8, 2025
Summary
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) affects nearly half of patients with vitamin B12 deficiency, especially older individuals and those with long-standing diabetes. Routine screening for vitamin B12 is crucial for preventing neurological decline in this population.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neurology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a significant complication of diabetes mellitus.
- Vitamin B12 deficiency is linked to DPN, yet screening is inconsistent.
- Hospital data on B12 deficiency patterns in DPN patients are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of vitamin B12 deficiency in patients with DPN.
- To identify factors associated with vitamin B12 deficiency in this cohort.
- To inform clinical practice regarding B12 screening in DPN patients.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted on 139 type 2 diabetes patients with DPN.
- Serum vitamin B12 levels were measured; deficiency was defined as <149 ng/L.
- Multivariable logistic regression analyzed predictors of deficiency, adjusting for age, gender, and diabetes duration.
Main Results:
- Vitamin B12 deficiency was prevalent in 48.2% of participants.
- Deficiency was significantly higher in older patients (46-60 years) and those with diabetes >5 years.
- Age and diabetes duration were strong predictors of vitamin B12 deficiency.
Conclusions:
- A high prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency exists in DPN patients.
- Older age and longer diabetes duration are key determinants of B12 deficiency.
- Routine B12 screening in DPN patients, especially older ones or those with long-standing diabetes, is recommended to prevent neurological deterioration.
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