In a nutshell
This study investigated the effects of weight-loss (bariatric) surgery on microvascular disease (disease of small blood vessels) in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity. It was found that weight-loss surgery reduced the risk of all types of diabetes-related microvascular disease.
Some background
Obesity is common in and may play a role in the development of, T2D. Weight-loss surgery has been found to improve control of blood glucose levels in people with T2D. However, less is known about its effects on microvascular disease.
In microvascular disease, small blood vessels that bring blood to certain organs are damaged, leading to damage to these organs. This can result in neuropathy (nerve disease), nephropathy (kidney disease), and retinopathy (eye disease).
Methods & findings
4,024 adults with T2D and obesity who had weight-loss surgery were included in this study. They were compared to 11,059 similar people with T2D who did not have weight-loss surgery. They were followed-up for an average of 4.3 years for the development of microvascular disease.
The surgery group was 59% less likely than the non-surgery group to develop microvascular disease after 5 years. The biggest difference was seen in nerve disease. After 5 years the surgery group was 63% less likely to develop diabetes-related nerve disease than the non-surgery group. The surgery group was also 59% less likely to develop diabetes-related kidney disease, and 45% less likely to develop diabetes-related eye disease, than the non-surgery group, after 5 years.
The bottom line
The study concluded that weight-loss surgery was associated with a lower risk of microvascular disease, including nerve disease, kidney disease, and eye disease, in adults with T2D and obesity.
The fine print
Information about the participants was gathered from medical records and insurance claims. The researchers did not interview or examine the patients. This means they could not check that all of the data was accurate.
What’s next?
Discuss the risks and potential benefits of weight-loss surgery with your physician.
Published By :
Annals of internal medicine
Date :
Aug 07, 2018
