New guidelines recommended for Type 2 Diabetes treatments

New guidelines have been recommended for medical and surgical therapies for obese patients with Type 2 Diabetes.

The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists have outlined the guidance, advising that obesity management with medical and surgical therapies should be considered in the majority of people with the condition who have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 35 or greater.

Such an approach should be introduced as part of an overall comprehensive care plan to decrease morbidity, mortality and disability.

These guidelines have been published in the March/April 2013 issue of the Endocrine Practice journal, which is part of a comprehensive diabetes management algorithm designed to guide health care professionals in the treatment of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes melitus.

Emma Patterson, medical director of Oregon Weight Loss Surgery and president of Doctors of Weight Loss, said: “There has been much discussion in the lay press about the effectiveness of bypass surgery on the resolution of diabetes as part of obesity management.

“These new guidelines underscore that even less invasive weight loss surgeries, such as the LAP-BAND Gastric Banding System, have positive effects for obesity management in diabetic patients.”

The LAP-BAND Gastric Banding System is the first adjustable medical device approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for individualised weight loss for obese patients whose weight is impacting their health.

The tool has helped obese individuals to achieve and maintain long-term weight loss, which will also reduce the health risks linked with severe and morbid obesity.

However, the device needs to be used by adult patients who have failed alternative weight reduction methods, such as diets, exercise and behaviour modification programs.

Patients who choose to have the surgery also need to commit to making substantial changes to their eating habits for the rest of their life.

Posted by Ben Evans