Diabetes is a risky disease which if not kept in check leads to many health problems and eventually death. Doctors and researchers have found that there has been a significant rise in the number of patients suffering from obesity along with diabetes.
A study has finally come up with a solution to the growing problem. Researchers at Monash University, after a long-term study have found that lap band or gastric band surgery on fairly overweight people suffering from type 2 diabetes has noteworthy results.
The research was conducted over a span of five years under the name Trial of Gastric Band Surgery in Overweight but Not Obese People With Type 2 Diabetes.
The study was piloted by weight loss surgeon Professor Paul O’Brien and clinician researcher Dr John Wentworth. The research, a first of its kind, went on to compare 45 participants out of which 22 randomly chosen patients got gastric banding along with medicinal care. The remaining 23 received only medical care.
Both the groups were given help regarding lifestyle management, which included healthy eating and exercise.
Monash’s Center of Obesity Research and Education (CORE) under whom the study was conducted, found that lap band surgery or gastric surgery reduced the need of medication for diabetes, improved a patient’s chances of diabetes remission and also enhanced the quality of life significantly.
The researchers also noted that 12.2 percent of an average weight loss occurred in the gastric band group, when compared to the mere 1.8 percent in the medical care group.
“We had people who were feeling better, moving better and who were happier because of the surgery. Their diabetes was better controlled and they needed fewer diabetic medications to control their blood sugar levels,” said Dr. Wentworth referring to the gastric band group.
He also added that this study is backed by strong data showing that gastric band surgery is safe and can be used as an alternative weight loss option by people who want to opt for it. However, the researcher also said that he would have been pleased if people lost even 10 percent of their weight by changing their lifestyle, although the reality is that many people can’t cope with it.
In lap band or gastric band surgery, a doctor puts an elastic band around a part of the patient’s stomach to limit the amount of food intake and to make them feel full quickly. The surgery costs around $10,681.45 along with the aftercare price.
The study has been published in the Diabetes Care journal.
Article Source: The Missouri Injury Blog
