Type 2 Diabetes
Not surprisingly, as the obesity epidemic continues to increase, so does the rise in diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes, which accounts for about 90% to 95% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes. In 2005, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that the total prevalence of diabetes in the US for all ages was 20.8 million, or 7.0% of the population.20
If left untreated, obesity-linked type 2 diabetes can produce complications such as heart disease, blindness, and nerve and kidney damage. And about 65% of people with diabetes will die from heart disease or stroke, according to the CDC.20
Dramatic improvements and frequent resolution of type 2 diabetes have been observed as a result of weight loss after LAGB surgery. Out of 413 patients who underwent this surgery, resolution of diabetes was observed in 66% at 1-year and 80% at 2-year follow-up. HbA1c dropped from 7.25% (5.6-11.0, n=53) preoperatively to 5.58% (5.0-6.2, n=15) at 2 years after surgery.21
Percent excess weight loss (%EWL) was lower for diabetic patients than for the cohort population (39.2% vs 41.2% at 1 year, 46.7% vs 54.2% at 18 months, and 52.6% vs 63.3% at 2 years, respectively). Patients in whom diabetes improved, but did not resolve, had lower %EWL than did those whose diabetes went into remission (27.0% at 1 year and 26.5% at 2 years). Patients with the shortest duration of diabetes (<5 years) and better weight loss after surgery achieved higher resolution rates.21
Relevant Links:
Physician Resources—Diabetes
Standards of Care—Diabetes
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