Remission of diabetes in patients with long-standing type 2 diabetes following placement of adjustable gastric band: a retrospective case control study

Rates of remission in obese patients with long-standing type 2 diabetes (>2years), following an adjustable gastric band are unclear. We conducted a retrospective case-control study of patients (n=89) matched for age and body mass index with non-surgical controls. Cases had a longer duration of diabetes (99±53 and 80±59months, p<0.05) and a lower HbA1c than controls (7.9±1.6 vs. 8.5±1.9%, p<0.05). At follow-up (median 105weeks) cases had lost 16.8±13.5kg and controls 1.7±8.9kg (p<0.001) and HbA1c decreased by 0.6-0.8% (p<0.001 for time) with no difference between cases and controls. Diabetes resolution, defined by HbA1c less than 6.5% and taking no medications, occurred in 14 (16%) cases and 2 controls. This is in contrast to published outcomes of resolution of type 2 diabetes after bariatric surgery. We conclude that there is a clear need for randomized studies of the effect of gastric banding in patients with long-standing type 2 diabetes.