While millions of obese patients pursue gastric bypass surgery to get rid of excess pounds, weight loss may not be the only reason to go under the knife.   

Researchers at Monash University Centre for Obesity and Education released the results of a four-year study in January 2008, indicating that gastric banding can also help improve conditions of Type 2 diabetes.  

Calorie-restriction and a consistent exercise program may be important elements of diabetes management, but results of this study highlight the value of gastric banding for both weight loss and healthy glycemic levels.  

How Gastric Banding Works  

Gastric banding is a bariatric procedure that reduces the capacity of the stomach. A tight band is wrapped around the stomach so that only small amounts of food and liquids create a feeling of fullness. The procedure has helped many people reduce their appetite, restrict calories and lose weight more easily than conventional diets and exercise. Still, weight loss and appetite control are just a few benefits of the procedure.  

Key Benefits of Gastric Banding for Type 2 Diabetes Patients

Type 2 diabetes patients struggle with managing healthy blood sugar levels along with their extra weight. Excess weight is a risk factor for developing diabetes, heart problems and high blood pressure, but gastric banding may be a valuable solution for managing all of these areas.  

Dr. John Dixon, the doctor who led the study at the Centre for Obesity Research and Education, states that: "Our study presents strong evidence that obese patients with a Body Mass Index greater than 30 with Type 2 diabetes need to lose a significant amount of weight to improve their overall health and glycemic management.”

Dr Dixon also indicates that patients who lose a significant amount of weight from gastric banding surgery were able to reduce their diabetes medication, control their blood pressure more effectively and lower blood fats – all of these are common challenges of Type 2 diabetes conditions and typically take several months and years to get under control.  

Other Concerns for Type 2 Diabetes Patients  

Despite the positive impact on Type 2 diabetes after gastric banding surgery, patients do need to keep up with a healthy weight loss program. The Journal of the American Medical Association (AMA) published results of a study titled, Adjustable Gastric Banding and Conventional Therapy for Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial in 2008 that highlights the results of 60 obese patients who underwent laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding procedure, and compared the effects to those who were receiving conventional medical therapy for diabetes. Those who underwent surgery also took part in a conventional therapy program comprised of:

• Ongoing education about Type 2 diabetes and health
• Access to a dietitian, nurse and physician
• Frequent contact with a diabetes educator
• Medical therapy with an experienced diabetologist
• Lifestyle modification programs that included physical activity and education on low glycemic index foods for meal planning purposes  

Those who completed the trials and pursued the conventional therapy program showed a significant improvement in the symptoms of metabolic syndrome and were able to reduce their diabetes medication. Researchers concluded that the trial proves gastric banding leads to diabetes remission, but ongoing care and lifestyle modification programs are necessary for long-term success.  

Learn more about gastric banding in our information guide, or consult with a bariatric surgeon in your area to find out if gastric banding is the right fit for your health condition. Your bariatric surgeon may provide referrals for nutritional counseling, lifestyle modification therapy, and other resources to help you maintain weight loss for the long term – and reduce or eliminate a case of diabetes as a result.