Published in:
01-09-2010 | Clinical Research
Preoperative Factors Predicting Remission of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery for Obesity
Published in: Obesity Surgery | Issue 9/2010
Login to get accessAbstract
Background
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is an effective treatment for morbid obesity. This bariatric procedure has also been noted to resolve hyperglycaemia in up to 70% of obese diabetics. We evaluated outcomes in diabetic patients undergoing RYGB in our institution, aiming to identify factors predicting diabetes remission.
Methods
One hundred ten type 2 diabetic (T2DM) patients undergoing RYGB were studied. Baseline demographics, diabetic status pre- and post-surgery and outcomes were evaluated. Outcomes were compared to a matched non-diabetic cohort.
Results
The mean age of the patients was 45 ± 11. The majority (70%; n = 77) were female and the mean baseline body mass index was 47 ± 7. Mean (±SD range) excess weight loss at 6, 12 and 24 months was 58.3 ± 26.4% (30.5−167%), 63.2 ± 17.2% (0−99.2%) and 84.1 ± 21.3% (16.5−121%), respectively. Diabetic medication was discontinued in 68.4% patients and reduced in a further 14.3%. Mean preoperative HbA1c was 7.1 ± 2.0 and mean postoperative HbA1c 5.48 ± 0.2. Patients with a baseline HbA1c >10 had a 50% rate of remission compared to 77.3% with an HbA1c of 6.5−7.9. The mean duration of T2DM preoperatively was 5.5 ± 7 years. A preoperative duration of T2DM greater than 10 years was shown to significantly reduce the chances of remission (p = 0.005).
Conclusions
RYGB for morbid obesity achieves significant weight reduction in diabetic patients with remission of pre-surgical hyperglycaemia in the majority. The study supports findings that a shorter duration and better control of diabetes prior to surgery corresponds to a higher rate of remission. It supports the argument for early surgical intervention in the morbidly obese diabetic patient.