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Gastric bypass surgery: Could it be a diabetes fix?

Within days of weight-loss surgeries, many see blood sugar levels that are easier to manage -- or are normal

November 08, 2009|By Shari Roan, TRIBUNE NEWSPAPERS

Gastric sleeve: There is some evidence that the effect occurs with a newer type of weight-loss surgery called gastric sleeve, in which a portion of the stomach is removed so that it takes the shape of a tube or sleeve.

Last effects? Evidence suggests the effect on diabetes can last for an extended period or even indefinitely. "There is durability, but we also know that some people do get the disease back again," Purnell says. "Weight rebound is probably one factor. We also know that diabetes is a progressive disease. It may depend on how long you've been diagnosed with diabetes. If it's early on, I think the durability may be better."

Who should get the surgery: Traditional medical guidelines state that weight-loss surgery should be restricted to patients with a body mass index of 35 or greater who have related health problems. Some diabetes and nutrition experts think those recommendations don't go far enough. Several studies are under way to examine benefits of surgery in people with Type 2 diabetes and a BMI of less than 35.

-- S.R.