Remission of type 2 diabetes in obese patients through sleeve gastrectomy

Researchers from the University of Rome conducted a study with 30 morbidly obese patients with type 2 diabetes who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and 30 others who underwent conventional medical therapy. Remission of diabetes of patients who underwent LSG was achieved for 24 of 30 patients, prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSAS) decreased from 50 percent to 10 percent and medication use decreased at 18 months for antihypertensive and hypolipemic medications. On the other hand, all patients with conventional medical therapy remained diabetic, increased their level of hypoglycemic therapy, experienced no change in OSAS prevalence, and their medication use increased for antihypertensive and hypolipemic medications. The results showed that LSG has positive effects on diabetes. However, longer-term results should be established to evaluate costs and benefits of bariatic surgery and conventional medical treatments.