Mechanisms for the recovery of type 2 diabetes mellitus following bariatric surgery
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Abstract
Studies have shown that following bariatric surgery, there is an almost immediate reversal of type 2 diabetes. However, there still remains questions as to why this occurs and what possible explanations there may be.
This paper aims to focus on several studies that have found a reversal of diabetes in obese patients who have undergone bariatric surgery. Furthermore, it explores several possibilities for the reasons behind this reversal including the role of AMP-activated protein kinase, the incretins gastric inhibitory peptide and glucagon-like peptide-1, and also looks at genetics.
Bariatric surgery and a description of certain mechanisms are first described for an understanding. Following is a literature review of published studies on bariatric surgery, the reversal of diabetes following the procedure, and roles of AMPK and incretins.
Because of the possibility that reduced caloric intake may not be the major factor in the diabetic reversal, it is suggested that further research be done on obese and normal weight patients and observe the levels of the mentioned mechanisms and also various genes to see if they offer a more thorough explanation.