Methylcobalamin & Diabetes

Vitamin supplements such as methylcobalamin may help diabetes patients.

Methylcobalamin, more commonly known as Vitamin B12, is found in meat, fish, and dairy foods, but can also be made in a laboratory. It's required for proper brain, nerve, blood and organ function. It's safe for most people to take, but should not be used by people with very high or low red blood cell counts, an allergy to cobalt and cobalt compounds or Leber's disease. There is some evidence that B12 may help people with diabetes.

Significance

According to Podiatry Today, nearly 21 million U.S. residents have diabetes, and about 6 million are unaware they have this disease. Untreated diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease, nerve damage, blindness and limb amputation in adults. Methylcobalamin and other nutritional supplements can help people with damage from diabetes heal, and may prevent future damage.

Nerve Regeneration

Vitamin B12 can be used to reduce the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy, a condition where high blood sugar damages the nerves. This may cause tingling, numbness or pain. According to Podiatry Today, a double-blind study using oral methylcobalamin showed that the vitamin encouraged nerve regeneration and regrowth of myelin nodes--an important part of the nerve structure.

Expert Insight

A study published in the American Journal of Nutrition shows that rats fed a diet high in carbohydrates and low in fat require more B12 to grow, and have very low body fat. A lack of B12 in these rats caused high blood sugar levels, which were correctable via injections of the vitamin. Excess cortisone, a common steroid, also causes hyperglycemia, and prevents vitamin B12 from being correctly absorbed.

Potential

Nutritional supplementation with methylcobalamin, combined with an appropriate, low-glycemic index diet, could help decrease the risk of serious problems in people with diabetes. According to Podiatry Today, patients may need to take water-soluble vitamins like B12 several times a day to prevent vitamin levels in the bloodstream from dropping.

Warning

Methylcobalamin is important in maintaining appropriate blood sugar levels and could help heal damage caused by untreated diabetes. However, it is not a substitute for diabetes treatment. Anyone who suspects they have this condition should see a doctor immediately. Vitamin B12 should be part of a good diabetic treatment regimen, not a substitute for one.

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