The Effect of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy on Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetic Patients

Introduction The prevalence of diabetes mellitus type II (T2DM) in Kuwait in 2013 was 23.09%, ranking ninth globally and second in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. It's been frequently reported as a growing public health concern. Our retrospective study will focus on the effect of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) on the glycemic control of T2DM. Methods From December 2012 to January 2014, 70 patients with T2DM underwent LSG during the study period. A retrospective patient file review was performed and a follow-up on participants was carried out in February 2014. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) was taken pre- and post-operatively. Patients were followed up to monitor the change in diabetic medications in terms of quantity, type and dose. Results The mean reduction of FPG after surgery was 2.94+3.66 (P < 0.001) over a mean interval of eight days (range, 0-34 days). Immediate reduction in FPG was seen in 61 patients (87%), and the greatest reduction was seen in the age group <40 years. Diabetes remission was seen in 49 patients (70%), while 20 (29%) had reduction in medication. All patients underwent a safe surgical procedure. There were no conversions to open surgery and no significant complications or mortalities. Conclusions Our study shows that LSG procedure has an immediate positive effect on the glycemic control of T2DM, in addition to the long-term evidence of complete resolution of diabetes in most patients or improvement in glycemic control, which has further highlighted the positive outcome of LSG, diminishing morbidity, risk factors, co-morbidities and health-expenditure.