The effects of biliopancreatic diversion on type 2 diabetes mellitus in patients with mild obesity (BMI 30-35 kg/m2) and simple overweight (BMI 25-30 kg/m2): a prospective controlled study

The dual challenge of diabesity: pathophysiology, management, and future directions

Diabesity, the concurrent occurrence of obesity and type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), represents a pressing global health challenge characterized by intricate pathophysiological mechanisms and a wide range of associated comorbidities. Central to its development are insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and chronic low-grade inflammation mediated by dysregulated adipokine secretion and systemic metabolic dysfunction. These mechanisms underpin the progression of diabesity and its complications, including cardiovascular disease and hypertension. Management strategies encompass lifestyle interventions focusing on tailored dietary modifications and structured physical activity, pharmacological treatments targeting both glycemic control and weight loss, and surgical interventions such as bariatric surgery, which have demonstrated efficacy in achieving durable outcomes. Clinical trials and meta-analyses underscore the comparative advantages of different treatment modalities in terms of efficacy, safety, and sustainability. Moreover, long-term follow-up studies emphasize the critical need for sustained multidisciplinary interventions to prevent relapse and enhance patient outcomes. Future advancements in management include exploring precision medicine approaches that integrate individual metabolic profiles, lifestyle factors, and emerging therapeutic innovations. A multidisciplinary approach combining advanced therapeutic strategies and patient-centered care remains pivotal for optimizing management and improving prognoses for individuals with diabesity. This review highlights the complex interplay between obesity and T2DM, offering comprehensive insights into their pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and management paradigms.

Scientific Evidence for the Updated Guidelines on Indications for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (IFSO/ASMBS)

The 2022 American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO) updated the indications for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (MBS), replacing the previous guidelines established by the NIH over 30 years ago. The evidence supporting these updated guidelines has been strengthened to assist metabolic and bariatric surgeons, nutritionists, and other members of multidisciplinary teams, as well as patients. This study aims to assess the level of evidence and the strength of recommendations compared to the previously published criteria.

Scientific evidence for the updated guidelines on indications for metabolic and bariatric surgery (IFSO/ASMBS)

The 2022 American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO) updated the indications for metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS), replacing the previous guidelines established by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) over 30 years ago. The evidence supporting these updated guidelines has been strengthened to assist metabolic and bariatric surgeons, nutritionists, and other members of multidisciplinary teams (MDTs), as well as patients. This study aims to assess the level of evidence and the strength of recommendations compared to the previously published criteria.

Mid-Long-Term Effect of Metabolic Surgery on Type 2 Diabetes in Nonobese Patients: a Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to perform a meta-analysis regarding the mid-long-term effect (≥ 2-year follow-up) of metabolic surgery on T2DM in non-obese patients.

METHODS

PubMed, EMBASE and CENTRAL databases were searched for clinical studies from inception to March 2023. Stata 12.0 was used for data aggregation. Sensitivity, subgroup, and meta-regression analyses were performed when feasible.

RESULTS

This meta-analysis included 18 articles involving 548 patients. A pooled rate of 47.5% of T2DM remission was found after metabolic surgery. To be more specific, 83.5% was obtained for hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) < 7.0%, 45.1% for HbA1c < 6.5%, and 40.4% for HbA1c < 6.0%. Subgroup analysis showed that one-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) had a higher remission rate (93.9%) than other surgeries. Studies conducted in America had a higher remission rate (61.4%) than in Asia (43.6%). Meta-regression analysis displayed that publication year, number of patients, study design, preoperative age, BMI, and quality assessment score were not significantly associated with T2DM remission rate. Additionally, metabolic surgery could result in significant reductions in BMI (-4.133 kg/m2), weight (-9.874 kg), HbA1c (-1.939%), fasting blood glucose, fasting C-peptide, and fasting insulin. However, metabolic surgery seemed to have poorer glycemic control in non-obese than obese T2DM patients.

CONCLUSION

A moderate mid-long-term effect of T2DM remission was observed after metabolic surgery in non-obese patients. However, we still need more prospective multi-institutional studies using the same definitions for diabetes and the same surgical technique for the surgery. Without this, the exact role of bariatric surgery in non-obese patients is unanswered.

Predictors of T2DM Remission after Bariatric Surgery in Patients with a BMI < 35 kg/m2: a Meta-Analysis

PURPOSE

Although a few studies have reported the predictors of postoperative diabetes remission in patients with body mass index (BMI) < 35 kg/m2, the conclusions are still inconsistent. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the preoperative clinical factors of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remission after bariatric surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched until April 2022. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used for quality assessment. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed with the I2 statistic, followed by subgroup and sensitivity analyses.

RESULTS

16 studies involving 932 patients were selected. T2DM remission was negatively correlated with age, duration, insulin use, fasting plasma glucose, fasting insulin, and glycosylated hemoglobin levels. While BMI, body weight, waist circumference, and C-peptide levels were positive predictors of T2DM remission in patients with a BMI < 35 kg/m2. However, there was no significant association between gender, oral hypoglycemic agent, homeostasis model assessment, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, total cholesterol, triglycerides, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and remission rate.

CONCLUSION

Patients with younger age, short diabetes duration, more obesity, better glucose control, and better β cell function were more likely to achieve T2DM remission in patients with a BMI < 35 kg/m2 after bariatric surgery.

The effect of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy on type 2 diabetes remission outcomes in patients with body mass index higher than 25 kg/m2 but lower than 32.5 kg/m2

BACKGROUND

The effect of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) in the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients with body mass index (BMI is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by height in meters squared) higher than 25 kg/m² but lower than 32.5 kg/m², especially in East Asian population characterized by abdominal obesity, are still unclear. This study aims to explore the effect of LSG in T2D patients with BMI higher than 25 kg/m² but lower than 32.5 kg/m².

METHODS

A total of 49 T2D patients with BMI(25-32.5 kg/m²) treated successfully with LSG were included in our study. The effect of LSG on T2D remission outcomes at 12 and 24 months after operation was analyzed.

RESULTS

All patients were treated successfully with LSG without conversion. The mean preoperative body weight,BMI, fasting plasma glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin (A1c) and fasting C-peptide were 81.7 ± 10.0 kg, 29.1 ± 2.4 kg/m², 10.4 ± 3.9 mmol/L,8.2 ± 1.5%, and 2.3 ± 1.1 nmol/L,respectively.The age, duration of diabetes and ABCD score were 48.6 ± 9.6 years,6.6 ± 5.1 years, and 2.9 ± 1.5. The mean fasting plasma glucose,A1c, and C-peptide levels were significantly decreased at 12 and 24 months after operation. At postoperative 24 months, 18 out of 49 patients (36.7%) reached diabetes complete remission (A1c levels≤6.0%).14 out of 49 patients (28.6%) reached partial remission (6.0% < A1c levels<6.5%). 8 out of 49 patients (16.3%) reached notable improvement (6.5% < A1c levels<7%). At 24 months after LSG, the complete remission rate of T2D patients with a BMI of 25-27.5 kg/m² was 35.3%, the complete remission rate of patients with a BMI of 27.5-30 kg/m² was 11.1%, and the complete remission rate of patients with a BMI of 30-32.5 kg/m² was 47.8%.At postoperative 24 months, the complete remission rate of T2D patients with ABCD score≤2 was 5.0%, the complete remission rate of patients with ABCD score 3 to 4 was 52.4%, and the complete remission rate of patients with ABCD score≥5 was 75.0%.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrates that LSG could result in a significant effect on T2D in patients with BMI 30-32.5 kg/m². In addition, our study indicates that higher ABCD score can predict a better diabetes remission outcome in diabetes patients with BMI ≤32.5 kg/m².

Metabolic Surgery Outcomes in U.S. Patients with Class I Obesity

Background: Although numerous studies outside the United States (U.S.) have explored weight loss and comorbidity resolution among patients with class I obesity (body mass index [BMI] 30–34.9 kg/m²) after metabolic surgery, few U.S.-based studies have been conducted.

Objective: Our aim was to compare weight loss and comorbidity resolution among U.S. patients with class I obesity, who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) versus Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Methods: Weight loss and comorbidity data among only patients with class I obesity, who underwent LSG or RYGB, were examined. Between April 2009 and April 2017, 1215 metabolic surgeries were performed with 30 patients meeting the inclusion criteria (17 LSG and 13 RYGB).

Results: Percent total weight loss (%TWL) for LSG peaked at 12 months (20.85%), while RYGB %TWL peaked at 18 months (21.65%). Percent excess weight loss (%EWL) peaked at 12 months after LSG (83.59%) and 18 months after RYGB (98.29%). Overall follow-up was 56.3%, 36.7%, and 43.3% at 12, 18, and 24 months. LSG and RYGB were both successful with regard to resolution of medical comorbidities at 12 months.

Conclusion: RYGB and LSG appear to have similar, successful outcomes among U.S. patients with class I obesity for weight loss and comorbidity resolution.

Ten-year remission rates in insulin-treated type 2 diabetes after biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch

BACKGROUND

Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD-DS) confers the highest rate of type 2 diabetes (T2D) remission compared with other bariatric procedures. Previous studies suggest that type of antidiabetic therapy used before surgery and duration of disease influence postsurgical glycemic outcomes. Short-term, progressive improvement in insulin sensitivity and beta-cell function after metabolic surgery in patients with noninsulin-treated T2D has been demonstrated. Whether patients with more advanced disease can achieve sustained remission remains unclear.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess long-term glycemic outcomes in insulin-treated patients with T2D after BPD-DS and identify predictors of sustained diabetes remission or relapse.

SETTING

University-affiliated tertiary care center.

METHODS

Data from 141 patients with insulin-treated T2D who underwent BPD-DS between 1994 and 2006 with 10 years of follow-up data were collected from a prospective electronic database.

RESULTS

Follow-up was available in 132 patients (91%). At 10 years after metabolic surgery, 90 patients (68.1%) had a complete remission of diabetes, 3 (2.3%) had a partial remission, 21 (15.9%) had an improvement, and 3 (2.3%) were unchanged in their diabetes status. Fourteen patients died during the 10-year follow-up period. Relapse after an initial period of remission occurred in 15 (11.4%) patients. Insulin discontinuation was achieved in 97%. Duration of diabetes was an independent predictor of nonremission at 10 years.

CONCLUSIONS

The BPD-DS maintains remission at 10 years postoperatively in patients with more advanced diabetes. Long-term benefits of the BPD-DS on weight loss and glycemic control should be considered when offering metabolic surgery to patients with insulin-treated T2D.

Association between misalignment of circadian rhythm and obesity in Korean men: Sixth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Background: The disruption of circadian rhythm has been found to associate with obesity in vivo and in vitro. Sleep duration, eating habits, total feeding time, and nightshift work can also affect circadian rhythms. This study investigated the association between misalignment of circadian rhythm and obesity in Korean men, using a cross-sectional database.Methods: This study used data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), whose study population was 3,658 men aged 18 to 60 years. General and abdominal obesity was defined as a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m² and waist circumference ≥ 90 cm, respectively. Circadian rhythm factors were determined with a self-report questionnaire and included breakfast frequency, sleep duration, and work time. Frequency of breakfast was divided into regular breakfast (five to seven times a week) and irregular breakfast (less than five times a week). Sleep duration was divided into less than 7 hours, 7-9 hours, and over 9 hours. Working time was defined as day/evening, night shift, and other type. The adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for general and abdominal obesity were calculated using multivariable logistic regression according to the number of factors that disturb the circadian rhythm.Results: Participants with 1 (aOR 1.34, 95% Cl 1.10-1.61) and ≥2 (aOR 1.62, 95% Cl 1.29-2.05) factors disturbing circadian rhythms were associated with elevated risk for general obesity. Similarly, those with 1 (aOR 1.33, 95% Cl 1.09-1.63) and ≥2 (aOR 1.70, 95% Cl 1.32-2.20) factors had elevated risk for abdominal obesity.Conclusions: Factors disturbing the circadian rhythm were associated with general and abdominal obesity. Additional studies are needed, and associations with metabolic diseases should be investigated.

Does Metabolic Surgery Lead to Diabetes Remission in Patients with BMI < 30 kg/m2?: a Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Bariatric surgery has demonstrated to be effective in remission of type 2 diabetes in obese patients, but it is unclear in non-obese patients. The aim of this study is to investigate if metabolic surgery is effective in diabetes resolution in patients with BMI < 30 kg/m².

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic review was performed and the content of the PubMed, Ovid, and the Cochrane Library databases covering the period January 2008 to April 2018 was searched. Studies with metabolic surgery performed in patients with type 2 diabetes, BMI < 30 kg/m² and a follow-up ≥ 6 months were included. Type 2 diabetes remission rate and metabolic parameters changes were measured. A meta-analysis was conducted with the selected studies.

RESULTS

Twenty-six studies were included in the meta-analysis (1105 patients). The mixed-effects meta-analysis model for overall diabetes remission rate produced an estimate of 43% (95% IC 34-53%, p < 0.001). Moderator effects of the variables race, preoperative HbA1c, BMI, months of follow-up, duration of diabetes, and age on diabetes remission were also assessed, with no significant effects being found in any of them. A reduction in BMI (- 3.57 kg/m²), fasting blood glucose (- 55.93 mg/dL) and HbA1c (- 2.08%) was observed after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Metabolic surgery could be effective in remission of type 2 diabetes in BMI < 30 kg/m² patients but randomized and long-term studies are necessary. The scientific community should agree in a single definition of type 2 diabetes remission, in order to know the real effect of metabolic surgery in this group of patients.

One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass/Minigastric Bypass in Patients with BMI < 35 kg/m2 and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Preliminary Report

INTRODUCTION

Obesity in the world has been increasing, and the number of diabetic patients will increase by 114%, and the best treatment results are achieved through surgery. Several techniques have been described; the gastric bypass of an anastomosis (MGB/OAGB) has been gaining popularity for its simplicity and good results. We present a prospective study with this technique in 16 mild obesity patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus or peripheral insulin resistance.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate weight loss as well as metabolic changes by measuring fasting glycemia and Hb A1c after 1 year of follow-up.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Sixteen patients were operated on with the OAGB/MGB technique from September 2014 to January 2016, with some form of metabolic syndrome, whether DM2, RPI, HBP, or dyslipidemia, including patients in the study with a follow-up of at least 12 months.

RESULTS

There were 13 cases of female sex and 3 of male, average age of 42.9 years, with an average weight of 87.7 kg and BMI of 32.2 kg/m². Metabolic values were fasting glycemia of 193.6 ± 52.9 mg/dl and HbA1c of 8.4% ± 1 (preop) and glycemia posop, 78.8 ± 7.6 mg/dl; HbA1c posop, 6.1 ± 0.2; preop weight, 87.7 ± 14 kg (69-116); weight posop, 66.8 ± 10.5 kg (49-90); BMI preop, 32.2 ± 1.8 (30-34.9); BMI posop, 25.4 ± 1.7 (21.7-27.6); percentage of excess weight lost, 87.6 ± 11.8 (70.9-100) % with 100% remission of diabetes.

CONCLUSION

The results show the benefits of MGB/OAGB in mild obese diabetic patients.

Bariatric Surgery Versus Lifestyle Intervention in Class I Obesity: 7-10-Year Results of a Retrospective Study

INTRODUCTION

The American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and the International Federation of Surgery for Obesity (IFSO) have both stated that bariatric surgery (BS) should not be denied in Class I patients. However, lifestyle intervention (LI), such as diet plus gym programs, is still considered the preferred approach for subjects with a BMI ranging from 30 to 35 kg/m2. The aim of this study was to retrospectively compare results of LI and BS in patients in Class I obesity.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of prospective maintained databases of two centers for the "Interdisciplinary Treatment of Obesity" was performed. All patients in Class I obesity and follow-up >7 years were included in the study. Subjects were divided into two groups: BS group that included patients who had undergone surgery and LI group that included patients who underwent lifestyle intervention (LI). Percentage of excess body mass index loss (%EBMIL) and comorbidities remission were recorded.

RESULTS

Seventy-six patients were included in the study. Fifty-six subjects were submitted to surgery (BS group); 20 subjects were treated with nonsurgical approach (LI group). In BS group, 34 underwent laparoscopic adjustable gastric band, 13 laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), and 9 laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. EWL% resulted significantly higher in BS group at 1, 3, 5, 7 and 10 years (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Bariatric surgery is more effective than LI for patients in Class I obesity. Due to its versatility, low-risk profile and high-effectiveness LSG could be the standard intervention for these patients.

Glucagon-Like Peptides 1 and 2 Are Involved in Satiety Modulation After Modified Biliopancreatic Diversion: Results of a Pilot Study

BACKGROUND

This paper aimed to evaluate the influence of modified biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) on the levels of GLP-1 and GLP-2 and correlate them with satiety regulation.

METHODS

This is a pilot prospective cohort study that evaluated six mildly obese individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus, which underwent modified BPD and were followed-up for 12 months. Levels of GLP-1 and GLP-2 after a standard meal tolerance test were determined and correlated with satiety scores obtained by means of a visual analogue scale (VAS).

RESULTS

There were significant changes in BMI (33 ± 2.2 versus 26.3 ± 2.2 kg/m²; p < 0.001), HbA1c (7.9 ± 1.6 versus 5.8 ± 1.2%; p = 0.026), total cholesterol (172.3 ± 11.1 versus 134.7 ± 16.1 mg/dL; p < 0.001), LDL-c (103.3 ± 13 versus 64.6 ± 12.2 mg/dL; p < 0.001), and postprandial GLP-2 (972.7 ± 326.2 versus 1993.2 ± 1024.7; p = 0. 044). None of the scores obtained in the VAS significantly changed after surgery. After surgery, there were significant correlations of VAS scores and GLP-1 levels in question 01 ("how hungry do you feel?"; R = -0.928; p = .008) and GLP-2 levels in questions 02 ("how full do you feel?" R = 0.943; p = 0.005) and 04 ("how much do you think you can eat now? R = -0.829; p = 0.042).

CONCLUSIONS

Modified BPD does not lead to significant changes in satiety evaluated by the VAS; different aspects of satiety regulation are correlated with the postprandial levels of GLP-1 (hunger feeling) and GLP-2 (satiation feeling and desire to eat) 1 year after modified BPD, signaling a specific postoperative gut hormone-related modulation of appetite.

Do Bariatric Surgery-Related Type 2 Diabetes Remission Predictors Add Clinical Value? A Study on Asian Indian Obese Diabetics

BACKGROUND

Bariatric surgery has emerged to be the most effective treatment strategy for the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) achieving high remission rates. Many factors have been evaluated with a potential to predict the improvement of glycemic control following bariatric procedures. This study aims to study the various predictive factors for T2DM and the ABCD score in obese diabetic patients undergoing bariatric surgery in a South Indian population.

METHODS

A total of 53 obese patients (BMI > 30 k/m²) with T2DM who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and laparoscopic gastric bypass (LGB) from March 2014 to March 2015 were selected for the study. The patients were followed up to study the effects of various predictors of T2DM remission at 1 year.

RESULTS

Out of the 53 patients, 35 (66%) underwent LSG and 18 (34%) underwent LGB. Patients (81.1%) had T2DM remission. Mean HbA1c values decreased from 8.07 ± 1.98 to 6.0 ± 0.71. Only higher pre-operative body weight (p = 0.04) and lower HbA1c level (p = 0.04) were significantly associated with T2DM remission. Higher absolute weight loss (p = 0.03) after surgery was also significantly associated with T2DM remission. ABCD score was not significantly associated with T2DM remission although patients with ABCD score higher than 7 demonstrated 100% remission rate.

CONCLUSION

Among all the factors, only higher pre-operative weight and better glycaemic control along with better post-operative weight loss were significantly associated with the remission of T2DM. Although not significantly associated with remission of T2DM, higher ABCD scores had higher likelihood of remission.

The effect of metabolic surgery on nonobese patients (BMI<30 kg/m2) with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

The influence of metabolic surgery on the glucose and lipid profiles of nonobese body mass index<30 kg/m² patients with type 2 diabetes, particularly the effect ≥1 year, remains unknown.

METHODS

PubMed and Ovid Embase were used.

SETTING

University hospitals.

RESULTS

In total, 21 studies including 921 patients were examined in this systematic review, the results of which revealed decrease in body mass index, waist circumference, fasting plasma glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin A1C, fasting C-peptide, fasting insulin, homeostasis model of assessment for insulin resistance index, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. An increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was also observed. The diabetes remission rates ranged from 13.3% to 90.2% according to 20 studies. The incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding ranged from 1% to 10% according to 9 studies. Four studies reported anemia after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or one-anastomosis gastric bypass, with the incidence ranging from 8% to 33%.

CONCLUSIONS

Nonobese patients can achieve improvements in weight-related indices and glucose and lipid profiles in the short and medium term after metabolic surgery; however, the complications of metabolic surgery warrant further attention.

A randomized controlled trial of Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy vs. gastroduodenostomy with respect to the improvement of type 2 diabetes mellitus after distal gastrectomy in gastric cancer patients

The purpose of this study is to compare the effect of diabetes control induced by Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy(RY) vs Billroth-I reconstruction(BI) after distal gastrectomy in patients with early gastric cancer(EGC) and type 2 diabetes(T2DM). Forty EGC patients with T2DM, aged 20–80 years, who were expected to undergo curative distal gastrectomy were randomized 1:1 to RY(n = 20) or BI(n = 20). Diabetes medication status, biochemical and hormonal data including blood glucose, HbA1c, insulin, C-peptide, HOMA-IR, ghrelin, leptin, GLP-1, PYY, and GIP were evaluated for 12 months after surgery. Although pre- and postoperative 12-month fasting and postprandial glucose levels did not show a significant difference, HbA1c, C-peptide, and HOMA-IR levels were significantly improved at 12 months after surgery in both BI and RY groups. Sixty percent of RY patients and 20% of BI patients decreased their medication satisfying FBS<126 mg/dL and HbA1c<6.5% and 5% of BI patients stopped their medication satisfying the criteria of FBS<126 mg/dL and HbA1c<6.0%. The improvement patterns were more sustainable with less fluctuation in RY than in BI. On hormonal analysis, ghrelin and leptin levels were decreased and PYY and GIP levels were increased at 12 months after surgery in both groups without significant difference according to the reconstruction type and diabetic improvement status except ghrelin. In gastric cancer surgery, RY reconstruction showed better and more durable diabetes control compared to BI during the first year after surgery. Gastric cancer surgery led to decreased ghrelin and leptin and increased PYY and GIP, which might have a role in improving insulin resistance and glucose homeostasis.

Effects of Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Comparison of BMI > 30 and < 30 kg/m2

BACKGROUND

Recently, many studies focused on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with body mass index (BMI) < 30 kg/m2 and suggested that those patients might benefit from Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). However, evidence on its effectiveness to improve T2DM patients with BMI < 30 kg/m2 is still lacking. The aim of this study is to explore whether T2DM patients with BMI < 30 kg/m2 get similar surgical effect from RYGB compared with those patients with BMI > 30 kg/m2.

METHODOLOGY

Seventy patients with uncontrolled T2DM underwent laparoscopic RYGB from May 2010 to December 2015 in the GI Department of Daping Hospital. Weight, BMI, waist circumference, glucose, and lipid metabolic parameters were collected and evaluated at baseline and 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postsurgery. Patients with BMI < 30 kg/m2 were compared with those with BMI > 30 kg/m2.

RESULTS

Among the 70 patients, 47 (67.1%) BMI < 30 kg/m2, and 23 (32.9%) BMI > 30 kg/m2. Patients with BMI < 30 kg/m2 are significantly older; they are female predominant and have longer duration of diabetes. The complete remission of T2DM was 28.2% of the BMI < 30 kg/m2 group and 57.9% of the BMI > 30 kg/m2 group (p = 0.029). There was no significant difference in the change of glucose and lipid metabolic parameters of both groups. FPG, 2hPG, and HbA1c% levels were significantly improved after 1 month (p < 0.05), and then remained essentially stable from the sixth month in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The 2-year study has shown that RYGB is a safe and effective procedure in treating T2DM with BMI < 30 kg/m2, although the complete remission of T2DM in the BMI < 30 kg/m2 group is lower than the BMI > 30 kg/m2 group.

Variations in diabetes remission rates after bariatric surgery in Spanish adults according to the use of different diagnostic criteria for diabetes

BACKGROUND

There are multiple criteria to define remission of type 2 diabetes (DM2) after bariatric surgery but there is not a specific one widely accepted. Our objectives were to compare diagnostic criteria for DM2 remission after bariatric surgery: Criteria from Spanish scientific associations (SEEN/SEEDO/SED) and from the American Diabetes Association (ADA). We also aim to analyse the degree of correlation between these sets of criteria.

METHODS

Retrospective observational study in 127 patients undergoing bariatric surgery in a single centre (Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Córdoba, Spain) between January 2001 and December 2009. We analysed DM2 remission following bariatric surgery comparing DM2 diagnostic criteria approved by Spanish scientific associations and ADA criteria.

RESULTS

In total, 62.2% of patients were women; mean age was 47.1 years. Following surgery, 52% achieved complete remission according to ADA criteria, and 63.8% following the criteria approved by Spanish associations (p = 0.001);18.9 and 8.7%, respectively, showed partial remission (p = 0.007), and 29.1 and 27.6% no remission, according to the criteria approved by each association (p = 0.003). There was good correlation between both sets of criteria (Rho 0.781; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In our series, using more stringent criteria for defining DM2 remission (ADA criteria) results in a lower rate of remission, although we found a a high degree of correlation between both sets of criteria.

What is the role of bariatric surgery in the management of obesity?

Diet, exercise, cognitive behavioral therapy and pharmacotherapy are some of the means of assisting patients to lose weight, with bariatric surgery being the most effective. Over the last two decades, the increased awareness of the systemic benefits of bariatric surgery, as well as the improved safety and the wider use of the laparoscopic approach, has made bariatric surgery flourish. In the United Kingdom, the adjustable gastric band (10%), vertical sleeve gastrectomy (37%) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (45%) are the three most common procedures. Obesity-associated mortality and co-morbidities such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, obstructive sleep apnea, renal dysfunction and depression improve significantly with bariatric surgery. The mechanisms of weight loss extend beyond restriction and malabsorption and include changes in hunger and satiety, food preferences, and possibly energy expenditure. Despite its safety and efficacy, bariatric surgery is underutilized as less than 1% of adults with obesity receive it. In view of the evolution of obesity into a global threat, access to bariatric surgery should be increased, whilst developing safer and less invasive weight loss treatments.

Recent advances in metabolic and bariatric surgery

Obesity and its associated medical conditions continue to increase and add significant burden to patients, as well as health-care systems, worldwide. Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for severe obesity and its comorbidities, and resolution of diabetes is weight loss-independent in the case of some operations. Although these weight-independent effects are frequently described clinically, the mechanisms behind them are not well understood and remain an intense area of focus in the growing field of metabolic and bariatric surgery. Perceptions of the mechanisms responsible for the beneficial metabolic effects of metabolic/bariatric operations have shifted from being mostly restrictive and malabsorption over the last 10 to 15 years to being more neuro-hormonal in origin. In this review, we describe recent basic and clinical findings of the major clinical procedures (adjustable gastric banding, vertical sleeve gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, and biliopancreatic diversion) as well as other experimental procedures (ileal interposition and bile diversion) that recapitulate many of the metabolic effects of these complex operations in a simpler fashion. As the role of bile acids and the gut microbiome on metabolism is becoming increasingly well described, their potential roles in these improvements following metabolic surgery are becoming better appreciated. Bile acid and gut microbiome changes, in light of recent developments, are discussed in the context of these surgical procedures, as well as their implications for future study.

Gender-related different effects of a combined therapy of Exenatide and Metformin on overweight or obesity patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

Although men and women have similar diabetes prevalence, the same medicine will cause different therapeutic results in different genders. To understand the molecular mechanism, we explored the effects of a combined therapy of Exenatide and Metformin on obesity and overweight female and male patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

METHODS

One hundred and five overweight and obesity patients with newly diagnosed T2DM (n=54 female in a female group and n=51 males in a male group) received the therapy: 5 μg Exenatide+0.5 g MET twice daily for 4 weeks, then 10 μg Exenatide+0.5 g MET twice daily for 24 weeks.

RESULTS

There was an average of 8.2 ± 2.4 kg and 4.6 ± 2.3 kg weight loss in female and male patients, respectively. The combined therapy showed better effects on female than male patients for improving insulin sensitivity and serum lipid profile, reducing insulin resistance, increasing adiponectin levels, and decreasing the levels of HbA1c, BMI, resistin, TNF-alpha and C-reactive protein (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The combined therapy of Exenatide and MET shows better therapeutic results in female patients than in male patients. Therefore, the dual therapy is more suitable for female patients.

Bariatric Surgery in University Clinic Center Tuzla - Results After 30 Operations

INTRODUCTION

Project of Bariatric surgery in University clinic center (UCC) Tuzla has been initiated in 2009 as an idea of professor Dešo Mešić and soon after that Bariatric surgical team led by doctor Fuad Pasic has been created.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Practical team education was realized in Croatia in hospital "Sisters of Mercy" under supervision of professor Miroslav-Bekavac Beslin. First bariatric operations in UCC Tuzla has been done in 2011 and it was biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) Scopinaro.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

So far there has been done 30 operations and among them there have been used almost all operative modalities - restrictive, malabsorptive and combined (laparoscopic gastric banding-LAPGB, Roux-y mini gastric bypass, open and laparoscopic gastric sleeve resection, and over mentioned Scopinaro's BPD). Beginning results are very promising according to the fact that almost all operated patients after one year stopped using antihypertensive, antidiabetic and antidepressant therapy, that average year's weight loss is 35-100 kilograms and total satisfactions of patients after surgeries is obvious.

Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies After Biliopancreatic Diversion and Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch--the Rule Rather than the Exception

INTRODUCTION

Malabsorptive bariatric procedures, like the biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) and BPD with duodenal switch (BPD/DS), have excellent results in terms of weight loss. However, these malabsorptive techniques are associated with severe malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the vitamin and mineral status after BPD and BPD/DS in the long term.

METHODS

All patients who underwent BPD or BPD/DS were selected and invited for an additional follow-up (FU) visit, including blood sampling for vitamin and mineral levels.

RESULTS

Forty patients completed the blood sampling with a median FU of 42 (range 12-90) months. At that time, all patients used some kind of supplementation. However, 93 % of all patients were diagnosed with a deficiency. There were no significant differences in mean serum level vitamins and minerals between BPD and BPD/DS. Forty-three per cent of the patients were anaemic, and 40 % had an iron deficiency (ID). High deficiency rates for fat-soluble vitamins were present: vitamin A in 28 %, vitamin D in 60 %, vitamin E in 10 % and vitamin K in 60 % of the patients. Hypervitaminosis was found in 43 % of the patients for vitamin B1 and in 50 % for vitamin B6.

CONCLUSION

High numbers of vitamin and mineral deficiencies were found after BPD and BPD/DS despite vitamin supplementation. Anaemia, ID and deficiencies for fat-soluble vitamins are frequently diagnosed. Repeated monitoring is necessary to detect deficiencies at an early stage. Taking all of this into consideration, a stringent multivitamin supplementation regimen should be implemented after malabsorptive procedures.

From bariatric to metabolic surgery: Looking for a “disease modifier” surgery for type 2 diabetes

In this review the recent evolution of the comprehension of clinical and metabolic consequences of bariatric surgery is depicted. At the beginning bariatric surgery aim was a significant and durable weight loss. Later on, it became evident that bariatric surgery was associated with metabolic changes, activated by unknown pathways, partially or totally independent of weight loss. Paradigm of this “metabolic” surgery is its effects on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In morbid obese subjects it was observed a dramatic metabolic response leading to decrease blood glucose, till diabetes remission, before the achievement of clinically significant weight loss, opening the avenue to search for putative anti-diabetic “intestinal” factors. Both proximal duodenal (still unknown) and distal (GLP1) signals have been suggested as hormonal effectors of surgery on blood glucose decrease. Despite these findings T2DM remission was never considered a primary indication for bariatric surgery but only a secondary one. Recently T2DM remission in obese subjects with body mass index (BMI) greater than 35 has become a primary aim for surgery. This change supports the idea that “metabolic surgery” definition could more appropriate than bariatric, allowing to explore the possibility that metabolic surgery could represent a “disease modifier” for T2DM. Therefore, several patients have undergone surgery with a primary aim of a definitive cure of T2DM and today this surgery can be proposed as an alternative therapy. How much surgery can be considered truly metabolic is still unknown. To be truly “metabolic” it should be demonstrated that surgery could cause T2DM remission not only in subjects with BMI > 35 but also with BMI < 35 or even < 30. Available evidence on this topic is discussed in this mini-review.

Epicardial and pericardial fat in type 2 diabetes: favourable effects of biliopancreatic diversion

PURPOSE

Ectopic fat is often identified in obese subjects who are susceptible to the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The ectopic fat favours the decrease in insulin sensitivity (IS) and adiponectin levels. We aimed to evaluate the effect of biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) on the accumulation of ectopic fat, adiponectin levels and IS in obese with T2DM.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A nonrandomised controlled study was performed on sixty-eight women: 19 lean-control (23.0 ± 2.2 kg/m(2)) and 18 obese-control (35.0 ± 4.8 kg/m(2)) with normal glucose tolerance and 31 obese with T2DM (36.3 ± 3.7 kg/m(2)). Of the 31 diabetic women, 20 underwent BPD and were reassessed 1 month and 12 months after surgery. The subcutaneous adipose tissue, visceral adipose tissue, epicardial adipose tissue and pericardial adipose tissue were evaluated by ultrasonography. The IS was assessed by a hyperglycaemic clamp, applying the minimal model of glucose.

RESULTS

One month after surgery, there was a reduction in visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissues, whereas epicardial and pericardial adipose tissues exhibited significant reduction at the 12-month assessment (p < 0.01). Adiponectin levels and IS were normalised 1 month after surgery, resembling lean-control values and elevated above the obese-control values (p < 0.01). After 12 months, the improvement in IS and adiponectin was maintained, and 17 of the 20 operated patients exhibited fasting glucose and glycated haemoglobin within the normal range.

CONCLUSIONS

After BPD, positive physiological adaptations occurred in grade I and II obese patients with T2DM. These adaptations relate to the restoration of IS and decreased adiposopathy and explain the acute (1 month) and chronic (12 months) improvements in the glycaemic control.

Amelioration of glycemic control by sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass in a lean animal model of type 2 diabetes: restoration of gut hormone profile

BACKGROUND

In obese diabetic patients, bariatric surgery has been shown to induce remission of type 2 diabetes. Along with weight loss itself, changes in gut hormone profiles after surgery play an important role in the amelioration of glycemic control. However, the potential of gastrointestinal surgery regarding diabetes remission in non-severely obese diabetic patients has yet to be defined. In the present experimental study, we explored the effect of established bariatric procedures with and without duodenal exclusion on glycemic control and gut hormone profile in a lean animal model of type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

Forty 12- to 14-week-old non-obese diabetic Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats were randomly assigned to four groups: control group (GKC), sham surgery (GKSS), sleeve gastrectomy (GKSG), and gastric bypass (GKGB). Age-matched Wistar rats served as a non-diabetic control group (WIC). Glycemic control and plasma lipids were assessed at the beginning of the observation period and 4 weeks after surgery. Fasting and mixed meal-induced plasma levels of ghrelin, glucagon-like peptide-17-36 (GLP-1), and peptide tyrosine-tyrosine (PYY) were measured.

RESULTS

In GK rats, glycemic control improved after sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and gastric bypass (GB). Mixed meal-induced gut hormone profiles in Wistar rats (WIC) were significantly different from those of sham-operated or control group GK rats. After SG and GB, GK rats showed a similar postprandial decrease in ghrelin as observed in non-diabetic WIC. Following both surgical procedures, a significant meal-induced increase in PYY and GLP-1 could be demonstrated.

CONCLUSIONS

SG and GB induce a similar improvement in overall glycemic control in lean diabetic rodents. Meal-induced profiles of ghrelin, GLP-1, and PYY in GK rats are significantly modified by SG and GB and become similar to those of non-diabetic Wistar rats. Our data do not support the hypothesis that duodenal exclusion and early contact of food with the ileal mucosa alone explain changes in gut hormone profile in GK rats after gastrointestinal surgery.

Predictive factors of type 2 diabetes mellitus remission following bariatric surgery: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Although a few studies have been reported on predictive factors of postoperative diabetes remission, the conclusions remain inconsistent. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the preoperative clinical factors for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remission after bariatric surgery.

METHODS

The Cochrane Library, PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, and CINAHL databases were searched. All human studies published in English between 1 January 1992 and 1 September 2013 reporting on the parameters of interest were included.

RESULTS

In total, 15 studies involving 1,753 bariatric surgery patients were selected. Analyses were performed separately for the parameters of interest. T2DM remission was observed to be negatively correlated with age, diabetes duration, insulin use, and HbA1c levels. Baseline body mass index (BMI) and C-peptide levels were positively associated with the remission rate in Asian patients. However, there was no significant association between gender and remission rate.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with younger age, short diabetes duration, better glucose control, and better β cell function were more likely to achieve T2DM remission after bariatric surgery. However, further randomized controlled trials with uniform remission criteria should be conducted to provide more reliable evidence.

Bariatric surgery in class I obesity : a Position Statement from the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO)

Class I obesity conveys an increased risk of comorbidities, impairs physical and mental health-related quality of life, and it is associated to an increased psychosocial burden, particularly in women. The need for effective and safe therapies for class I obesity is great and not yet met by nonsurgical approaches. Eligibility to bariatric surgery has been largely based on body mass index (BMI) cut points and limited to patients with more severe obesity levels. However, obese patients belonging to the same BMI class may have very different levels of health, risk, and impact of obesity on quality of life. Individual patients in class I obesity may have a comorbidity burden similar to, or greater than, patients with more severe obesity. Therefore, the denial of bariatric surgery to a patient with class I obesity suffering from a significant obesity-related health burden and not achieving weight control with nonsurgical therapy simply on the basis of the BMI level does not appear to be clinically justified. A clinical decision should be based on a more comprehensive evaluation of the patient's current global health and on a more reliable prediction of future morbidity and mortality. After a careful review of available data about safety and efficacy of bariatric surgery in patients with class I obesity, this panel reached a consensus on ten clinical recommendations.

Bariatric Surgery for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Patients with BMI <30 kg/m2: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The role of bariatric surgery in non-obese patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) remains unclear, and its use in clinical practice is controversial. We conducted a systemic review and meta-analysis to investigate the metabolic changes after surgical treatment in diabetic patients with body mass index (BMI) <30 kg/m2.

METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive search in MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE and the Cochrane Library of published articles from January 2000 to April 2013 reporting the clinical outcome changes in various metabolic outcomes in diabetic patients with BMI <30 kg/m2.

RESULTS

Ten prospective studies including 290 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Bariatric surgery led to an overall 2.79 kg/m2 [95%CI 2.05~3.53, P<0.00001] reduction in BMI, a 1.88%[95%CI 1.32~2.43, P<0.00001] reduction in glycosylated hemoglobin, a 3.70 mmol/L [95%CI, 1.93~5.47, P<0.00001] reduction in fasting blood glucose, a 6.69 mmol/L [95%CI, 2.29~11.08, P=0.003] reduction in postprandial glucose, anda 3.37 [95%CI 0.55~6.18, P=0.02] reduction in homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). After surgical treatment, 76.2% of the patients were insulin free, and 61.8% patients were off medication. In total, 90(42.4%), 10(37%) and 34(37.2%) patients had post-surgical HbA1c levels of <6%,<6.5% and<7%, respectively. No deaths were observed in the included studies, and the major complication rate was 6.2%.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the currently available data, bariatric surgery might improve glycemic control and weight loss in a very limited range with a doubled surgical complication rate in drug-refractory T2DM patients with BMI <30 kg/m2. It remains too premature to suggest bariatric surgery for non-obese T2DM patients.

Effects of gastric bypass on type 2 diabetes in patients with BMI 30 to 35

BACKGROUND

This study aims to investigate if the benefits on glycemic control following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) in morbidly obese type 2 diabetes (T2DM) patients are maintained in the 30-35 kg/m(2) BMI (body mass index) range, comparing results with those in literature.

METHODS

The study participants were twenty T2DM patients aging 35-70 years, BMI 30.0-34.9 kg/m(2), minimum diabetes duration 3 years, glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) ≥7.5% despite good clinical practice medical therapy, submitted to laparoscopic RYGB, and monitored during 36 months. Twenty-seven matched diabetic patients as controls.

RESULTS

Five females, mean age 57 (42-69) years, weight 96.0 (70-111) kg, BMI 32.9 (30.3-34.9) kg/m(2), waist circumference 112 (100-128) cm, diabetes duration 14 (3-28) years, HbA1c 9.5 (7.5-14.2) %, and C-peptide 3.2 (1,6-9.1) mcg/l. Ten patients were on insulin. There was no mortality, and there were two major late complications. BMI and waist decreased stabilizing around 25 kg/m(2) and 92 cm. Fasting serum glucose and HbA1c reached values around 150 mg/dl and 7%, which subsequently maintained. There was remission in 25% of cases, control 45%, and all the others improved. HOMA-IR and insulin sensitivity index normalized at 1 month, then maintained. AIR and insulinogenic index showed no postoperative changes. Diabetes remission correlated negatively with duration (p < 0.05; r (2) = 0.61), while control positively with C-peptide (p < 0.05; r (2) = 0.19). In the control group, FSG, HbA1c, serum triglyceride, and cholesterol significantly decreased with considerable progressive increase of antidiabetic/antihyperlipemic therapy. All patients had HbA1c >7% at 2-3 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Glycemic control obtained by RYGB in this study was less good than that reported by others, apparently due to different patient selection criteria. Our results do not support RYGB weight loss-independent effect on beta-cell function in the T2DM patients with BMI 30-35 kg/m(2).

Surgery in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background and Aims:

The prevalence of diabetes is increasing worldwide, and most of the cases are type 2 diabetes mellitus. The relationship between type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity is well established, and surgical treatment is widely used for obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The aim was to present current knowledge about the possible mechanisms responsible for glucose control after surgical procedures and to review the surgical treatment results.

Material and Methods:

Medical literature was searched for the articles presenting the impact of surgical treatment on glycemic control, long-term results, and possible mechanisms of action among obese individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Results:

Remission of type 2 diabetes mellitus after bariatric surgery depends on the definition of the remission used. Complete remission rate after surgery with the new criteria is lower than was considered before. Randomized controlled studies demonstrate that surgery is superior to best medical treatment for the patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The recurrence of type 2 diabetes mellitus after bariatric surgery is observed in up to 40% of cases with ≥5 years of follow-up. Despite the recurrence of type 2 diabetes mellitus in this group, better glycemic control and lower risk of macrovascular complications are present. Incretin effects on glycemic control after bariatric surgery are well described, but the role of other possible mechanisms (bile acids, microbiota, intestinal gluconeogenesis) in humans is unclear.

Conclusion:

Surgery is an effective treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in obese patients. The most optimal surgical procedure for the treatment of obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus is still to be established. More research is needed to explore the mechanisms of glycemic control after bariatric surgery.

[Challenges in building a surgical obesity center]

BACKGROUND

It is estimated that approximately 1 million adults in Germany suffer from grade III obesity. The aim of this article is to describe the challenges faced when constructing an operative obesity center.

METHODS

The inflow of patients as well as personnel and infrastructure of the interdisciplinary Diabetes and Obesity Center in Heidelberg were analyzed. The distribution of continuous data was described by mean values and standard deviation and analyzed using variance analysis.

RESULTS

The interdisciplinary Diabetes and Obesity Center in Heidelberg was founded in 2006 and offers conservative therapeutic treatment and all currently available operative procedures. For every operative intervention carried out an average of 1.7 expert reports and 0.3 counter expertises were necessary. The time period from the initial presentation of patients in the department of surgery to an operation was on average 12.8 months (standard deviation SD ± 4.5 months). The 47 patients for whom remuneration for treatment was initially refused had an average body mass index (BMI) of 49.2 kg/m(2) and of these 39 had at least the necessity for treatment of a comorbidity. Of the 45 patients for whom the reason for the refusal of treatment costs was given as a lack of conservative treatment, 30 had undertaken a medically supervised attempt at losing weight over at least 6 months. Additionally, 19 of these patients could document participation in a course at a rehabilitation center, a Xenical® or Reduktil® therapy or had undertaken the Optifast® program. For the 20 patients who supposedly lacked a psychosomatic evaluation, an adequate psychosomatic evaluation was carried out in all cases.

CONCLUSIONS

The establishment of an operative obesity center can last for several years. A essential prerequisite for success seems to be the constructive and targeted cooperation with the health insurance companies.

Glucagon secretion after metabolic surgery in diabetic rodents

Excessive or inadequate glucagon secretion promoting hepatic gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis is believed to contribute to hyperglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes. Currently, metabolic surgery is an accepted treatment for obese patients with type 2 diabetes and has been shown to improve glycemic control in Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats, a lean animal model for type 2 diabetes. However, the effects of surgery on glucagon secretion are not yet well established. In this study, we randomly assigned forty 12- to 14-week-old GK rats to four groups: control group (GKC), sham surgery (GKSS), sleeve gastrectomy (GKSG), and gastric bypass (GKGB). Ten age-matched Wistar rats served as a non-diabetic control group (WIC). Glycemic control was assessed before and 4 weeks after surgery. Fasting- and mixed-meal-induced plasma levels of insulin and glucagon were measured. Overall glycemic control improved in GKSG and GKGB rats. Fasting insulin levels in WIC rats were similar to those for GKC or GKSS rats. Fasting glucagon levels were highest in GKGB rats. Whereas WIC, GKC, and GKSS rats showed similar glucagon levels, without any significant meal-induced variation, a significant rise occurred in GKSG and GKGB rats, 30 min after a mixed meal, which was maintained at 60 min. Both GKSG and GKGB rats showed an elevated glucagon:insulin ratio at 60 min in comparison with all other groups. Surprisingly, the augmented post-procedural glucagon secretion was accompanied by an improved overall glucose metabolism in GKSG and GKGB rats. Understanding the role of glucagon in the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes requires further research.

Gastric band is safe and effective at three years in a national study subgroup of non-morbidly obese patients

AIM

To analyze the 3-year outcomes of lower body mass index (BMI) (<35 kg/m2) adjustable gastric band (AGB) recipients across multiple sites in the French health insurance system.

METHODS

From prospectively collected data on a cohort of 517 morbidly obese Swedish Adjustable Gastric Band® (SAGB) patients (Clinical Trials Web database, #NCT01183975), a retrospective analysis of a subgroup of 29 low-BMI patients was conducted. Patients had a severe obesity-related comorbidity, had undergone a prior bariatric procedure requiring reintervention, or had a maximum adult BMI≥40. Safety (mortality, adverse events) and effectiveness (BMI change, excess weight loss [EWL, %], total body weight loss [%TBWL], quality of life [QoL], and comorbidities) were evaluated.

RESULTS

Multiple surgical teams/sites enrolled patients and performed SAGB procedures between September 2, 2007 and April 30, 2008. Of 29 low-BMI patients (mean age, 41.3±10.3 years), 89.7% were female, and obesity duration was 13.6±7.3 years. Mean BMI was 31.5±3.7; there were 37 comorbidities in 15/29 patients. At 3-year follow-up, BMI was 29.4±4.9 (mean change, -2.3±6.2; P=0.069); total cohort EWL, 7.3±74.8%; TBWL, 6.2±18.8%; BMI≥30 to <35 EWL, 38.8±48.0%; there were 7 comorbidities in 15/29 patients (P<0.031). There were 20 adverse events in 13 patients (44.8%); SAGBs were retained in 25/29 (86.2%) at 3 years.

CONCLUSIONS

In a retrospective analysis of a subgroup of BMI<35 kg/m2 patients, some following a prior bariatric procedure, SAGB was found to be safe and effective at 3-year follow-up.

Prediction of remission after metabolic surgery using a novel scoring system in type 2 diabetes - a retrospective cohort study

Background

Remission of diabetes is seen in more than 60% of patients after bariatric surgery. There is extensive variability in the remission rates between different surgical procedures. We analyzed our database and aimed to develop an easy scoring system to predict the probability of diabetes remission after two surgical procedures i.e. Ileal Interposition coupled with Sleeve Gastrectomy (IISG) or Diverted Sleeve Gastrectomy (IIDSG).

Methods

In this retrospective study, we analyzed records pertaining to patients who underwent IISG (n = 46) and IIDSG (n = 29). The primary outcome measure was diabetes remission (A1c <6.5% and not requiring hypoglycemic drugs). We identified seven preoperative clinical variables (age, duration of diabetes, body mass index, micro and macrovascular complications, use of insulin and stimulated C-peptide) based on our previous reports to be included in the diabetes remission score (DRS). The DRS score (7 – 14) was compared between the patients with and without remission in both the surgery groups.

Results

Mean DRS in patients who underwent IISG was 9.2 ± 1.4. Twenty one (46%) had a remission in diabetes. DRS was significantly lower in patients with remission than patients without remission (8.1 ± 0.8 versus 10.2 ± 0.9, p < 0.0001). Mean DRS in patients who underwent IIDSG was 10.4 ± 1.3. Twenty one (72%) had a remission in diabetes. DRS was significantly lower in patients with remission than patients without remission (9.7 ± 0.8 versus 12.0 ± 0.5, p < 0.0001). Patients with a DRS ≥ 10 in IISG group and more than 12 in IIDSG group did not get into remission.

Conclusion

Preoperative DRS can be a useful tool to select the type of surgical procedure and to predict the postoperative diabetes remission.

Trial registration

NCT00834626.

Efficacy of metabolic surgery on HbA1c decrease in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with BMI <35 kg/m2--a review

High glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is strongly correlated with developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) complications; this study reviews the efficacy of various types of metabolic surgeries in reducing HbA1c levels in type 2 diabetics with BMI <35 kg/m(2). An electronic search of MEDLINE databases using terms 'metabolic surgery', type 2 diabetes mellitus, BMI <35 kg/m(2), and related keywords for studies published between 1987 and 2013. Data from 53 articles with 2,258 patients were selected for this review. The weighted mean change in HbA1c was -2.8 % (95 % CI -2.8 to -2.7, p < 0.01) and weighted mean BMI change was -5.5 kg/m(2) (95 % CI -5.6 to -5.4, p < 0.01). There was a strong correlation between weighted percentage mean change in HbA1c and BMI. Adjustable gastric banding and duodenal jejunal bypass were inferior to other surgeries in reducing BMI and HbA1c in BMI <35 kg/m(2). Metabolic surgery significantly decreases HbA1c in T2DM patients with BMI <35 kg/m(2) and that the magnitude of HbA1c change may be a useful surrogate of DM control.

Investigating the association between obesity and asthma in 6- to 8-year-old Saudi children: a matched case-control study

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have demonstrated an association between obesity and asthma, but there remains considerable uncertainty about whether this reflects an underlying causal relationship.

AIMS

To investigate the association between obesity and asthma in pre-pubertal children and to investigate the roles of airway obstruction and atopy as possible causal mechanisms.

METHODS

We conducted an age- and sex-matched case-control study of 1,264 6- to 8-year-old schoolchildren with and without asthma recruited from 37 randomly selected schools in Madinah, Saudi Arabia. The body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and skin fold thickness of the 632 children with asthma were compared with those of the 632 control children without asthma. Associations between obesity and asthma, adjusted for other potential risk factors, were assessed separately in boys and girls using conditional logistic regression analysis. The possible mediating roles of atopy and airway obstruction were studied by investigating the impact of incorporating data on sensitisation to common aeroallergens and measurements of lung function.

RESULTS

BMI was associated with asthma in boys (odds ratio (OR)=1.14, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.08-1.20; adjusted OR=1.11, 95% CI, 1.03-1.19) and girls (OR=1.37, 95% CI, 1.26-1.50; adjusted OR=1.38, 95% CI, 1.23-1.56). Adjusting for forced expiratory volume in 1 s had a negligible impact on these associations, but these were attenuated following adjustment for allergic sensitisation, particularly in girls (girls: OR=1.25; 95% CI, 0.96-1.60; boys: OR=1.09, 95% CI, 0.99-1.19).

CONCLUSIONS

BMI is associated with asthma in pre-pubertal Saudi boys and girls; this effect does not appear to be mediated through respiratory obstruction, but in girls this may at least partially be mediated through increased risk of allergic sensitisation.

Insulin therapy in people with type 2 diabetes: opportunities and challenges?

Given the continued interest in defining the optimal management of individuals with type 2 diabetes, the Editor of Diabetes Care convened a working party of diabetes specialists to examine this topic in the context of insulin therapy. This was prompted by recent new evidence on the use of insulin in such people. The group was aware of evidence that the benefits of insulin therapy are still usually offered late, and thus the aim of the discussion was how to define the optimal timing and basis for decisions regarding insulin and to apply these concepts in practice. It was noted that recent evidence had built upon that of the previous decades, together confirming the benefits and safety of insulin therapy, albeit with concerns about the potential for hypoglycemia and gain in body weight. Insulin offers a unique ability to control hyperglycemia, being used from the time of diagnosis in some circumstances, when metabolic control is disturbed by medical illness, procedures, or therapy, as well as in the longer term in ambulatory care. For those previously starting insulin, various other forms of therapy can be added later, which offer complementary effects appropriate to individual needs. Here we review current evidence and circumstances in which insulin can be used, consider individualized choices of alternatives and combination regimens, and offer some guidance on personalized targets and tactics for glycemic control in type 2 diabetes.