IDF's view of bariatric surgery in type 2 diabetes

Time-in-range: a promising glycemic control metric for bariatric surgery

As a complication of obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a chronic disease that is difficult to manage. However, bariatric surgery makes it possible to alleviate T2D. While the existing generic index glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is a powerful tool for examining overall blood glucose levels, it still has some limitations as a daily measure of blood glucose levels and as a judge of the effectiveness of bariatric surgery. Using the time-in-range (TIR) measurement and its derivatives is a better way to evaluate short-term blood glucose fluctuations and can be used as a supplement to HbA1c. In this article, we discuss the utility and limitations of HbA1c and other indicators used during surgery. In addition, we mentioned TIR as a novel metric that can act as an accurate predictor of the risk of T2D complications and an index of preoperative risk assessment in bariatric surgery. In contrast to previous indicators, TIR has the advantage that it cannot be affected by caloric restriction to better reflect the patient's glucose level and the level of pancreatic islet function. On this basis, TIR is a promising indicator for both the diagnosis of diabetes and the preoperative and postoperative prediction and evaluation.

Gastric Bypass Regulates Early Inflammatory Responses in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice

INTRODUCTION

Obesity and diabetes are characterized by chronic inflammatory responses. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is increasingly regarded as an effective approach for the improvement of glucose homeostasis. In this study, we examined the effects of RYGB on the regulation of early inflammatory responses in the liver and adipose tissue in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese (DIO) mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

RYGB was performed in DIO mice followed by analyses of adiposity, insulin sensitivity, plasma and tissue cytokines and adipokines, tissue NF-κB and JNK/c-Jun activation, and tissue macrophage and T-cell subsets.

RESULTS

We found that RYGB resulted in sustained improvement of adiposity and insulin sensitivity. Plasma insulin and leptin levels were increased in untreated DIO mice and reduced in RYGB mice. RYGB maintained plasma adiponectin levels and inhibited monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and interleukin 6 in white adipose tissue (WAT) and liver. RYGB inhibited NF-κB activation in WAT and muscle, but not in the liver. However, RYGB attenuated the JNK/c-Jun signaling pathway in the liver and WAT at 1 wk after surgery, suggesting that RYGB regulates the tissue-specific inflammatory pathway. RYGB reduced M1-like (F4/80+/CD11c+) differentiation and enhanced M2-like population (F4/80+/CD206c+). RYGB also regulated CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell infiltration and increased Treg cells in the liver and WAT at the same time point.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings demonstrate that RYGB improves obesity and insulin resistance, which are associated with the regulation of early inflammatory reactions in the liver and WAT.

8. Obesity and Weight Management for the Prevention and Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes-2022

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) "Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes" includes the ADA's current clinical practice recommendations and is intended to provide the components of diabetes care, general treatment goals and guidelines, and tools to evaluate quality of care. Members of the ADA Professional Practice Committee, a multidisciplinary expert committee (https://doi.org/10.2337/dc22-SPPC), are responsible for updating the Standards of Care annually, or more frequently as warranted. For a detailed description of ADA standards, statements, and reports, as well as the evidence-grading system for ADA's clinical practice recommendations, please refer to the Standards of Care Introduction (https://doi.org/10.2337/dc22-SINT). Readers who wish to comment on the Standards of Care are invited to do so at professional.diabetes.org/SOC.

Insulin Resistance Remission Following Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass and Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy in Chinese Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients With a Body Mass Index of 27.5-32.5 kg/m2

Background: Insulin resistance (IR) is closely associated with the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, remission of insulin sensitivity after bariatric surgery in patients with T2DM and a body mass index (BMI) of 27.5–32.5 kg/m² has not been fully elucidated.

Methods: Thirty-six T2DM patients with a BMI of 27.5–32.5 kg/m² were prospectively consecutively recruited for laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) or laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). Hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and other indicators were tested at baseline and 6 months postoperative. Glucose disposal rate (GDR), time to reach euglycemia, homeostatic model assessment of IR, quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI), triglyceride glucose (TyG) index, 30-min insulinogenic index (IGI30), and disposition index (DI) were calculated at baseline and 6 months after surgery. The criterion for remission in T2DM patients was the achievement of the triple composite endpoint.

Results: Anthropometric and glucolipid metabolism parameters significantly improved following surgery. The GDR increased significantly from baseline to 6 months after LRYGB (from 4.28 ± 1.70 mg/kg/min to 8.47 ± 1.89 mg/kg/min, p < 0.0001) and LSG (from 3.18 ± 1.36 mg/kg/min to 7.09 ± 1.69 mg/kg/min, p < 0.001). The TyG index decreased after surgery (RYGB group, from 9.93 ± 1.03 to 8.60 ± 0.43, p < 0.0001; LSG group, from 10.04 ± 0.79 to 8.72 ± 0.65, p = 0.0002). There was a significant reduction in the IGI30 (RYGB group, from 2.04 ± 2.12 to 0.83 ± 0.47, p = 0.005; LSG group, from 2.12 ± 1.73 to 0.92 ± 0.66, p = 0.001). The mean DI significantly increased from 1.14 ± 1.35 to 7.11 ± 4.93 in the RYGB group (p = 0.0001) and from 1.25 ± 1.78 to 5.60 ± 4.58 in the LSG group (p = 0.003). Compared with baseline, HOMR-IR, QUICKI, area under the curve-C-peptide release test (AUC-CRT), and AUC-OGTT were significantly changed at 6 months postoperative. Overall, 52.63% of patients in the LRYGB group versus 29.41% of patients in the LSG group achieved the triple composite endpoint.

Conclusion: Both LRYGB and LSG effectively induced remission of IR in patients with T2DM and a BMI of 27.5–32.5 kg/m².

Background characteristics and diabetes remission after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes stratified by BMI: subgroup analysis of J-SMART

Aim

The J-SMART study was the first national survey of Japanese patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). We performed a subgroup analysis of J-SMART focusing on the differences in patient background and diabetes remission between patients with BMI 32-34.9 kg/m² and those with higher BMI.

Methods

In this multi-institutional retrospective study at 10 certified bariatric institutions, 203 Japanese with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and BMI of 32 kg/m² or higher were analyzed (mean age: 49.2 years, BMI: 43.8 kg/m², HbA1c: 7.6%). Patients were stratified into five groups according to preoperative BMI.

Results

Background characteristics in BMI 32.0-34.9 group were higher adjusted HbA1c, higher visceral/subcutaneous fat area ratio, higher prevalence of diabetic retinopathy, higher frequency of insulin use and lower serum C-peptide. Although 2-year percent total weight loss (21.7%) and diabetes complete remission (CR) rate (52.4%) were lower in BMI 32.0-34.9 group, diabetes improvement rate was 81.0%, and the decrease in HbA1c and number of antidiabetic drugs were comparable or greater than those with higher BMI. Higher BMI and no insulin use were significant independent predictors of diabetes CR. No significant independent predictor was identified for diabetes improvement.

Conclusion

The patients with 32-34.9 kg/m² were characterized by more severe visceral obesity, T2D and the complications, and lower intrinsic insulin secretion capacity. LSG should be considered as a treatment option for patients with BMI 32-34.9 kg/m², to improve diabetes control.

8. Obesity Management for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes-2021

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) "Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes" includes the ADA's current clinical practice recommendations and is intended to provide the components of diabetes care, general treatment goals and guidelines, and tools to evaluate quality of care. Members of the ADA Professional Practice Committee, a multidisciplinary expert committee (https://doi.org/10.2337/dc21-SPPC), are responsible for updating the Standards of Care annually, or more frequently as warranted. For a detailed description of ADA standards, statements, and reports, as well as the evidence-grading system for ADA's clinical practice recommendations, please refer to the Standards of Care Introduction (https://doi.org/10.2337/dc21-SINT). Readers who wish to comment on the Standards of Care are invited to do so at professional.diabetes.org/SOC.

8. Obesity Management for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes-2020

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) "Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes" includes the ADA's current clinical practice recommendations and is intended to provide the components of diabetes care, general treatment goals and guidelines, and tools to evaluate quality of care. Members of the ADA Professional Practice Committee, a multidisciplinary expert committee (https://doi.org/10.2337/dc20-SPPC), are responsible for updating the Standards of Care annually, or more frequently as warranted. For a detailed description of ADA standards, statements, and reports, as well as the evidence-grading system for ADA's clinical practice recommendations, please refer to the Standards of Care Introduction (https://doi.org/10.2337/dc20-SINT). Readers who wish to comment on the Standards of Care are invited to do so at professional.diabetes.org/SOC.

Discordance in prediction for prognosis of type 2 diabetes after metabolic surgery: comparison of the ABCD, DiaRem, and individualized metabolic surgery models

Purpose

Metabolic surgery has been performed as a treatment option for uncontrolled type 2 diabetes (T2D), and several scoring systems for predicting postoperative T2D remission have been proposed. This study was designed to assess consistency of 3 existing scoring systems in patients with T2D duration <1 year.

Methods

This study included 186 patients with T2D enrolled in a university hospital prospective database between 2011 and 2013. Externally validated scoring systems for predicting T2D prognosis after metabolic surgery were identified and selected through systematic literature search. We assessed concordance between ABCD, DiaRem, and individualized metabolic surgery (IMS) scores in participants using kappa statistical analysis and 1-way analysis of variance.

Results

Of the participants, 52 and 82 patients were expected to have favorable T2D remission after metabolic surgery with ABCD score of 10–5 and DiaRem score of 0–7, respectively, and a slight-to-fair concordance was shown between the 2 scoring systems (kappa measure, 0.07; standard error [SE], 0.05 and kappa measure, 0.25; SE, 0.19, respectively). The DiaRem score increased with T2D severity determined by IMS score (P < 0.001), while the ABCD score showed no significant association with IMS score.

Conclusion

ABCD and DiaRem scores showed significant discordance when applied to potential metabolic surgery candidates in whom postoperative T2D remission rate was highly expected. The IMS score showed a dose-response association with DiaRem score but had no significant association with the ABCD score.

8. Obesity Management for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes-2019

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) "Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes" includes ADA's current clinical practice recommendations and is intended to provide the components of diabetes care, general treatment goals and guidelines, and tools to evaluate quality of care. Members of the ADA Professional Practice Committee, a multidisciplinary expert committee, are responsible for updating the Standards of Care annually, or more frequently as warranted. For a detailed description of ADA standards, statements, and reports, as well as the evidence-grading system for ADA's clinical practice recommendations, please refer to the Standards of Care Introduction Readers who wish to comment on the Standards of Care are invited to do so at professional.diabetes.org/SOC.

7. Obesity Management for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes-2018

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) "Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes" includes ADA's current clinical practice recommendations and is intended to provide the components of diabetes care, general treatment goals and guidelines, and tools to evaluate quality of care. Members of the ADA Professional Practice Committee, a multidisciplinary expert committee, are responsible for updating the Standards of Care annually, or more frequently as warranted. For a detailed description of ADA standards, statements, and reports, as well as the evidence-grading system for ADA's clinical practice recommendations, please refer to the Standards of Care Introduction Readers who wish to comment on the Standards of Care are invited to do so at professional.diabetes.org/SOC.

Metabolic Surgery in the Treatment Algorithm for Type 2 Diabetes: A Joint Statement by International Diabetes Organizations

BACKGROUND

Despite growing evidence that bariatric/metabolic surgery powerfully improves type 2 diabetes (T2D), existing diabetes treatment algorithms do not include surgical options.

AIM

The 2nd Diabetes Surgery Summit (DSS-II), an international consensus conference, was convened in collaboration with leading diabetes organizations to develop global guidelines to inform clinicians and policymakers about benefits and limitations of metabolic surgery for T2D.

METHODS

A multidisciplinary group of 48 international clinicians/scholars (75% nonsurgeons), including representatives of leading diabetes organizations, participated in DSS-II. After evidence appraisal (MEDLINE [1 January 2005-30 September 2015]), three rounds of Delphi-like questionnaires were used to measure consensus for 32 data-based conclusions. These drafts were presented at the combined DSS-II and 3rd World Congress on Interventional Therapies for Type 2 Diabetes (London, U.K., 28-30 September 2015), where they were open to public comment by other professionals and amended face-to-face by the Expert Committee.

RESULTS

Given its role in metabolic regulation, the gastrointestinal tract constitutes a meaningful target to manage T2D. Numerous randomized clinical trials, albeit mostly short/midterm, demonstrate that metabolic surgery achieves excellent glycemic control and reduces cardiovascular risk factors. On the basis of such evidence, metabolic surgery should be recommended to treat T2D in patients with class III obesity (BMI≥40 kg/m(2)) and in those with class II obesity (BMI 35.0-39.9 kg/m(2)) when hyperglycemia is inadequately controlled by lifestyle and optimal medical therapy. Surgery should also be considered for patients with T2D and BMI 30.0-34.9 kg/m(2) if hyperglycemia is inadequately controlled despite optimal treatment with either oral or injectable medications. These BMI thresholds should be reduced by 2.5 kg/m(2) for Asian patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Although additional studies are needed to further demonstrate long-term benefits, there is sufficient clinical and mechanistic evidence to support inclusion of metabolic surgery among antidiabetes interventions for people with T2D and obesity. To date, the DSS-II guidelines have been formally endorsed by 45 worldwide medical and scientific societies. Health care regulators should introduce appropriate reimbursement policies.

Metabolic Surgery in the Treatment Algorithm for Type 2 Diabetes: a Joint Statement by International Diabetes Organizations

BACKGROUND

Despite growing evidence that bariatric/metabolic surgery powerfully improves type 2 diabetes (T2D), existing diabetes treatment algorithms do not include surgical options.

AIM

The 2nd Diabetes Surgery Summit (DSS-II), an international consensus conference, was convened in collaboration with leading diabetes organizations to develop global guidelines to inform clinicians and policymakers about benefits and limitations of metabolic surgery for T2D.

METHODS

A multidisciplinary group of 48 international clinicians/scholars (75% nonsurgeons), including representatives of leading diabetes organizations, participated in DSS-II. After evidence appraisal (MEDLINE [1 January 2005-30 September 2015]), three rounds of Delphi-like questionnaires were used to measure consensus for 32 data-based conclusions. These drafts were presented at the combined DSS-II and 3rd World Congress on Interventional Therapies for Type 2 Diabetes (London, U.K., 28-30 September 2015), where they were open to public comment by other professionals and amended face-to-face by the Expert Committee.

RESULTS

Given its role in metabolic regulation, the gastrointestinal tract constitutes a meaningful target to manage T2D. Numerous randomized clinical trials, albeit mostly short/midterm, demonstrate that metabolic surgery achieves excellent glycemic control and reduces cardiovascular risk factors. On the basis of such evidence, metabolic surgery should be recommended to treat T2D in patients with class III obesity (BMI ≥40 kg/m²) and in those with class II obesity (BMI 35.0-39.9 kg/m²) when hyperglycemia is inadequately controlled by lifestyle and optimal medical therapy. Surgery should also be considered for patients with T2D and BMI 30.0-34.9 kg/m² if hyperglycemia is inadequately controlled despite optimal treatment with either oral or injectable medications. These BMI thresholds should be reduced by 2.5 kg/m² for Asian patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Although additional studies are needed to further demonstrate long-term benefits, there is sufficient clinical and mechanistic evidence to support inclusion of metabolic surgery among antidiabetes interventions for people with T2D and obesity. To date, the DSS-II guidelines have been formally endorsed by 45 worldwide medical and scientific societies. Health care regulators should introduce appropriate reimbursement policies.

Metabolic Surgery in the Treatment Algorithm for Type 2 Diabetes: A Joint Statement by International Diabetes Organizations

BACKGROUND

Despite growing evidence that bariatric/metabolic surgery powerfully improves type 2 diabetes (T2D), existing diabetes treatment algorithms do not include surgical options.

AIM

The 2nd Diabetes Surgery Summit (DSS-II), an international consensus conference, was convened in collaboration with leading diabetes organizations to develop global guidelines to inform clinicians and policymakers about benefits and limitations of metabolic surgery for T2D.

METHODS

A multidisciplinary group of 48 international clinicians/scholars (75% nonsurgeons), including representatives of leading diabetes organizations, participated in DSS-II. After evidence appraisal (MEDLINE [1 January 2005-30 September 2015]), three rounds of Delphi-like questionnaires were used to measure consensus for 32 data-based conclusions. These drafts were presented at the combined DSS-II and 3rd World Congress on Interventional Therapies for Type 2 Diabetes (London, U.K., 28-30 September 2015), where they were open to public comment by other professionals and amended face-to-face by the Expert Committee.

RESULTS

Given its role in metabolic regulation, the gastrointestinal tract constitutes a meaningful target to manage T2D. Numerous randomized clinical trials, albeit mostly short/midterm, demonstrate that metabolic surgery achieves excellent glycemic control and reduces cardiovascular risk factors. On the basis of such evidence, metabolic surgery should be recommended to treat T2D in patients with class III obesity (BMI ≥40 kg/m(2)) and in those with class II obesity (BMI 35.0-39.9 kg/m(2)) when hyperglycemia is inadequately controlled by lifestyle and optimal medical therapy. Surgery should also be considered for patients with T2D and BMI 30.0-34.9 kg/m(2) if hyperglycemia is inadequately controlled despite optimal treatment with either oral or injectable medications. These BMI thresholds should be reduced by 2.5 kg/m(2) for Asian patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Although additional studies are needed to further demonstrate long-term benefits, there is sufficient clinical and mechanistic evidence to support inclusion of metabolic surgery among antidiabetes interventions for people with T2D and obesity. To date, the DSS-II guidelines have been formally endorsed by 45 worldwide medical and scientific societies. Health care regulators should introduce appropriate reimbursement policies.

Identifying Barriers to Appropriate Use of Metabolic/Bariatric Surgery for Type 2 Diabetes Treatment: Policy Lab Results

Despite increasing recognition of the efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness of bariatric/metabolic surgery in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, few patients who may be appropriate candidates and may benefit from this type of surgery avail themselves of this treatment option. To identify conceptual and practical barriers to appropriate use of surgical procedures, a Policy Lab was hosted at the 3rd World Congress on Interventional Therapies for Type 2 Diabetes on 29 September 2015. Twenty-six stakeholders participated in the Policy Lab, including academics, clinicians, policy-makers, industry leaders, and patient representatives. Participants were provided with a summary of available evidence about the cost-effectiveness of bariatric/metabolic surgery and the costs of increasing the use of bariatric/metabolic surgery, using U.K. and U.S. scenarios as examples of distinct health care systems. There was widespread agreement among this group of stakeholders that bariatric/metabolic surgery is a legitimate and cost-effective approach to the treatment of type 2 diabetes in obese patients. The following four building blocks were identified to facilitate policy changes: 1) communicating the scale of the costs and harms associated with rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes; 2) properly articulating the role of bariatric/metabolic surgery for certain population groups; 3) identifying new funding sources for bariatric/metabolic surgery; and 4) incorporating bariatric/metabolic surgery into the appropriate clinical pathways. Although more research is needed to identify specific clinical scenarios for the prioritization of bariatric/metabolic surgery, the case appears to be strong enough to engage relevant policy-makers and practitioners in a concerted discussion of how to better use metabolic surgical resources in conjunction with other interventions in good diabetes practice.

Epidemiology of Diabetes-Status of a Pandemic and Issues Around Metabolic Surgery

The number of people with diabetes worldwide has more than doubled during the past 20 years. One of the most worrying features of this rapid increase is the emergence of type 2 diabetes in children, adolescents, and young adults. Although the role of traditional risk factors for type 2 diabetes, such as genetic, lifestyle, and behavioral risk factors, has been given attention, recent research has focused on identifying the contributions of epigenetic mechanisms and the effect of the intrauterine environment. Epidemiological data predict an inexorable and unsustainable increase in global health expenditure attributable to diabetes, so disease prevention should be given high priority. An integrated approach is needed to prevent type 2 diabetes and must recognize its heterogeneity. Future research needs to be directed at improved understanding of the potential role of determinants, such as the maternal environment and other early life factors, as well as changing trends in global demography, to help shape disease prevention programs. Equally important is a better understanding of the role of metabolic surgery in helping to address the management both of persons with type 2 diabetes and of those persons in the community who are at higher risk for type 2 diabetes, particularly in emerging nations where the diabetes epidemic is in full flight.

How Durable Are the Effects After Metabolic Surgery?

Bariatric surgery was initially developed as a tool for weight reduction only, but it is gaining popularity because of its remarkable effect on glucose metabolism in morbidly obese and less obese patients. Recent publications have shown the superiority of metabolic surgery over medical treatment for diabetes, creating a new field of clinical research that is currently overflowing in the medical community with outstanding high-quality data. Metabolic surgery is effective in treating diabetes, even in non-morbidly obese patients.

Influence of peri-duodenal non-constrictive cuff on the body weight of rats

BACKGROUND

Weight loss has been found to improve or resolve cardiovascular comorbidities. There is a significant need for reversible device approaches to weight loss.

METHODS

Non-constrictive cuff (NCC) is made of implantable silicone rubber with an internal diameter greater than the duodenum. Ten or 11 NCC were individually mounted along the duodenum from the pyloric sphincter toward the distal duodenum to cover ~22 mm in the length. Twelve Wistar rats were implanted with NCC, and six served as sham, and both groups were observed over 4 months. Six rats with implant had their NCC removed and were observed for additional 4 weeks.

RESULTS

The food intake decreased from 40.1 to 28.1 g/day after 4 months of NCC implant. The body weight gain decreased from 1.76 to 0.46 g/day after 4 months of NCC implant. The fasting glucose decreased from 87.7 to 75.3 mg/dl at terminal day. The duodenal muscle layer covered by the NCC increased from 0.133 to 0.334 mm. After 4 weeks of NCC removal, the food intake, body weight gain, and fasting glucose recovered to 36.2, 2.51 g/day, and 83.9 mg/dl. The duodenal muscle layer covered by the NCC decreased to 0.217 mm.

CONCLUSION

The NCC implant placed on the proximal duodenum is safe in rats for a 4-month period. The efficacy of the NCC implant is significant for decrease in food intake, body weight gain, and fasting glucose in a normal rat model. The removal of NCC implant confirmed a cause-effect relation with food intake and hence body weight.

Bariatric surgery for obesity and metabolic conditions in adults

This review summarizes recent evidence related to the safety, efficacy, and metabolic outcomes of bariatric surgery to guide clinical decision making. Several short term randomized controlled trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of bariatric procedures for inducing weight loss and initial remission of type 2 diabetes. Observational studies have linked bariatric procedures with long term improvements in body weight, type 2 diabetes, survival, cardiovascular events, incident cancer, and quality of life. Perioperative mortality for the average patient is low but varies greatly across subgroups. The incidence of major complications after surgery also varies widely, and emerging data show that some procedures are associated with a greater risk of substance misuse disorders, suicide, and nutritional deficiencies. More research is needed to enable long term outcomes to be compared across various procedures and subpopulations, and to identify those most likely to benefit from surgical intervention. Given uncertainties about the balance between the risks and benefits of bariatric surgery in the long term, the decision to undergo surgery should be based on a high quality shared decision making process.

Remission of type 2 diabetes mellitus should not be the foremost goal after bariatric surgery

BACKGROUND

Remission of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a desired outcome after bariatric surgery (BS). Even if this goal is not achieved, individuals who do not strictly fulfill remission criteria experience an overall improvement. The aim of this study was to evaluate the metabolic control status in patients considered as diabetes "non-remitters."

METHODS

A retrospective study of 125 patients (59.2 % women) with preoperative diagnosis of T2D who underwent BS in a single center (2006-2011) was conducted. We collected anthropometric and metabolic parameters before surgery and at 1-year follow-up. T2D remission was defined according to the 2009 consensus statement: glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) <6 %, fasting glucose (FG) <100 mg/dLs, and absence of pharmacologic treatment. We evaluated metabolic status of non-remitters, according to the American Diabetes Association's (ADA) target recommendations: HbA1c <7 %, LDL-c <100 mg/dL, triglycerides <150 mg/dL, and HDL-c >40 (male) or >50 mg/dL (female).

STATISTICS

analysis of variance.

RESULTS

Baseline characteristics (mean ± SD): age 53.5 ± 9.7 years, BMI 43.5 ± 5.6 kg/m(2), time since diagnosis of T2D 7.7 ± 7.9 years, FG 162.0 ± 56.3 mg/dL, HbA1c 7.7 ± 1.6 %. ADA's target recommendations were present in 12 patients (9.6 %) preoperatively, and in 45 (36.0 %) at 1-year follow-up (p <0.001). Sixty-two (49.6 %) patients did not achieve diabetes remission; 26 (41.9 %) had now diet treatment, 30 (48.4 %) oral medications, and 6 (9.7 %) required insulin. Of the non-remitters, 57 (91.9 %) had HbA1c <7 % and 18 (40.0 %) achieved ADA's target recommendations. There were no differences between remitters and non-remitters in the number of individuals reaching ADA's combined metabolic control.

CONCLUSIONS

Although almost 50 % of the patients may not be classified as diabetes remitters, their significant improvement in metabolic control should be regarded as a success, according to most scientific societies' target recommendations.

Insulin signaling, resistance, and the metabolic syndrome: insights from mouse models into disease mechanisms

Insulin resistance is a major underlying mechanism responsible for the 'metabolic syndrome', which is also known as insulin resistance syndrome. The incidence of the metabolic syndrome is increasing at an alarming rate, becoming a major public and clinical problem worldwide. The metabolic syndrome is represented by a group of interrelated disorders, including obesity, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension. It is also a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease and increased morbidity and mortality. Animal studies have demonstrated that insulin and its signaling cascade normally control cell growth, metabolism, and survival through the activation of MAPKs and activation of phosphatidylinositide-3-kinase (PI3K), in which the activation of PI3K associated with insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) and IRS2 and subsequent Akt→Foxo1 phosphorylation cascade has a central role in the control of nutrient homeostasis and organ survival. The inactivation of Akt and activation of Foxo1, through the suppression IRS1 and IRS2 in different organs following hyperinsulinemia, metabolic inflammation, and overnutrition, may act as the underlying mechanisms for the metabolic syndrome in humans. Targeting the IRS→Akt→Foxo1 signaling cascade will probably provide a strategy for therapeutic intervention in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and its complications. This review discusses the basis of insulin signaling, insulin resistance in different mouse models, and how a deficiency of insulin signaling components in different organs contributes to the features of the metabolic syndrome. Emphasis is placed on the role of IRS1, IRS2, and associated signaling pathways that are coupled to Akt and the forkhead/winged helix transcription factor Foxo1.

Beyond BMI: the need for new guidelines governing the use of bariatric and metabolic surgery

Bariatric surgery use is largely governed worldwide by a 1991 National Institutes of Health consensus statement that advocates BMI as the primary operative criterion and restricts surgery to severely obese patients. These guidelines have been enormously valuable in standardising practice, thereby facilitating accumulation of a copious database of information regarding long-term surgical benefits and risks, from vast clinical experience and research. However, the National Institutes of Health recommendations had important limitations from the outset and are now gravely outdated. They do not account for remarkable advances in minimally invasive surgical techniques or the development of entirely new procedures. In the two decades since they were crafted, we have gained far greater understanding of the dramatic, weight-independent benefits of some operations on metabolic diseases, especially type 2 diabetes, and of the inadequacy of BMI as a primary criterion for surgical selection. Furthermore, there is now a substantial and rapidly burgeoning body of level-1 evidence from randomised trials comparing surgical versus non-surgical approaches to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic diseases, including among only mildly obese or merely overweight patients. Herein, we present arguments to impel the development of new guidelines for the use of bariatric and so-called metabolic surgery to inform clinical practice and insurance compensation.

Metabolic surgery: shifting the focus from glycaemia and weight to end-organ health

Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for weight loss and glycaemic control. The focus of clinical studies and clinical experience has predominantly been on the numerical reductions of bodyweight and glucose after surgery. In this Series paper, we examine evidence on the efficacy of bariatric surgery for pancreatic, renal, retinal, peripheral nervous, cardiovascular, hepatic, and reproductive end-organ damage or disease. The overall conclusions are that, in most cases, patients' end-organ damage is expected to either stabilise or improve postoperatively. However, some of these clinical outcomes have not been assessed with robust methods and, in many cases, do not have support from randomised controlled clinical trials comparing bariatric surgery with non-surgical interventions. Such trials are urgently needed to inform patients and clinicians on whether the risks of surgery outweigh the significant benefits for end-organ health.

Metabolic Surgery for Type 2 Diabetes in Patients with a BMI of <35 kg/m(2): A Surgeon's Perspective

Bariatric surgery was developed with the aim of weight reduction. Success was defined only by excess weight loss. Other indices of resolution of metabolic comorbidities were reported, but were mostly secondary. Several communications have reported that regardless of body mass index (BMI), complete or partial remission of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is possible. These results mostly occur before weight loss, positioning metabolic surgery as a good tool for controlling the current T2DM epidemic. Medical treatment is evolving, but is expensive and not risk-free. Surgery aimed mainly at diseases such as diabetes and not weight loss are referred to as "metabolic surgery." Metabolic surgery has been proven to be safe and effective, and although more data are needed, it is unquestionable that a new discipline has been founded. Metabolic surgery can effectively treat T2DM in individuals with any BMI, including that below 35 kg/m(2).

Application of the International Diabetes Federation and American Diabetes Association criteria in the assessment of metabolic control after bariatric surgery

The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the American Diabetes Association (ADA) have introduced specific criteria to define the 'optimization' of the metabolic state and glycaemic 'remission' of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) after bariatric surgery, respectively. Our objective was to assess the percentage of patients achieving these criteria. Data were collected for body mass index, glycaemic markers, lipids, blood pressure, hypoglycaemia and medication usage from 396 morbidly obese T2DM patients who underwent bariatric surgery in two centres and followed up for 2 years. At year 1, 14% of patients achieved the IDF criteria and 38% the ADA criteria, whereas at 2 years 8 and 9% satisfied these criteria, respectively. A relatively low proportion of patients achieved optimization of the metabolic state and T2DM remission. These patients may potentially benefit from the combination of bariatric surgery and adjuvant medical therapy to achieve optimal metabolic outcomes.

Initial Japanese experience with the LAP-BAND system

INTRODUCTION

Laparoscopic bariatric surgery has gradually spread in Japan since it was introduced in 2000. In 2005, we introduced laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) with the LAP-BAND system into Japan. Here, we evaluate our intermediate-term results with the LAP-BAND system.

METHODS

Between August 2005 and June 2010, 27 Japanese patients with morbid obesity (BMI ≥ 35 kg/m(2) ) underwent LAGB with the LAP-BAND system in our institution. Our patients' average weight was 111 kg and BMI was 41 kg/m(2) . All LAGB procedures were performed through the pars flaccida pathway with band fixation using gastric-to-gastric sutures. The average follow-up period was 48 months.

RESULTS

All procedures were completed laparoscopically. One early complication (sudden cardiac arrest due to postoperative bleeding) and three late complications (port trouble, megaesophagus, and band slippage) were experienced, and reoperations were performed in three of the patients. Weight loss and percentage of excess weight loss on average were 26 kg and 53% after 3 years and 22 kg and 53% after 6 years, respectively. In line with this good weight loss, comorbidities, especially those of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome were frequently resolved or improved.

CONCLUSION

LAGB with the LAP-BAND system appears to be beneficial in obese Japanese patients.

Bariatric surgery for type 2 diabetes

Bariatric surgery provides substantial, sustained weight loss and major improvements in glycaemic control in severely obese individuals with type 2 diabetes. However, uptake of surgery in eligible patients is poor, and the barriers are difficult to surmount. We examine the indications for and efficacy and safety of conventional bariatric surgical procedures and their effect on glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes. How surgical gastrointestinal interventions achieve these changes is of great research interest, and is evolving rapidly. Old classifications about restriction and malabsorption are inadequate, and we explore understanding of putative mechanisms. Some bariatric procedures improve glycaemic control in people with diabetes beyond that expected for weight loss, and understanding this additional effect could provide insights into the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes and assist in the development of new procedures, devices, and drugs both for obese and non-obese patients.

Metabolic surgery for type 2 diabetes

Clinicians note that bariatric operations can dramatically resolve type 2 diabetes, often before and out of proportion to postoperative weight loss. Now two randomized controlled trials formally show superior results from surgical compared with medical diabetes care, including among only mildly obese patients. The concept of 'metabolic surgery' to treat diabetes has taken a big step forward.