Gastric Bypass helpful in controlling Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a recognized epidemic in the United States and around the world. A new study examined whether bariatric surgery in addition to lifestyle changes and medications can help control the disease in moderately obese patients.  “In the United States patients get Type 2 diabetes on average at a body mass index of 31.” Dr. Sayeed Ikramuddin and co-authors randomized 120 patients with poorly controlled diabetes and an average bmi of 34.  All patients received lifestyle counseling, advice about weight loss, and cholesterol and blood pressure lowering medications.  In addition, about 60 patients underwent gastric bypass surgery. “The medical group lost between 7 and 8% of their total body weight and the surgical group lost around 26 to 27% of their weight completely.”  More patients in the surgical group than in the medical group also achieved good blood glucose control. The study appears in the Journal of the American Medical Association.