In a study of obese patients with type 2 diabetes, bariatric surgery was found to be more effective than medical treatment in the long-term control of the disease (for at least 5 years). The study consisted of 60 patients randomized to either medical treatment or surgery (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or biliopancreatic diversion). The primary endpoint was the rate of diabetes remission at 2 years (defined as HbA1c of 6.5% or less and a fasting glucose concentration of 5.6 mmol/L or less) without active pharmacologic treatment for 1 year. Patients were followed up for 5 years. Among 38 patients who underwent surgery, 19 (50%) maintained diabetes remission at 5 years compared with none of the 15 medically treated patients. The study authors advise continued monitoring of glycemic control because of a potential relapse for hyperglycemia.
Read the complete study here in The Lancet. To learn more from one of the study authors, Dr. Francesco Rubino, be sure to attend the 10th Annual CMHC where he will co-present “Long-Term and Metabolic Effects of Bariatric Surgery” on Friday, October 23, from 3:25 – 4:05 pm with Dr. Lee M. Kaplan.
