Case-Matched Outcomes in Bariatric Surgery for Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes in the Morbidly Obese Patient

Clinical associations of an updated medication effect score for measuring diabetes treatment intensity

OBJECTIVES

The medication effect score reflects overall intensity of a diabetes regimen by consolidating dosage and potency of agents used. Little is understood regarding how medication intensity relates to clinical factors. We updated the medication effect score to account for newer agents and explored associations between medication effect score and patient-level clinical factors.

METHODS

Cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from a randomized controlled trial involving 263 Veterans with type 2 diabetes and hemoglobin A1c levels ≥8.0% (≥7.5% if under age 50). Medication effect score was calculated for all patients at baseline, alongside additional measures including demographics, comorbid illnesses, hemoglobin A1c, and self-reported psychosocial factors. We used multivariable regression to explore associations between baseline medication effect score and patient-level clinical factors.

RESULTS

Our sample had a mean age of 60.7 (SD = 8.2) years, was 89.4% male, and 57.4% non-White. Older age and younger onset of diabetes were associated with a higher medication effect score, as was higher body mass index. Higher medication effect score was significantly associated with medication nonadherence, although not with hemoglobin A1c, self-reported hypoglycemia, diabetes-related distress, or depression.

DISCUSSION

We observed several expected associations between an updated medication effect score and patient-level clinical factors. These associations support the medication effect score as an appropriate measure of diabetes regimen intensity in clinical and research contexts.

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Versus Sleeve Gastrectomy for Super Super Obese and Super Obese: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Weight Results, Comorbidity Resolution

BACKGROUND

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) used for super obesity (SO) and super super obesity (SSO) remain controversial. The meta-analysis was to summarize the evidence.

METHODS

We searched in MEDLINE and PubMed for studies concerning RYGB and SG for SO or SSO and pooled complication, percentage excess weight loss (%EWL), and resolution of comorbidities.

RESULTS

Twelve studies were identified. RYGB achieved higher %EWL at 12 months, but no significant difference at 24 months. Resolution of diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia reached a statistical significance; however, there was no significant difference in hypertension.

CONCLUSIONS

RYGB was superior in %EWL for SSO and SO at 12 months. However, regarding at 24 months, RYGB was equal to SG, which is from a meta-analysis and cannot be seen as a definitive conclusion.

Effect of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass on pharmacologic dependence in obese patients with type 2 diabetes

Background

More than half the diabetes-related health care costs in Canada relate to drug costs. We aimed to determine the effect of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) on the use of insulin and orally administered hypoglycemic medications in patients with diabetes. We also looked to determine overall cost savings with the procedure.

Methods

We reviewed the bariatric clinic records of all patients with a confirmed diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus who underwent RYGB between 2010/11 and 2014/15. Percentage estimated weight loss was recorded at 1 year, along with reductions in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level and use of oral hypoglycemic therapy and insulin. We estimated medication costs using Manitoba-specific pricing data.

Results

Fifty-two patients with at least 12 months of complete follow-up data were identified. The mean percentage estimated weight loss was 50.2%. The mean HbA1c level decreased from 7.6% to 6.0%, the mean number of orally administered hypoglycemics declined from 1.6 to 0.2, and the number of patients receiving insulin decreased from 18 (35%) to 3 (6%) (all p < 0.001). The rate of resolution of type 2 diabetes was 71%. Estimated mean annual per-patient medication costs decreased from $508.56 to $79.17 (p < 0.001). Potential overall health care savings could total $3769 per patient in the first year, decreasing to $1734 at 10 years.

Conclusion

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass resulted in significant improvement in diabetic control, with a reduction in hypoglycemic medication use and associated costs in the early postoperative period. Potentially, large indirect and direct cost savings can be realized in the longer term.

Glucose Metabolism Parameters and Post-Prandial GLP-1 and GLP-2 Release Largely Vary in Several Distinct Situations: a Controlled Comparison Among Individuals with Crohn's Disease and Individuals with Obesity Before and After Bariatric Surgery

BACKGROUND

This study aims to compare the post-prandial curves of glucose, insulin, GLP-1, and GLP-2 among individuals with Crohn's disease (CD), obese individuals before and after bariatric surgery, and healthy controls.

METHODS

This an exploratory cross-sectional study that involved five groups of patients (two groups of individuals with CD-active and inactive), bariatric patients (pre- and post-surgery, who were their own controls), and a distinct separated control group of healthy volunteers. C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and the post-prandial curves of glucose, insulin, GLP-1, and GLP-2 curves were assessed and compared.

RESULTS

The pre-RYGB group presented significantly higher levels of CRP than the post-RYGB (p = 0.001) and the control group (p = 0.001). The inactive CD group presented a higher post-prandial GLP-1 area under the curve (AUC) than the pre-RYGB group (p = 0.009). The post-RYGB group presented significantly higher AUCs of GLP-2 than the pre-RYGB group (p < 0.0001), both inactive and active CD groups (p < 0.0001 in both situations), and the control group (p = 0.002). The pre-RYGB group presented a significantly higher AUC of glucose than the post-RYGB (p = 0.02) and both active and inactive CD groups (p = 0.019 and p = 0.046, respectively). The pre-RYGB group presented a significantly higher AUC of insulin than the control (p = 0.005) and both CD groups (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Obesity is associated with an inflammatory state comparable to the one observed in CD; inflammation may also be enrolled in the blockade of GLP-2. CD individuals present a more incretin-driven pattern of glucose metabolism, as a way to prevent hypoglycemia and compensate the carbohydrate malabsorption and GLP-2 blockade.

Preoperative Fasting C-Peptide Predicts Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Remission in Low-BMI Chinese Patients After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the role of preoperative fasting C-peptide (FCP) levels in predicting diabetic outcomes in low-BMI Chinese patients following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) by comparing the metabolic outcomes of patients with FCP > 1 ng/ml versus FCP ≤ 1 ng/ml.

METHODS

The study sample included 78 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with an average BMI < 30 kg/m² at baseline. Patients' parameters were analyzed before and after surgery, with a 2-year follow-up. A univariate logistic regression analysis and multivariate analysis of variance between the remission and improvement group were performed to determine factors that were associated with type 2 diabetes remission after RYGB. Linear correlation analyses between FCP and metabolic parameters were performed. Patients were divided into two groups: FCP > 1 ng/ml and FCP ≤ 1 ng/ml, with measured parameters compared between the groups.

RESULTS

Patients' fasting plasma glucose, 2-h postprandial plasma glucose, FCP, and HbA1c improved significantly after surgery (p < 0.05). Factors associated with type 2 diabetes remission were BMI, 2hINS, and FCP at the univariate logistic regression analysis (p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed then showed the results were more related to FCP (OR = 2.39). FCP showed a significant linear correlation with fasting insulin and BMI (p < 0.05). There was a significant difference in remission rate between the FCP > 1 ng/ml and FCP ≤ 1 ng/ml groups (p = 0.01). The parameters of patients with FCP > 1 ng/ml, including BMI, plasma glucose, HbA1c, and plasma insulin, decreased markedly after surgery (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

FCP level is a significant predictor of diabetes outcomes after RYGB in low-BMI Chinese patients. An FCP level of 1 ng/ml may be a useful threshold for predicting surgical prognosis, with FCP > 1 ng/ml predicting better clinical outcomes following RYGB.

The influences of bariatric surgery on hemoglobin A1c in a sample of obese patients in Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND

Although the frequency of surgical weight loss interventions has increased in Saudi Arabia, literature describing the clinical outcomes of bariatric surgery in Saudi Arabia is limited. This study aimed to assess whether weight loss intervention improves hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) in obese patients and to identify its associated factors.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective study was carried out on 318 patients with obesity class 1 or higher (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 30 kg/m²) who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between January 1, 2001 and March 31, 2017. Preoperatively and 12 months postoperatively, characteristics of patients were collected. BMI reduction was calculated, based on which patients were divided into three groups (0-9, 10-14, and >14 kg/m²).

RESULTS

The postoperative HbA1c was 5.83±0.9, while the baseline level was 6.74±2.1 (P=0.001). Fifty-eight of the 318 patients had diabetes. We observed significantly higher HbA1c in diabetic than in non-diabetic patients preoperatively, whereas an insignificantly different HbA1c was observed postoperatively. Among those who had minimal reduction in BMI (0-9 kg/m²), we observed significantly higher HbA1c in diabetic than in non-diabetic patients, whereas among those who had large reduction in BMI (10-14 kg/m²) and (>14 kg/m²), we observed insignificant differences in HbA1c in diabetic than in non-diabetic patients.

CONCLUSION

Being a diabetic patient was related to a significant reduction in HbA1c levels postoperatively. The study suggests that the reduction in HbA1c levels could be modified by BMI, wherein greater reduction in BMI leads to greater reduction in HbA1c levels.

Bile Acids Increase Independently From Hypocaloric Restriction After Bariatric Surgery

OBJECTIVES

To measure changes in the composition of serum bile acids (BA) and the expression of Takeda G-protein-coupled receptor 5 (TGR5) acutely after bariatric surgery or caloric restriction.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Metabolic improvement after bariatric surgery occurs before substantial weight loss. BA are important metabolic regulators acting through the farnesoid X receptor and TGR5 receptor. The acute effects of surgery on BA and the TGR5 receptor in subcutaneous white adipose tissue (WAT) are unknown.

METHODS

A total of 27 obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were randomized to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or to hypocaloric diet (HC diet) restriction (NCT 1882036). A cohort of obese patients with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus undergoing vertical sleeve gastrectomy was also recruited (n = 12) as a comparison.

RESULTS

After vertical sleeve gastrectomy, the level of BA increased [total: 1.17 ± 1.56 μmol/L to 4.42 ± 3.92 μmol/L (P = 0.005); conjugated BA levels increased from 0.99 ± 1.42 μmol/L to 3.59 ± 3.70 μmol/L (P = 0.01) and unconjugated BA levels increased from 0.18 ± 0.24 μmol/L to 0.83 ± 0.70 μmol/L (P = 0.009)]. With RYGB, there was a trend toward increased BA [total: 1.37 ± 0.97 μmol/L to 3.26 ± 3.01 μmol/L (P = 0.07); conjugated: 1.06 ± 0.81 μmol/L to 2.99 ± 3.02 μmol/L (P = 0.06)]. After HC diet, the level of unconjugated BA decreased [0.92 ± 0.55 μmol/L to 0.32 ± 0.43 μmol/L (P = 0.05)]. The level of WAT TGR5 gene expression decreased after surgery, but not in HC diet. Protein levels did not change.

CONCLUSIONS

The levels of serum BA increase after bariatric surgery independently from caloric restriction, whereas the level of WAT TGR5 protein is unaffected.

Immediate Metabolic Response Following Sleeve Gastrectomy in Obese Diabetics

BACKGROUND

Although laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has been shown to have a long-term antidiabetic effect, little is known regarding the immediate response to surgery. This study's objective was to evaluate the glycemic and lipid metabolic response in the first postoperative week.

METHODS

The study included 21 obese diabetic participants. Glycemic markers, lipids, and hepatic function tests were measured just prior to surgery and at 1 week and 3 months postoperatively. Two participants were dropped prior to all measurements due to technical reasons, and two more were lost to follow-up.

RESULTS

At 1 week after surgery, compared to preoperative baseline, we found reduced hemoglobin A1c (7.63 to 7.31, P < 0.001), insulin (24.96 to 10.92, P < 0.05), and borderline significant homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance (HOMA-IR, 9.48 to 3.91, P > 0.05). Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol increased and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol decreased. Three months after surgery, hemoglobin A1c, insulin, and HOMA-IR continued to decrease (6.05, 7.11, and 1.92, respectively, P < 0.05), with hemoglobin A1c correlated to weight loss (P < 0.05). Triglycerides, triglyceride to HDL ratio, and total cholesterol to HDL ratio also decreased, but there was no significant change in LDL cholesterol or HDL versus presurgery levels. Reduced triglyceride levels were correlated with reduced alanine transaminase (ALT) and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

LSG is associated with marked antidiabetic effects as early as 1 week after surgery, unrelated to weight loss. The antidiabetic effect improves at 3 months. Triglyceride reduction was associated with improved hepatic functions, but cholesterol did not show a meaningful reduction.

Comparing Medical Costs and Use After Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding and Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

IMPORTANCE

There is conflicting evidence about how different bariatric procedures impact health care use.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the impact of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (AGB) and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) on health care use and costs.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Retrospective interrupted time series with comparison series study using a national claims data set. The data analysis was initiated in September 2011 and completed in January 2015. We identified bariatric surgery patients aged 18 to 64 years who underwent a first AGB or RYGB between 2005 and 2011. We propensity score matched 4935 AGB to 4935 RYGB patients according to baseline age group, sex, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic variables, comorbidities, year of procedure and baseline costs, emergency department (ED) visits, and hospital days. Median postoperative follow-up time was 2.5 years.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Quarterly and yearly total health care costs, ED visits, hospital days, and prescription drug costs. We used segmented regression to compare pre-to-post changes in level and trend of these measures in the AGB vs the RYGB groups and difference-in-differences analysis to estimate the magnitude of difference by year.

RESULTS

Both AGB and RYGB were associated with downward trends in costs; however, by year 3, AGB patients had total annual costs that were 16% higher than RYGB patients (P < .001; absolute change: $818; 95% CI, $278 to $1357). In postoperative years 1 and 2, AGB was associated with 27% to 29% fewer ED visits than RYGB (P < .001; absolute changes: -0.6; 95% CI, -0.9 to -0.4 and -0.4; 95% CI, -0.6 to -0.1 visits/person, respectively); however, by year 3, there were no detectable differences. Postoperative annual hospital days were not significantly different between the groups. Although both procedures lowered prescription costs, annual postoperative prescription costs were 17% to 32% higher for AGB patients than RYGB patients (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Both laparoscopic AGB and RYGB were associated with flattened total health care cost trajectories but RYGB patients experienced lower total and prescription costs by 3 years postsurgery. On the other hand, RYGB was associated with increased ED visits in the 2 years after surgery. Clinicians and policymakers should weigh such differences in use and costs when making recommendations or shaping regulatory guidance about these procedures.

A randomised trial comparing low-fat diets differing in carbohydrate and protein ratio, combined with regular moderate intensity exercise, on glycaemic control, cardiometabolic risk factors, food cravings, cognitive function and psychological wellbeing in adults with type 2 diabetes: Study protocol

BACKGROUND

Hypocaloric low-fat diets, high in protein with moderate carbohydrate (HP) can enhance weight loss, improve glycaemic control and improve cardiometabolic health risk factors in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, it is unclear whether the metabolic benefits observed during weight loss are sustained during energy-balance and weight maintenance. Furthermore, there is a lack of evidence regarding the effect of HP diets on food cravings, cognitive function and psychological wellbeing in T2DM, despite carbohydrate food cravings, cognitive impairment and depression being associated with hyperglycaemia.

METHODS/DESIGN

Overweight/obese adults with T2DM were randomised to consume either a HP diet (n=32, ~32% protein, 33% carbohydrate, 30% fat) or a higher-carbohydrate diet (HC, n=29, ~22% protein, 51% carbohydrate, 22% fat) for 24 weeks with 30 min of moderate intensity exercise five days/week for the study duration. There were 2 phases: a 12 week weight loss phase followed by a 12 week weight maintenance phase. Primary outcome was glycaemic control (glycosylated haemoglobin; HbA1c). Secondary outcomes were cardiometabolic risk factors (body composition, fasting blood pressure, blood lipids, glucose, insulin and C-reactive protein), food cravings, cognitive function (memory; psychomotor and executive function and psychological well-being. Outcomes were measured at baseline and the end of each 12-week intervention phase. Data will be analysed as intention-to-treat using linear mixed effects models.

CONCLUSION

This study will examine the effects of two dietary interventions on health outcomes in T2DM during weight loss and notably following weight maintenance where there is a paucity of evidence.

Bariatric surgery and diabetes remission: Who would have thought it?

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity are increasingly common and major global health problems. The Edmonton obesity staging system clearly pointed towards increased mortality proportionate to the severity of obesity. Obesity itself triggers insulin resistance and thereby poses the risk of T2DM. Both obesity and T2DM have been associated with higher morbidity and mortality and this calls for institution of effective therapies to deal with the rising trend of complications arising out of this dual menace. Although lifestyle changes form the cornerstone of therapy for both the ailments, sustained results from this modalities is far from satisfactory. While Look AHEAD (action for HEAalth in diabetes) study showed significant weight loss, reduction in glycated hemoglobin and higher remission rate of T2DM at 1(st) year following intensive lifestyle measures; recurrence and relapse rate bounced back in half of subjects at 4 years, thereby indicating that weight loss and glycemic control is difficult to maintain in the long term with lifestyle interventions. Same recurrence phenomenon was also observed with pharmacotherapy with rimonabant, sibutramine and orlistat. Bariatric surgery has been seen to associate with substantial and sustained weight loss in morbidly obese patients. Interestingly, bariatric surgeries also induce higher rates of short and long-term diabetes remission. Although the exact mechanism behinds this diabetes remission are not well understood; improved insulin action, beta-cell function and complex interplay of hormones in the entero-insular axis appears to play a major role. This article reviews the effectiveness of bariatric procedures on remission or improvement in diabetes and put a perspective on its implicated mechanisms.

Insulin cessation and diabetes remission after bariatric surgery in adults with insulin-treated type 2 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

The impact of bariatric surgeries on insulin-treated type 2 diabetes (I-T2D) in the general population is largely undocumented. We assessed changes in insulin treatment after bariatric surgery in a large cohort of I-T2D patients, comparing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery (RYGB) with laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB), controlling for differences in weight loss between procedures.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Of 113,638 adult surgical patients in the Bariatric Outcomes Longitudinal Database (BOLD), 10% had I-T2D. Analysis was restricted to 5,225 patients with I-T2D and at least 1 year of postoperative follow-up. Regression models were used to identify factors that predict cessation of insulin therapy. To control for differences in weight loss patterns between RYGB and LAGB, a case-matched analysis was also performed.

RESULTS

Of I-T2D patients who underwent RYGB (n = 3,318), 62% were off insulin at 12 months compared with 34% (n = 1,907) after LAGB (P < 0.001). Regression analysis indicated that RYGB strongly predicted insulin cessation at both 1 and 12 months postoperatively. In the case-matched analysis at 3 months, the proportion of insulin cessation was significantly higher in the RYGB group than in the LAGB group (P = 0.03), and the diabetes remission rate was higher at all time points after this surgery. RYGB was a weight-independent predictor of insulin therapy cessation early after surgery, whereas insulin cessation after LAGB was linked to weight loss.

CONCLUSIONS

I-T2D patients have a greater probability of stopping insulin after RYGB than after LAGB (62% vs. 34%, respectively, at 1 year), with weight-independent effects in the early months after surgery. These findings support RYGB as the procedure of choice for reversing I-T2D.

Diabetes and weight in comparative studies of bariatric surgery vs conventional medical therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

We performed a meta-analysis of weight loss and remission of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) evaluated in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies of bariatric surgery vs conventional medical therapy. English articles published through June 10, 2013 that compared bariatric surgery with conventional therapy and included T2DM endpoints with ≥12-month follow-up were systematically reviewed. Body mass index (BMI, in kilogram per square meter), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C, in degree), and fasting plasma glucose (FPG, in milligram per deciliter) were analyzed by calculating weighted mean differences (WMDs) and pooled standardized mean differences and associated 95 % confidence intervals (95 % CI). Aggregated T2DM remission event data were analyzed by calculating the pooled odds ratio (POR) and 95 % CI. Random effects assumptions were applied throughout; I(2) ≥ 75.0 % was considered indicative of significant heterogeneity. Systematic review identified 512 articles: 47 duplicates were removed, 446 failed inclusion criteria (i.e., n < 10 per arm, animal studies, reviews, case reports, abstracts, and kin studies). Of 19 eligible articles, two not focused on diagnosed T2DM and one with insufficient T2DM data were excluded. In the final 16 included papers, 3,076 patients (mean BMI, 40.9; age, 47.0; 72.0 % female) underwent bariatric surgery; 3,055 (39.4; 48.6, 69.0 %) received conventional or no weight-loss therapy. In bariatric surgery vs conventional therapy groups, the mean 17.3 ± 5.7 month BMI WMD was 8.3 (7.0, 9.6; p < 0.001; I(2) = 91.8), HbA(1C) was 1.1 (0.6, 1.6; p < 0.001; I(2) = 91.9), and FPG, 24.9 (15.9, 33.9; p < 0.001; I(2) = 84.8), with significant differences favoring surgery. The overall T2DM remission rate for surgery vs conventional group was 63.5 vs 15.6 % (p < 0.001). The Peto summary POR was 9.8 (6.1, 15.9); inverse variance summary POR was 15.8 (7.9, 31.4). Of the included studies, 94.0 % demonstrated a significant statistical advantage favoring surgery. In a meta-analysis of 16 studies (5 RCTs) with 6,131 patients and mean 17.3-month follow-up, bariatric surgery was significantly more effective than conventional medical therapy in achieving weight loss, HbA(1C) and FPG reduction, and diabetes remission. The odds of bariatric surgery patients reaching T2DM remission ranged from 9.8 to 15.8 times the odds of patients treated with conventional therapy.

Gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy for type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of outcomes

Bariatric surgery is effective in the management of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity; however, it is not clear whether Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (GBP) or sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is the most effective procedure. This review compared T2D remission and weight loss in patients with T2D after GBP or SG. All human SG or GBP studies published in English between 1 Jan 2007 and 30 April 2012 reporting on BMI and T2D outcomes were included. Analyses were performed separately for the most frequent distinct time points reported after surgery. A total of 21 prospective (three randomised control trials) and 12 retrospective studies, involving 1375 patients met eligibility criteria. T2D remission defined by hemoglobin A1c of <6.5 % for GBP and SG respectively was 67 and 56 % at 3 months, 76 and 68 % at 12 months, and 81 and 80 % at 36 months. Greater percent excess BMI loss occurred at 12 months (72.5 % after GBP and 66.7 % after SG) compared with 3 months (45.9 % after GBP and 25.9 % after SG). There was no significant difference in either T2D remission or weight loss with GBP compared with SG. Both GBP and SG result in similar early remission of T2D in 67 and 56 % of patients at 3 months respectively with modest additional T2D remission with time, although weight loss with both procedures increase substantially between 3 and 12 months post-operatively. Further randomised controlled trials comparing SG and GBP in patients with T2D using comparable definitions of diabetes remission with long-term follow-up are needed to evaluate relative benefits.

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.

Greater short-term weight loss in women 20-45 versus 55-65 years of age following bariatric surgery

BACKGROUND

Whether and how sex and age affect bariatric-surgery outcome is poorly understood. Estrogens regulate body composition in women and animals, and increase weight loss in a rodent model of gastric bypass, suggesting that premenopausal women may lose more weight following bariatric surgery.

METHODS

One thousand three hundred fifty-six female gastric-bypass or gastric-banding patients were retrospectively grouped as 20-45 years old (presumptively premenopausal; n = 1,199) and 55-65 years old (presumptively postmenopausal; n = 157). Mixed-model ANCOVA followed by Bonferroni-corrected t tests were used to categorically test the effect of age on percent excess body weight loss (%EBWL) at 1 and 2 years post-surgery, controlling for preoperative EBW and surgery type. Age effects were also tested dimensionally in all women and in 289 male patients.

RESULTS

Twenty- to forty-five-year-old women showed greater %EBWL 1 and 2 years post-surgery than 55-65-year-old women (p's < 0.0005). No age effect was detected in 20-25- vs. 30-35-, 30-35- vs. 40-45-, or 20-25- vs. 40-45-year-old women (p's > 0.2) This age effect was detected only after gastric banding, with 20-45-year-old women losing ∼7 kg more than 55-65-year-old women after 2 years. Dimensional analysis confirmed a significant inverse effect of age on bariatric surgery outcome in women, but did not detect any effect in men.

CONCLUSIONS

Results indicate that 55-65-year-old women lose less weight than 20-45-year-old women in the initial 2 years after bariatric surgery, especially gastric banding; this may be mediated by age- or menopause-associated changes in physical activity, energy expenditure, or energy intake.

Impact of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass on metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance parameters

BACKGROUND

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a complex association of clustering metabolic factors that increase risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease. Surgical treatment has become an important tool to achieve its control. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) on MetS and its individual components, clinical characteristics, and biochemical features.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

The study is a retrospective cohort of 96 subjects with MetS who underwent RYGB and were evaluated at baseline and after surgery. Clinical and biochemical features were analyzed.

RESULTS

After surgery, significant rates of resolution for MetS (88.5%), T2DM (90.6%), hypertension (85.6%), and dyslipidemias (54.2%) were found. Significant decreases in levels of fasting glucose, fasting insulin, hemoglobin A1c, low-density lipoprotein, and triglycerides and an increase in high-density lipoprotein level were also shown. The decrease in insulin resistance evaluated by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR) was consistent. MetS resolution was associated with postoperative glycemic control, decreases in levels of fasting glucose, hemoglobin A1c, HOMA-IR, and triglycerides and in antihypertensive usage, and percentage weight loss.

CONCLUSIONS

This study found high rates of resolution for MetS, T2DM, hypertension, and dyslipidemias after RYGB in obese patients. This finding was consistent with current literature. Hence RYGB should be largely indicated for this group of subjects as it is a safe and powerful tool to achieve MetS control.

Duodenal-jejunal bypass liner implantation provokes rapid weight loss and improved glycemic control, accompanied by elevated fasting ghrelin levels

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Endoscopic implantation of a duodenal-jejunal bypass liner (DJBL) is a novel bariatric technique to induce weight loss and remission of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Placement of the DJBL mimics the bypass component of the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) procedure. In this observational study, we evaluated improvement of glycemic control and weight loss in the course of the treatment (0 - 24 weeks after DJBL implantation) and analyzed accompanying gut hormone responses.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

12 obese individuals with type 2 diabetes were selected for DJBL implantation. Body weight, fat mass, and fasting plasma levels of glucose, insulin, C-peptide, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), were analyzed at 0, 1, 4 and 24 weeks post-implant. Fasting ghrelin, gastric inhibitory peptide (GIP), and glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) were determined at 0, 1 and 4 weeks post-implant.

RESULTS

Besides significant weight loss, fat mass, fasting insulin, and homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index were also significantly decreased after DJBL implantation and a 42 % reduction was found in diabetes medication (P < 0.05). The fasting GLP-1 response in the first 4 weeks post-implant was significantly correlated with the fasting insulin and HOMA-IR response. Fasting ghrelin was found to be significantly elevated, in contrast to the decrease in ghrelin that is found after RYGB surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

DJBL implantation provoked significant weight loss, a decrease in fat mass, and an early remission of type 2 diabetes, comparable to results seen after RYGB surgery. Gut hormone analyses revealed a potential role of fasting GLP-1 in early remission of type 2 diabetes. Interestingly, the DJBL-induced elevation of ghrelin contradicts the suggested role of reduced ghrelin levels after RYGB in improvement of glycemic control.

Importance of cardiovascular disease risk management in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is commonly accompanied by other cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, such as hypertension, obesity, and dyslipidemia. Furthermore, CVD is the most common cause of death in people with T2DM. It is therefore of critical importance to minimize the risk of macrovascular complications by carefully managing modifiable CVD risk factors in patients with T2DM. Therapeutic strategies should include lifestyle and pharmacological interventions targeting hyperglycemia, hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity, cigarette smoking, physical inactivity, and prothrombotic factors. This article discusses the impact of modifying these CVD risk factors in the context of T2DM; the clinical evidence is summarized, and current guidelines are also discussed. The cardiovascular benefits of smoking cessation, increasing physical activity, and reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and blood pressure are well established. For aspirin therapy, any cardiovascular benefits must be balanced against the associated bleeding risk, with current evidence supporting this strategy only in certain patients who are at increased CVD risk. Although overweight, obesity, and hyperglycemia are clearly associated with increased cardiovascular risk, the effect of their modification on this risk is less well defined by available clinical trial evidence. However, for glucose-lowering drugs, further evidence is expected from several ongoing cardiovascular outcome trials. Taken together, the evidence highlights the value of early intervention and targeting multiple risk factors with both lifestyle and pharmacological strategies to give the best chance of reducing macrovascular complications in the long term.

Two diets with different haemoglobin A1c and antiglycaemic medication effects despite similar weight loss in type 2 diabetes

We analysed participants with type 2 diabetes (n = 46) within a larger weight loss trial (n = 146) who were randomized to 48 weeks of a low-carbohydrate diet (LCD; n = 22) or a low-fat diet + orlistat (LFD + O; n = 24). At baseline, mean body mass index (BMI) was 39.5 kg/m(2) (s.d. 6.5) and haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) 7.6% (s.d. 1.3). Although the interventions reduced BMI similarly (LCD -2.4 kg/m(2) ; LFD + O -2.7 kg/m(2) , p = 0.7), LCD led to a relative improvement in HbA1c: -0.7% in LCD versus +0.2% in LFD + O [difference -0.8%, 95% confidence interval (CI) = -1.6, -0.02; p = 0.045]. LCD also led to a greater reduction in antiglycaemic medications using a novel medication effect score (MES) based on medication potency and total daily dose; 70.6% of LCD versus 30.4% LFD + O decreased their MES by ≥50% (p = 0.01). Lowering dietary carbohydrate intake demonstrated benefits on glycaemic control beyond its weight loss effects, while at the same time lowering antiglycaemic medication requirements.

Gastric bypass after liver transplantation

Few data are available for assessing the outcomes of bariatric surgery for patients who have undergone orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). The University of Minnesota bariatric surgery database and transplant registry were retrospectively reviewed to identify patients who had undergone OLT and then open Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery between 2001 and 2009. Comorbidity-appropriate laboratory values, body mass indices (BMIs), histopathology reports, and immunosuppressive regimens were collected. Seven patients were identified with a mean age of 55.4 ± 8.64 years and a mean follow-up of 59.14 ± 41.49 months from the time of RYGB. The mean time between OLT and RYGB was 26.57 ± 8.12 months. The liver disease etiologies were hepatitis C (n = 4), jejunoileal bypass surgery (n = 1), hemangioendothelioma (n = 1), and alcoholic cirrhosis (n = 1). There were 2 deaths for patients with hepatitis C 6 and 9 months after bariatric surgery due to multiple-organ dysfunction syndrome and metastatic esophageal squamous carcinoma, respectively. One patient with hepatitis C required a reversal of the RYGB because of malnutrition and an inability to tolerate oral intake. Four of the 7 patients had type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), 4 had hypertension, and 6 patients had dyslipidemia. All patients were on immunosuppressive medications, but only 4 were on corticosteroids. Glycemic control was improved in all surviving patients with T2DM. The mean BMI was 34.27 ± 5.51 kg/m(2) before OLT and 44.34 ± 6.08 kg/m(2) before RYGB; it declined to 26.47 ± 5.53 kg/m(2) after RYGB. In conclusion, in this case series of patients undergoing RYGB after OLT, we observed therapeutic weight loss, improved glycemic control, and improved high-density lipoprotein levels in the presence of continued dyslipidemia. RYGB may have contributed to the death of 1 patient due to multiple-organ dysfunction syndrome.

Remission of diabetes in patients with long-standing type 2 diabetes following placement of adjustable gastric band: a retrospective case control study

Rates of remission in obese patients with long-standing type 2 diabetes (>2 years), following an adjustable gastric band are unclear. We conducted a retrospective case-control study of patients (n = 89) matched for age and body mass index with non-surgical controls. Cases had a longer duration of diabetes (99 ± 53 and 80 ± 59 months, p < 0.05) and a lower HbA1c than controls (7.9 ± 1.6 vs. 8.5 ± 1.9%, p < 0.05). At follow-up (median 105 weeks) cases had lost 16.8 ± 13.5 kg and controls 1.7 ± 8.9 kg (p < 0.001) and HbA1c decreased by 0.6-0.8% (p < 0.001 for time) with no difference between cases and controls. Diabetes resolution, defined by HbA1c less than 6.5% and taking no medications, occurred in 14 (16%) cases and 2 controls. This is in contrast to published outcomes of resolution of type 2 diabetes after bariatric surgery. We conclude that there is a clear need for randomized studies of the effect of gastric banding in patients with long-standing type 2 diabetes.

Endocrine changes (beyond diabetes) after bariatric surgery in adult life

Bariatric surgery is nowadays an effective therapeutic option for morbid obesity. Endocrinologists may thus have a growing opportunity to diagnose and treat obese patients eligible for surgery in pre- and post-operative phase. This requires a better understanding of endocrine changes caused by either obesity or weight loss surgery. Despite the large number of studies available in literature, only limited well-designed clinical trials have been performed so far to investigate changes of endocrine axes following bariatric procedures. There are still areas of unclear results such as female and male fertility, however, weight loss after bariatric surgery is considered to be associated with favorable effects on most endocrine axes. The aim of this clinical review is to overview the available literature on the effects of weight loss after bariatric surgery on the endocrine systems to suggest the most appropriate pre- and post-operative management of obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery in terms of "endocrine" health.

Benefits and complications of the duodenal switch/biliopancreatic diversion compared to the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

BACKGROUND

Despite providing superb excess weight loss and increased resolution of comorbid diseases, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, compared to other bariatric procedures, the duodenal switch/ biliopancreatic diversion (DS/BD) has not gained widespread acceptance among patients and physicians. In this study, we investigated outcomes, symptoms and complications among postsurgical DS patients compared to RYGB patients.

METHODS

We used propensity scores to retrospectively match patients who underwent DS/BD between 2005 and 2010 to comparable Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) patients. We then reviewed patient charts, and surveyed patients using the University of Minnesota Bariatric Surgery Outcomes Survey tool to track outcomes, comorbid illnesses and complications.

RESULTS

One hundred ninety consecutive patients underwent primary DS/BD between 2005 and 2010 at the University of Minnesota Medical Center. There were 178 patients available for follow-up (93.7%) who were matched to 139 RYGB patients. Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia all significantly improved in each group. Improvements were significantly higher in the DS/BD group. Percent total weight loss was not different between groups. Loose stools and bloating symptoms were more frequently reported among DS/BD patients. With the exception of increased emergency department visits among DS/BD patients (P < .01), overall complication rates were not significantly different between DS/BD and RYGB. There was no difference in mortality rates between the groups.

CONCLUSION

The DS/BD is a robust procedure that engenders both superior weight loss and improvement of major comorbidities. Complication and adverse event rates are similar to those of RYGB.

Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenojejunal exclusion associated with truncal vagotomy: a new proposal for type 2 diabetes mellitus treatment

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effectiveness of the biliopancreatic diversion surgery with duodenojejunal exclusion in combination with truncal vagotomy in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with overweight or class I or II obesity.

METHODS

The study included ten patients with T2DM and class I or II obesity or overweight who were subjected to biliopancreatic diversion with duodenojejunal exclusion in combination with truncal vagotomy. The blood glucose levels during the pre- and postoperative periods were compared using the Friedman test. The significance level adopted was 5%.

RESULTS

There were significant differences between preoperative and postoperative blood glucose levels at three months (p=0.01), six months (p=0.001) and 12 months (p=0.001). There was also a significant difference between one month postoperative blood glucose and six months postoperative blood glucose (p=0.01). Glycosylated hemoglobin levels decreased in 80% of patients, there was marked improvement in their lipid profiles, and the average BMI reduction was 7.0±1.5 kg/m² at 12 months after the surgery.

CONCLUSION

In patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus associated with class I/II obesity or overweight, performing biliopancreatic diversion with duodenojejunal exclusion in combination with truncal vagotomy resulted in glycemic control, reduction of excess weight, and improvement of lipid profile 12 months after the surgery.

Risk for hospital readmission following bariatric surgery

Background and Objectives

Complications resulting in hospital readmission are important concerns for those considering bariatric surgery, yet present understanding of the risk for these events is limited to a small number of patient factors. We sought to identify demographic characteristics, concomitant morbidities, and perioperative factors associated with hospital readmission following bariatric surgery.

Methods

We report on a prospective observational study of 24,662 patients undergoing primary RYGB and 26,002 patients undergoing primary AGB at 249 and 317 Bariatric Surgery Centers of Excellence (BSCOE), respectively, in the United States from January 2007 to August 2009.

Data were collected using standardized assessments of demographic factors and comorbidities, as well as longitudinal records of hospital readmissions, complications, and mortality.

Results

The readmission rate was 5.8% for RYGB and 1.2% for AGB patients 30 days after discharge. The greatest predictors for readmission following RYGB were prolonged length of stay (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 2.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.0–2.7), open surgery (OR, 1.8; CI, 1.4–2.2), and pseudotumor cerebri (OR, 1.6; CI, 1.1–2.4). Prolonged length of stay (OR, 2.3; CI, 1.6–3.3), history of deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism (OR, 2.1; CI, 1.3–3.3), asthma (OR, 1.5; CI, 1.1–2.1), and obstructive sleep apnea (OR, 1.5; CI, 1.1–1.9) were associated with the greatest increases in readmission risk for AGB. The 30-day mortality rate was 0.14% for RYGB and 0.02% for AGB.

Conclusion

Readmission rates are low and mortality is very rare following bariatric surgery, but risk for both is significantly higher after RYGB. Predictors of readmission were disparate for the two procedures. Results do not support excluding patients with certain comorbidities since any reductions in overall readmission rates would be very small on the absolute risk scale. Future research should evaluate the efficacy of post-surgical managed care plans for patients at higher risk for readmission and adverse events.