In times past we have discussed the link between Vitamin B?12, homocysteine (HCY) and several health conditions. Now, let’s discuss how diabetes and high blood sugar can affect B?12 levels and effectiveness.

Vitamin B?12 assists in creating enzymes in your body that keep you healthy and full of energy. One key enzyme is MMAM (methylmalonic acid mutase). If this enzyme is not nourished by B?12, dangerous levels of MMA (methylmalonic acid) build up in your bloodstream and choke your energy. The cells in your body and brain suffocate from toxic MMA. B?12 detoxifies MMA. Diabetes and high blood sugar prevent B?12 from detoxifying MMA.

Understanding B?12 levels
When a person has a blood test for Vitamin B?12 they are usually given a range that is within normal or too low. In my opinion, a blood test for Vitamin B?12 by itself is among the most worthless blood tests we do for three reasons:

1. The values are wrong. People experience a loss of energy, inability to concentrate and bad moods when B?12 drops below 400 pg/ml. Yet, labs say that a person is still normal when their blood levels drop to 200 ? less than half of what is really ideal!
2. B?12 is very dependent on its family of B vitamins (folic acid, biotin and Vitamin B?6). Even if B?12 blood levels were normal, you would be functionally deficient in B?12 if your levels of these other B vitamins were too low. You may see this imbalance because of elevated levels of toxic homocysteine (HCY).
3. As your blood sugar rises (and generally among people over 50), toxic levels of MMA can accumulate in the bloodstream because high levels of blood sugar and, possibly, high levels of stress hormones, blunt the effectiveness of B?12. Your blood levels could be normal for B?12, but you are still functionally deficient in B?12!

A true picture of blood levels of B?12 can only be seen in the context of HCY levels (ideal: 6.3), MMA levels (methylmalonic acid ? ideal 0.17) and Vitamin B?12 levels above 400 (ideal above 450). Anytime a fasting blood sugar (glucose) is above 99 (ideal: 85), you should also have your B?12, HCY and MMA levels tested.

What to do?
The real key in understanding Vitamin B?12 metabolism is in understanding its function. Vitamin B?12 must have B?6, biotin and folic acid in order to energize your brain and lift your mood. This is why we have formulated both Sublingual B?12 and Super B with this family of B vitamins.

If your HCY is elevated above the ideal range, you should consider adding extra HCY factors ? nutrients called “methyl donors.” These can “plug the holes” where HCY may escape from your liver or kidneys. 

If your MMA is elevated or you don’t “feel” the energy of B?12, consider taking GlucoManage. As mentioned earlier, high blood sugar (as seen with a high fasting glucose and when you experience carbohydrate cravings) can choke the effectiveness of B?12 in creating energy. GlucoManage contains nutrients that help nourish healthy blood sugar levels.

Conclusion
It is the birthright of every human to feel energized and enthusiastic. If you don’t, something may be wrong. During your normal annual physical, ask your doctor to test your blood sugar (glucose), VitaminB?12, HCY and MMA levels. Be a wellness “sleuth” and optimize the function of your body and mind with nutrients and nurturing

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