Andre Brooks

I’m convinced Black people with diabetic neuropathy are not being told enough about one important issue. There is something that can happen to people with type 2 diabetes who take metformin long term, and many patients only hear about it after symptoms begin. My name is Dr. Andre Brooks. I am a neurologist. I practise in Manchester. I have spent 20 years watching patients with type 2 diabetes do everything they were told to do. They take their medication. They follow instructions. They attend appointments. They keep taking metformin. Their blood results may even look controlled. And yet some still develop burning, tingling, numbness, wounds, infections, and serious foot complications. Every person with diabetic neuropathy deserves to understand what may be happening inside their nerves. Your nerves are wrapped in a protective coating. Think of it like the insulation around an electrical wire. When that insulation is healthy, the signal travels clearly. You feel what you are supposed to feel, and nothing you are not. That insulation depends on several nutrients, including Vitamin B12. When B12 levels are low, nerve health can suffer. Some people may notice tingling, burning, numbness, or strange sensations in their feet. Here is what many people are not told clearly enough: Metformin has been associated with reduced Vitamin B12 levels, especially with long term use. This matters because B12 plays an important role in nerve function. For some people, low B12 may add to nerve symptoms or make existing nerve problems harder to manage. And this is where many patients get stuck. They may be prescribed medication for nerve pain, such as gabapentin, pregabalin, duloxetine, or amitriptyline. These medicines can help some people manage symptoms, but they do not replace Vitamin B12 if the body is low in it. That is why testing matters. If you have type 2 diabetes, take metformin, and have burning, tingling, numbness, or discomfort in your feet, it is worth asking your doctor about checking your Vitamin B12 level. This is especially important if you have been taking metformin for years. Now let’s talk about absorption. Many people buy B12 capsules and expect quick results. But for some adults, especially as they get older, absorption can become less efficient. That does not mean B12 is useless. It means the form and delivery method may matter. Methylcobalamin is an active form of Vitamin B12. Sublingual B12 is taken under the tongue, where it may absorb differently from standard swallowed capsules. That is why I looked for a B-complex built around active B12, designed for easy daily use. That is when I found Olvexa. Olvexa is a Vitamin B-complex supplement with high-dose methylcobalamin B12, designed to be taken sublingually. It is made for people who want to support normal nerve function, energy metabolism, and B-vitamin intake, especially if they are concerned about low B12 levels. This is not a replacement for medical care. It is not a cure for diabetic neuropathy. It is not a reason to stop your medication. But it may be a useful support option for people who want to address their B12 intake more seriously. Here is what some users notice over time: Week two: they may sleep better because their body feels more supported. Week three: they may notice their feet feel less distracting at night. Week four: daily movement may feel easier because they are paying more attention to nerve support and B-vitamin intake. Week six: they may choose to retest their B12 levels and discuss the results with their doctor. The key point is simple: Do not ignore burning, tingling, or numbness in your feet. Do not assume it is just ageing. Do not assume it is only about blood sugar. And if you take metformin, ask about Vitamin B12 testing. There are two paths. Path one: You only manage the discomfort and never ask what else might be contributing to it. Path two: You speak to your doctor, check your B12 level, and support your body with the nutrients your nerves need. Olvexa is designed for people choosing the second path. It contains high-dose methylcobalamin, the active form of B12, delivered sublingually. It is third-party tested, with a Certificate of Analysis available to check. It also comes with a 90-day money-back guarantee. If you want to support your B-vitamin intake and normal nerve function, you can learn more here: 👉 https://tryolvexa.com/products/olvexa-vitamin-b-complex P.S. At your next appointment, ask this question: “I take metformin and have nerve symptoms. Can we check my Vitamin B12 level and discuss whether low B12 could be contributing?” That one question could open a conversation many patients never have.