BOSTON – Weight loss was greater with laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding than with an intensive lifestyle intervention among obese patients with type 2 diabetes in a randomized clinical trial, but the effects on diabetes control, cardiometabolic risk, and quality of life were comparable.
Weight loss in 18 patients randomized to undergo the bariatric surgery was an average of 13.5 lb at 12 months’ follow-up, compared with 8.5 lb in those randomized to the active component of the study: a 12-week lifestyle intervention (Weight Achievement and Intensive Treatment–the Why WAIT program), Dr. Osama Hamdy reported in a poster at the annual scientific sessions of the American Diabetes Association.
However, hemogobin A1c reduction was similar in the two groups at –1.2% vs. –1%, respectively. Further, improvements in blood pressure, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein levels did not differ between the groups, said Dr. Hamdy, medical director of the obesity clinical program, and director of the inpatient program at Joslin Diabetes Clinic, Harvard Medical School, Boston.
The risk of fatal coronary heart disease events also decreased in both groups, from 6.5% to 5.9% in the bariatric surgery group, and from 5.8% to 5.5% in the Why WAIT group; the difference between the groups was not statistically significant, he said.
Quality of life as assessed by the 36-item Short Form Survey’s physical and mental health summary measures changed only slightly from baseline in both groups, with no between-group differences. Similarly, scores on the Impact of Weight on Quality of Life and on Problem Areas in Diabetes improved significantly in both groups, but no between-group differences were seen.
“These findings suggest that the Why WAIT program and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding have similar benefits for diabetes control, cardiometabolic risk, and quality of life parameters,” according to Dr. Hamdy, who noted that the findings may be useful for guiding obese patients with type 2 diabetes as they explore weight management options.
Dr. Hamdy reported that he has received research support and is an advisory panel member and author for Metagenics, that he is a consultant and author for Abbott Nutrition and Merck, and that he has received research support and is an author for Neurometrix.