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Bariatric surgery reduces diabetes risk |
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Tuesday, 03 April 2007 |
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Researchers have discovered that bariatric surgery, whereby part of the intestines is bypassed, or the stomach restricted in order to reduce calorie absorption, can reduce the chances of severely obese patients developing type II diabetes.
Bariatric surgery is normally only advised for patients with a body mass index of 35 or greater and whose efforts to lose weight in the past have not been successful. The surgery can involve either fitting a restrictive band around the stomach that reduces the capacity of the stomach, or alternatively, bypassing part of the intestine so that the amount of food absorbed by the patient is reduced.
Type II diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance and impaired beta cell function, and obesity is a major factor in development of the condition. The research, led by Dr. Ele Ferrannini, Department of Internal Medicine and CNR Institute of Clinical Physiology, University of Pisa School of Medicine, Italy, found that patients undergoing bariatric surgery experienced reduced their insulin resistance and improved beta cell function, even where the surgery did not result in any weight loss.
"Why these surgeries would improve beta cell function and glucose tolerance, independent of weight loss, remains unclear," said Dr. Ele Ferrannini. "But obviously the fact that it does improve beta-cell function could make bariatric surgery a useful tool in the prevention of diabetes in the severely obese patient."
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