RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Vitamin B12 deficiency in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus using metformin and the associated factors in Saudi Arabia JF Saudi Medical Journal JO Saudi Med J FD Prince Sultan Military Medical City SP 161 OP 165 DO 10.15537/smj.2021.2.25693 VO 42 IS 2 A1 Roqaih R. Al Saeed A1 Muneera A. Baraja YR 2021 UL http://smj.org.sa/content/42/2/161.abstract AB Objectives: To assess the presence of vitamin B12 deficiency among metformin users and associated factors in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted with 307 diabetic patients in the primary health care centers at King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia between October 2017 and January 2018. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with the participants, using a designed checklist.Results: The prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency was (3.6%) and the majority of the sample had borderline B12 levels (66.1%). The vitamin B12 deficiency and borderline levels were strongly associated with the dose of metformin. Patients taking doses of metformin more than 1000 mg had lower levels of vitamin B12. The use of multivitamin and vitamin B complex was assessed, and it was found that there was a marked decrease in the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency in patients using vitamin B complex containing more than 200 mcg vitamin B12.Conclusion: Our findings show a low prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency in type 2 diabetic patients taking metformin. The majority of the sample had borderline deficiency; therefore, additional investigation and management are required.