Bariatric Surgery in Obese Patients with Type 1 Diabetes: Effects on Weight Loss and Metabolic Control

Closed-Loop Insulin Delivery May Help Prevent Metabolic Complications During Bariatric Surgery in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes: A Case Report

Introduction: Obesity in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) may worsen their prognosis. Bariatric surgery in these patients can be associated with complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis and severe hypoglycemic episodes. Closed-loop insulin delivery could be a solution to avoid them. Case Report: A 45-year-old woman with T1D and obesity (body mass index of 38.4 kg/m2) was included in our preoperative course of bariatric surgery. Three months before surgery, a closed-loop insulin delivery was instituted due to one prior severe hypoglycemia. Patient did not have immediate or late postoperative hypoglycemia despite consuming a weak amount of carbohydrate. Three months after surgery glycemic control was on target with 86% of time in range 70-180 mg/dL and no time below 70 mg/dL. Conclusion: This case report shows that the use of a closed-loop insulin delivery made it possible to perform bariatric surgery in complete safety for our patient.

Current Status of Metabolic/Bariatric Surgery in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: an Updated Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis intend to evaluate the efficacy of metabolic/bariatric surgeries (MBS) in patients with type-1 diabetes mellitus. A systematic literature search and meta-analysis were performed in electronic databases up to July 2021. In total, 27 primary studies comprising 648 subjects were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. Patients had a mean age of 38.0 ± 7.3 years. Preoperative mean BMI was 42.6 ± 4.7 kg/m² and 29.4 ± 4.7 kg/m² after surgery, respectively. Following bariatric surgeries in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus, insulin (unit/day) decreased by a weighted mean difference (WMD) of - 10.59. Also, insulin (unit/kg/day) decreased by a WMD of - 0.2, and HbA1C decreased by a WMD of - 0.71, showing MBS acceptable and durable effects of bariatric surgical procedures.

Influence of Pre-operative HbA1c on Bariatric Surgery Outcomes-the Sunderland (UK) Experience

PURPOSE

UK guidelines recommend an HbA1c < 8.5% prior to elective surgery. Optimisation of pre-operative glycaemic control can be often difficult. Aim to correlate the effect of pre-operative HbA1c on the peri-operative complication rates and whether elective bariatric surgery should be delayed in poorly controlled diabetics.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Retrospective data of consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, one-anastomosis gastric bypass and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy during January 2014 and April 2018. Patients were categorised into group 1, non-diabetics with an HbA1c < 6.5%; group 2, well-controlled diabetics with HbA1c between 6.5 and 8.4%; and group 3, poorly controlled diabetics with HbA1c ≥ 8.5%. Primary outcome was peri-operative complication rates.

RESULTS

Group 1 (n = 978), 81.8% female, median (i.q.r.) age 44.0 (34-52) years, median (i.q.r.) BMI 42.0 (38.7-46.7); group 2 (n = 350), 66.3% female, age 51.0 (45-59) years, BMI 41.8 (37.5-46.5); and group 3 (n = 90), 60% female, age 52.0 (45-56) years and BMI 41.4(36.9-44.8). Early complication rates in each group were low, 1.0% vs 1.7% vs 1.1% (p = 0.592). Mean length of stay was 2 days across the groups (p > 0.05). There was no difference in 30-day re-admission rates between groups 2.8%, 2.9% and 3.3% (p = 0.983). At 6 months and 1 year, there was sustained and equal reduction in HbA1c in all groups (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Patients undergoing metabolic surgery for poorly controlled diabetes achieve non-inferior peri-operative outcomes. Hence, delaying metabolic surgery in an attempt to optimise diabetic control is not justifiable.

Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Children and Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus and Possibilities of Prevention and Treatment: A Systematic Review

Overweight and obesity are an increasingly common problem, not only among the healthy population, but also in adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1DM). Excess body weight is related to many cardiometabolic complications as well as a high risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS). The purpose of this systematic review is to provide a concise and critical overview of the prevalence of MetS in children and adolescents with T1DM and, ultimately, to discuss prevention and treatment options. The study was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. This review shows that, apart from the growing percentage of overweight and obese children and adolescents with T1DM (on average 20.1% and 9.5%, respectively), the problem of the increasing incidence of MetS (range from 3.2 to 29.9%, depending on the criteria used) is one of the most important phenomena of our time. One of the methods of prevention and treatment is a combined approach: changing eating habits and lifestyle, but there are also reports about the beneficial effects of the gut microflora.

The Double Whammy of Obesity and Diabetes on Female Reproductive Health

The rising global prevalence of obesity and diabetes, especially in youth, confers substantial metabolic consequences and increased mortality in affected individuals. While obesity is strongly tied to the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, emerging evidence shows that obesity rates are also increasing exponentially in those with type 1 diabetes, contributing to insulin resistance and cardiometabolic sequelae. In addition, both obesity and diabetes can exert adverse effects on female reproductive health independently, with the presence of both conditions likely to exacerbate reproductive dysfunction in this cohort. If the current trends in obesity and diabetes incidence persist, it is likely that more women will be at risk of obesity- and diabetes-related reproductive disorders. This review aims to describe the epidemiology and mechanisms of obesity in women with diabetes, and summarize current literature regarding reproductive disorders in diabetes and weight management strategies in this cohort.

Obesity in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes: Links, Risks and Management Challenges

Obesity affects large numbers of patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) across their lifetime, with rates ranging between 2.8% and 37.1%. Patients with T1D and obesity are characterized by the presence of insulin resistance, of high insulin requirements, have a greater cardiometabolic risk and an enhanced risk of developing chronic complications when compared to normal-weight persons with T1D. Dual treatment of obesity and T1D is challenging and no specific guidelines for improving outcomes of both glycemic control and weight management have been established for this population. Nevertheless, although evidence is scarce, a comprehensive approach based on a balanced hypocaloric diet, physical activity and cognitive behavioral therapy by a multidisciplinary team, expert in both obesity and diabetes, remains as the best clinical practice. However, weight loss responses with lifestyle changes alone are limited, so in the "roadmap" of the treatment of obesity in T1D, it will be helpful to include anti-obesity pharmacotherapy despite at present there is a lack of evidence since T1D patients have been excluded from anti-obesity drug clinical trials. In case of severe obesity, bariatric surgery has proven to be of benefit in obtaining a substantial and long-term weight loss and reduction in cardiovascular risk. The near future looks promising with the development of new and more effective anti-obesity treatments and strategies to improve insulin resistance and oxidative stress. Advances in precision medicine may help individualize and optimize the medical management and care of these patients. This review, by gathering current evidence, highlights the need of solid knowledge in all facets of the treatment of patients with obesity and T1D that can only be obtained through high quality well-designed studies.

Bariatric Surgery and Type 1 Diabetes: Unanswered Questions

In recent decades there has been an alarming increase in the prevalence of obesity in patients with type 1 diabetes leading to the development of insulin resistance and cardiometabolic complications, with mechanisms poorly clarified. While bariatric surgery has long been considered an effective treatment option for patients with type 2 diabetes, the evidence regarding its benefits on weight loss and the prevention of complications in T1DM patients is scarce, with controversial outcomes. Bariatric surgery has been associated with a significant reduction in daily insulin requirement, along with a considerable reduction in body mass index, results which were sustained in the long term. Furthermore, studies suggest that bariatric surgery in type 1 diabetes results in the improvement of comorbidities related to obesity including hypertension and dyslipidemia. However, regarding glycemic control, the reduction of mean glycosylated hemoglobin was modest or statistically insignificant in most studies. The reasons for these results are yet to be elucidated; possible explanations include preservation of beta cell mass and increased residual function post-surgery, improvement in insulin action, altered GLP-1 function, timing of surgery, and association with residual islet cell mass. A number of concerns regarding safety issues have arisen due to the reporting of peri-operative and post-operative adverse events. The most significant complications are metabolic and include diabetic ketoacidosis, severe hypoglycemia and glucose fluctuations. Further prospective clinical studies are required to provide evidence for the effect of bariatric surgery on T1DM patients. The results may offer a better knowledge for the selection of people living with diabetes who will benefit more from a metabolic surgery.

Surgical options for glycaemic control in Type 1 diabetes

In recent years, bariatric surgery, also referred to as metabolic surgery, has become the most successful treatment option in those with Type 2 diabetes and obesity. There are some similarities in the pathological pathways in Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, but the use of surgery in Type 1 diabetes remains unestablished and controversial. The treatment and management of Type 1 diabetes can be very challenging but recent advances in surgical interventions and technology has the potential to expand and optimize treatment options. This review discusses the current status of some surgical options available to people with Type 1 diabetes. These include implantable continuous glucose monitoring systems, continuous intraperitoneal insulin infusion pumps, closed-loop insulin delivery systems (also known as the artificial pancreas system) utilizing the latter two modalities of glucose monitoring and insulin delivery, and bariatric or metabolic surgery. Whole pancreas and islet transplantation are beyond the scope of this review but are briefly discussed.

Bariatric surgery in patients with type 1 diabetes: special considerations are warranted

OBJECTIVE

We examined short and long-term outcomes of bariatric surgery in patients with obesity and type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).

METHODS

We reviewed the records of all adults insured by Maccabi Healthcare Services during 2010 -2015, with body mass index (BMI) ⩾30 kg/m2 and T1DM; and compared weight reduction and glucose control according to the performance of bariatric surgery. BMI and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels were extracted for baseline and every 6 months, for a mean 3.5 years.

RESULTS

Of 52 patients, 26(50%) underwent bariatric surgery. Those who underwent surgery were more often female and with a longer duration of diabetes. Immediately postoperative, 4(15%) developed diabetic ketoacidosis, while 6(23%) experienced severe hypoglycemic episodes. The mean BMI decreased among surgery patients: from 39.5±4.4 to 30.1±5.0 kg/m2 (p < 0.0001); and increased among those who did not undergo surgery: from 33.6±3.9 to 35.1±4.4 kg/m2 (p = 0.49). The mean HbA1c level decreased during the first 6 months postoperative: from 8.5±0.9% to 7.9±0.9%; however, at the end of follow-up, was similar to baseline, 8.6±2.0% (p = 0.87). For patients who did not undergo surgery, the mean HbA1c increased from 7.9±1.9% to 8.6±1.5% (p = 0.09).

CONCLUSIONS

Among individuals with obesity and T1DM, weight loss was successful after bariatric surgery, but glucose control did not improve. The postoperative risks of diabetic ketoacidosis and severe hypoglycemic episodes should be considering when performing bariatric surgery in this population.

Non-insulin determinant pathways maintain glucose homeostasis upon metabolic surgery

Insulin is critical for glucose homeostasis, and insulin deficiency or resistance leads to the development of diabetes. Recent evidence suggests that diabetes can be remitted independent of insulin. However, the underlying mechanism remains largely elusive. In this study, we utilized metabolic surgery as a tool to identify the non-insulin determinant mechanism. Here, we report that the most common metabolic surgery, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), reduced insulin production but persistently maintained euglycemia in healthy Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats and C57 mice. This reduction in insulin production was associated with RYGB-mediated inhibition of pancreatic preproinsulin and polypyrimidine tract-binding protein 1. In addition, RYGB also weakened insulin sensitivity that was evaluated by hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp test and downregulated signaling pathways in insulin-sensitive tissues. The mechanistic evidence suggests that RYGB predominately shifted the metabolic profile from glucose utilization to fatty acid oxidation, enhanced the energy expenditure and activated multiple metabolic pathways through reducing gut energy uptake. Importantly, the unique effect of RYGB was extended to rats with islet disruption and patients with type 2 diabetes. These results demonstrate that compulsory rearrangement of the gastrointestinal tract can initiate non-insulin determinant pathways to maintain glucose homeostasis. Based on the principle of RYGB action, the development of a noninvasive intervention of the gastrointestinal tract is a promising therapeutic route to combat disorders characterized by energy metabolism dysregulation.

Diabetes management before, during, and after bariatric and metabolic surgery

Metabolic surgery is unrivaled by other therapeutic modalities due to its ability to foster diabetes remission. Metabolic surgery is an integral therapeutic modality in obese and morbidly obese populations because pharmacological and behavioral therapy often fail to effectively manage type II diabetes. However, given the invasiveness of the metabolic surgery relative to behavioral therapy and the need to conform to preparatory and discharge guidelines, patients must adhere to strict nutritional and diabetes management protocols. Also, the pharmacological regimen that is instituted upon discharge is distinct from the preoperative regimen. Oftentimes, the dose for insulin and oral medications are significantly decreased or withdrawn. As time elapses and depending on several factors (e.g., exercise adherence), diabetes control becomes tenuous in a small portion of the patients because there is weight regain and on-going beta cell failure. At this time interval, intensification of diabetes therapy becomes prudent. Indeed, pharmacotherapy from the preoperative to the postoperative phase is labile and may be complex. Therefore, by discussing pharmacology options during the preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative period, the goal is to guide clinician-driven care.

The Role of Laboratory Testing in Differentiating Type 1 Diabetes from Type 2 Diabetes in Patients Undergoing Bariatric Surgery

BACKGROUND

It may be difficult to distinguish between adults with type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes by clinical assessment. In patients undergoing bariatric surgery, it is critical to correctly classify diabetes subtype to prevent adverse perioperative outcomes including diabetic ketoacidosis. This study aimed to determine whether testing for C-peptide and islet cell antibodies during preoperative evaluation for bariatric surgery could improve the classification of type 1 versus type 2 diabetes compared to clinical assessment alone.

METHODS

This is a retrospective analysis of the Improving Diabetes through Lifestyle and Surgery trial, which randomized patients with clinically diagnosed type 2 diabetes and BMI 30-40 kg/m² to medical weight loss or bariatric surgery; one participant was discovered to have type 1 diabetes after experiencing postoperative diabetic ketoacidosis. Using blood samples collected prior to study interventions, we measured islet cell antibodies and fasting/meal-stimulated C-peptide in all participants.

RESULTS

The participant with type 1 diabetes was similar to the 11 participants with type 2 diabetes in age at diagnosis, adiposity, and glycemic control but had the lowest C-peptide levels. Among insulin-treated participants, fasting and stimulated C-peptide correlated strongly with the C-peptide area-under-the-curve on mixed meal tolerance testing (R = 0.86 and 0.88, respectively). Three participants, including the one with type 1 diabetes, were islet cell antibody positive.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical characteristics did not correctly identify type 1 diabetes in this study. Preoperative C-peptide testing may improve diabetes classification in patients undergoing bariatric surgery; further research is needed to define the optimal C-peptide thresholds.

The influences of bariatric surgery on hemoglobin A1c in a sample of obese patients in Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND

Although the frequency of surgical weight loss interventions has increased in Saudi Arabia, literature describing the clinical outcomes of bariatric surgery in Saudi Arabia is limited. This study aimed to assess whether weight loss intervention improves hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) in obese patients and to identify its associated factors.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective study was carried out on 318 patients with obesity class 1 or higher (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 30 kg/m²) who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between January 1, 2001 and March 31, 2017. Preoperatively and 12 months postoperatively, characteristics of patients were collected. BMI reduction was calculated, based on which patients were divided into three groups (0-9, 10-14, and >14 kg/m²).

RESULTS

The postoperative HbA1c was 5.83±0.9, while the baseline level was 6.74±2.1 (P=0.001). Fifty-eight of the 318 patients had diabetes. We observed significantly higher HbA1c in diabetic than in non-diabetic patients preoperatively, whereas an insignificantly different HbA1c was observed postoperatively. Among those who had minimal reduction in BMI (0-9 kg/m²), we observed significantly higher HbA1c in diabetic than in non-diabetic patients, whereas among those who had large reduction in BMI (10-14 kg/m²) and (>14 kg/m²), we observed insignificant differences in HbA1c in diabetic than in non-diabetic patients.

CONCLUSION

Being a diabetic patient was related to a significant reduction in HbA1c levels postoperatively. The study suggests that the reduction in HbA1c levels could be modified by BMI, wherein greater reduction in BMI leads to greater reduction in HbA1c levels.

Weight Management in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes and Obesity

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) are typically viewed as lean individuals. However, recent reports showed that their obesity rate surpassed that of the general population. Patients with T1D who show clinical signs of type 2 diabetes such as obesity and insulin resistance are considered to have "double diabetes." This review explains the mechanisms of weight gain in patients with T1D and how to manage it.

RECENT FINDINGS

Weight management in T1D can be successfully achieved in real-world clinical practice. Nutrition therapy includes reducing energy intake and providing a structured nutrition plan that is lower in carbohydrates and glycemic index and higher in fiber and lean protein. The exercise plan should include combination stretching as well as aerobic and resistance exercises to maintain muscle mass. Dynamic adjustment of insulin doses is necessary during weight management. Addition of anti-obesity medications may be considered. If medical weight reduction is not achieved, bariatric surgery may also be considered.

Biopsychosocial Aspects of Weight Management in Type 1 Diabetes: a Review and Next Steps

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review aims to summarize the type 1 diabetes (T1D) and weight literature with an emphasis on barriers associated with weight management, the unique T1D-specific factors that impact weight loss success, maladaptive and adaptive strategies for weight loss, and interventions to promote weight loss.

RECENT FINDINGS

Weight gain is associated with intensive insulin therapy. Overweight and obese weight status in individuals with T1D is higher than the general population and prevalence is rising. A variety of demographic (e.g., female sex), clinical (e.g., greater insulin needs), environmental (e.g., skipping meals), and psychosocial (e.g., depression, stress) factors are associated with overweight/obese weight status in T1D. Fear of hypoglycemia is a significant barrier to engagement in physical activity. Studies evaluating adaptive weight loss strategies in people with T1D are limited. There is a growing literature highlighting the prevalence and seriousness of overweight and obesity among both youth and adults with T1D. There is an urgent need to develop evidence-based weight management guidelines and interventions that address the unique concerns of individuals with T1D and that concurrently address glycemic control.