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Using Exermet 850 Mg. Test Showed Low Vitamin D. Is This Due To Medication?

Posted on Tue, 16 Oct 2012

Question: I amm using Exermet 850 mg since last 3 years, earlier was using euglucon 2.5 mg for 8 years. Now i got my Vitamin D & it is low at 8.5 units. Does my diabitese treatment responsible for it. Otherwise I get plenty of sun & have no bone elated problems & Calcium is also in safe level'.

Answered by Dr. Mayank Bhargava (1 hour later)

Hi XXXXXX,
Thanks for posting your query.
No, diabetes treatment is not responsible for low serum Vitamin D level.
Thirty minutes of exposure of the skin over the arms and face to sunlight, without application of sunscreen, preferably between 10 am to 2 pm daily is adequate to avoid Vitamin D deficiency.
Also, this is very common deficiency in India, despite the fact that we get enough sun here.
Vitamin D deficiency is very common in Indian population and may be due to several reasons: changing food habits and quality of food leads to decreased calcium and Vitamin D intake, High fiber diet, few genetic factors, increase spending of time hours in indoor activities, increased pollution.
Although, there is adequate sunshine in India, high temperatures during the daytime and sultry and humid climate in many areas are the deterrents to follow the advice about sun exposure.
Diabetic patients are also prone to Vitamin D deficiency and associated with heart diseases.
Hence, food fortification with Vitamin D is a good option to solve this issue.
Let me know if you have any more concerns.
Best regards,
Dr. Mayank Bhargava

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Aparna Kohli

Follow up: Dr. Mayank Bhargava (1 hour later)

Thanks for your response. My recent HBA1C is 7.7 units LFT/KFT/Thyroid are all within limits. BP 10/80. Vit B12 346 units. Ca /Phos within limits. What do you suggest for Vit D supplements ? I am a vegetarian. I do remain adequately exposed to sunlight. Does the serum Vit D also fluctuates day to day/ Hour to hour ? I am also taking Coversyl 2 mg for BP. Do you suggest my taking additional calcium or bone related tests ?
Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Mayank Bhargava (9 hours later)

Hi XXXXXX

I think you have mentioned wrong figure of your blood pressure.

You have increased HbA1C (>6.0 is considered as raised) and this indicates uncontrolled blood sugar in last 3 months (RBCs have life span of 100-120 days).

You should consult with treating doctor and should take cholecalciferol XXXXXX on written prescription.
As such, there is no correlation between Vitamin D deficiency and type of diet (whether vegetarian or non-vegetarian).

Yes, sun exposure between 10 AM -2 PM is highly beneficial.

Calcium supplements are associated with multiple side effects so it is better to take cholecalciferol.
No, Coversyl 2 mg is not associated with vitamin D deficiency.

Hope I have answered your queries.

Take care,
Dr. Mayank Bhargava

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Mayank Bhargava (3 hours later)

Thanks for your reply.
My BP is 140/80.
I am leading active life including walking/exercising & taking lot of double toned milk/cheese/milk products which should improve Vit D values. However it seems that it is not helping. May be mal-absorption during metabolic process is causing insufficeny of Vit D. Pls advise. Thanks,

Answered by Dr. Mayank Bhargava (4 hours later)

Hi XXXXXX,

Absorption of calcium requires cholecalciferol and if you are vitamin D deficient then sufficient amount of calcium is not absorbed and you will remain calcium depleted.

In my opinion, you should take cholecalciferol for better effect of ingested calcium XXXXXX diet.

Take care,
Dr. Mayank Bhargava

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E