Improvement and remission of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy

Purpose: To determine the proportion of patients experiencing improvement or remission of prediabetes or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) 12 months following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). Methods: From May 2011 to September 2013, 171 patients underwent LSG and consented to participate in the study. Based on laboratory values, medical history, and antidiabetic medication use, 24 (14.0%) patients had prediabetes and 67 (39.2%) had T2DM. Re-evaluation of laboratory values and medication use was conducted at 3, 6, and 12 months post-surgery to assess for changes in glycemic control and diabetes status. Results: Of 11 prediabetic patients that returned 12 months post-surgery, 9 (81.8%) achieved remission of prediabetes. 6 of 24 (25%) T2DM patients that returned for 12 month follow-up achieved remission and 5 (20.8%) experienced improvement of T2DM. Conclusions: Obese patients may experience improvement or remission of prediabetes or T2DM within 12 months following LSG. The mechanisms by which improvement or remission occur are not fully understood. More research is needed to determine the longterm implications of LSG on T2DM complications, prevalence, mortality, etc. before it can be considered as a treatment for prediabetes or T2DM