A team of researchers at the University of Pennsylvania are preparing to launch a new study to determine whether bariatric surgery is more effective than lifestyle modification at reducing weight and treating Type 2 Diabetes.
The study, which is funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), will investigate whether bariatric procedures, such as gastric bypass or adjustable gastric banding surgery, are more effective than lifestyle modification alone to reduce weight and treat Type 2 diabetes.
The study will also test whether people with a lower body mass index (BMI) may benefit from surgery to treat diabetes and other significant health problems, such as high blood pressure. Study participants will have a BMI of 30 or greater, compared to the current recommended 35 or greater BMI experts generally require for weight loss surgery.
The Center for Weight and Eating Disorders and Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery Program at the University of Pennsylvania recently received a Challenge Grant from the NIH as part of the nationwide economic stimulus package. Patients that are eligible for the upcoming study will be randomly assigned to undergo one of three options: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, or intensive lifestyle modification.
Participants will be closely monitored for a full year to compare the effects of the treatments on their diabetes status. To learn more or find out whether you qualify for the study, contact clinical research coordinator Jacque Spitzer at jspitzer@mail.med.upenn.edu
