CHANGES IN DIABETIC MANAGEMENT AFTER ROUX-EN-Y GASTRIC BYPASS

Background: Control of hyperglycemia in diabetes mellitus through diet , exercise, oral hypoglycemics and insulin has underlined the medical treatment for that disease. Morbidly obese diabetics can be more succe ssfully rendered euglycemic if their excess body weight is reduced and their diets are carefully controlled. Methods: Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypa ss has been used as a weight control measure for 205 morbidly obese di abetics over an 8-year period, 1988-1995, Early follow-up has been pos sible in all patients up to 3 months, and late follow-up has been achi eved by phone contact and office visits in 133 patients. Results: Oper ative mortality occurred in 1/205 patients (0.49%), Major operative mo rbidity occurred in 14/205 (6.8%). While 46/133 (35%) patients were on insulin preoperatively, only 11/133 (8%) have remained on insulin and 9/11 at lower doses, 64/133 (48%) were on oral hypoglycemics, but onl y 8/133 (6%) continue their use. 23/133 (17%) were on diet alone or no treatment before surgery, and 91/133 (68%) claimed diet alone or no t reatment after surgery, The long-term mean % Excess Body Weight Loss i s 55%. Conclusions: Morbidly obese diabetics undergoing Roux-en-Y Gast ric Bypass can experience markedly diminished need for insulin and ora l hypoglycemics to control hyperglycemia.