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Diabetic's Collapse Reveals Silent Vitamin B12 Danger
12 Feb
Summary
- A diabetic patient collapsed due to severe vitamin B12 deficiency.
- Men often ignore B12 deficiency symptoms, attributing them to stress.
- Delayed diagnosis of B12 deficiency can cause irreversible nerve damage.
A severe vitamin B12 deficiency led to the collapse of a 50-year-old diabetic patient, revealing a critical health issue often missed. The man, a strict vegetarian on Metformin and antacids, exhibited symptoms like exhaustion, dizziness, and burning feet. His blood report indicated a B12 level of 95 pg/ml, significantly below optimal ranges, contributing to megaloblastic anemia and early signs of spinal cord degeneration.
Men are particularly prone to overlooking vitamin B12 deficiency, frequently attributing its subtle symptoms—such as tingling, forgetfulness, and mood changes—to stress or other common ailments. Their reluctance to seek medical attention and undergo routine bloodwork means the deficiency can persist undetected for years.
Without adequate vitamin B12, crucial for DNA synthesis, brain function, and nerve health, the nervous system begins to malfunction. Extreme cases can manifest as psychosis, paralysis, or irreversible nerve damage. Prompt treatment with high-dose B12 injections is vital. While this patient's anemia improved, some nerve damage remained due to the delayed diagnosis, emphasizing the importance of awareness and timely intervention.
