Link between vitamin B12, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and bone mineral density in elderly patients

Abstract

Background/Purpose

There have been many conflicting reports on the effects of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and the level of vitamin B12 on bone mineral density (BMD) in elderly patients. Moreover, conflicting data exists regarding the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency among elderly diabetics. The aim of this study was to investigate the link between vitamin B12 levels, type 2 DM, and BMD in elderly patients.

Methods

A case–control study was conducted on 61 participants, ≥60 years of age, divided into 31 cases of patients with diabetes and 30 age-matched healthy controls. Patients receiving vitamin B12 supplements were excluded. The relationship between BMD and serum levels of vitamin B12 was examined.

Results

Borderline/deficient serum B12 status was more common in the control group; it was found in 53.33% of the controls and 25.80% of diabetic patients. The mean serum vitamin B12 concentration was 820.65 ± 544.77 pg/mL in patients with diabetes and 677.80 ± 619.89 pg/mL in healthy control participants (p = 0.34). Serum vitamin B12 concentration showed no significant difference between osteoporotic patients, osteopenic patients, and normal patients among the diabetic group.

Conclusion

The prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency was higher in the control group than the diabetic group who did not receive oral B12 supplementation. Low serum vitamin B12 is commonly overlooked in the elderly, with or without diabetes. The presence of diabetes mellitus did not affect BMD in the elderly. Furthermore, there is no significant relationship between serum vitamin B12 levels and BMD among diabetics.