Diabetic And Obese Teenagers Can Improve Their Conditions With Bariatric Surgery

Diabetic And Obese Teenagers Can Improve Their Conditions With Bariatric Surgery
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In the management of type 2 diabetes in teenagers with severe obesity, a recent study shows that bariatric surgery has better results than drug treatment. American researchers have compared the efficacy of surgical treatment and medical treatment in 93 obese teenagers with type 2 diabetes.

The study was conducted by the re-examination of the data collected from two older studies. However, this new research is the first ever to compare glycemic control in teenagers with severe obesity and type 2 diabetes.

The scientists analyzed the data of 30 teenagers treated for type 2 diabetes and obesity with medication (TODAY group) and 63 teenagers treated with bariatric surgery (Teen-LABS).

Teen-LABS versus TODAY

After 2 years of analyzing the glycated hemoglobin concentration and the body mass index (BMI) in these adolescents, the researchers showed a decrease in these two parameters in the 63 of them who underwent surgical treatment.

On the other hand, researchers recorded an increase in these parameters in the 30 teenagers who received medical treatment.

In addition, they also observed significant improvements in blood pressure, lipid disorders, and renal function in surgically treated patients but not in those taking medical treatment.

In addition, better control of blood glucose, weight maintaining, and a reduction in obesity-related morbidities risk, as well as a reduction in cardiovascular risk markers, were also observed in those who were treated surgically.

In practice, those who underwent bariatric surgery weighed 29% less than before surgery, while those treated with medication weighed 3.7% more.

This study offers new ideas of treatments

As the incidence of type 2 diabetes and its complications increases in the pediatric population, it is urgent that researchers develop treatments that provide better glycemic control than current standard medical support.

The scientists also indicate that their findings confirm the need for a prospective controlled study to define the role of bariatric surgery in obese teenagers with type 2 diabetes. They concluded that “if drug treatment and lifestyle approaches fail, bariatric surgery should be considered.”


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