July 6, 2002
Pills for Diabetes
Question from the United Kingdom:
I am 51 years old, have had type 2 diabetes treated with metformin for about seven months, and it seems to be doing its job since my last hemoglobin A1c was 5.9%. However, I have noticed a greater than usual hair loss. Could this be a result of metformin’s reported affect on the absorption of Vitamin B12? As part of my diet plan I have cut down on full fat dairy foods, a source of Vitamin B12, as well as substituting low fat alternatives where available. I have started taking a Vitamin B complex supplement. Will this help? Should I speak to my doctor who I am not due to see for another six months?
Answer:
The problem of hair falling out is a difficult problem to pin down. It can occur commonly without taking any medications. The B12 malabsorption problem was initially placed on the FDA-approved label. However, we have not seen a frequent problem with this in practice.
Your physician can rapidly screen for B12 deficiency by performing a blood count. Common findings of B12 deficiency include anemia, fatigue, and loss of vibratory sensation when advanced.
JTL
[Editor’s comment: If you haven’t had blood testing for hypothyroidism, it might be worth a phone call to your doctor’s office to arrange testing the TSH level.
WWQ]
