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Written By: Editorial Team | Published : July 12, 2014 5:58 PM IST
The actions of specialised cells in the intestine that secrete a cocktail of powerful hormones when we eat may explain why diabetes is cured in the majority of patients who undergo gastric bypass surgery, says a study. Most common type of gastric bypass actually also bypasses a proportion of the gut hormone cells and that may result in change or reprogramming of the malfunctioning gut hormone cells, the researchers suggested. 'Our research centred on enteroendocrine cells that 'taste' what we eat and in response release a cocktail of hormones that communicate with the pancreas, to control insulin release to the brain, to convey the sense of being full and to optimise and maximise digestion and absorption of nutrients,' explained Craig Smith from The University of Manchester in Britain.
'Under normal circumstances these are all important factors in keeping us healthy and nourished. But these cells may malfunction and result in under or over eating,' Smith explained. Gut hormone cells previously thought to contain just one hormone, had up to six hormones including the hunger hormone ghrelin, the findings revealed. 'Most common type of gastric bypass actually also bypasses a proportion of the gut hormone cells. It is thought that this causes the gut hormone cells to change and be reprogrammed. For us, understanding how these cells change in response to surgery is likely to hold the key to a cure for diabetes,' Smith noted. (Read: Metabolic surgery for diabetes can it really reverse the disease?)
The study appeared in the journal Endocrinology.
What is bariatric surgery?
A bariatric surgery is a procedure that promotes weight loss by changing the digestive system's anatomy, limiting the amount of food that can be eaten and digested. Though bariatric surgeries have become synonymous with weight loss, and people who can afford it consider it an easier alternative to healthy eating and exercising. Dr Ramen Goel, a bariatric surgeon tells us more about the procedure.
Who should opt for it?
The surgery isn't for everyone. Dr Goel told TheHealthSite.com, 'The procedure is advised for those patients who are at least 25-30 kg overweight with a BMI which is 32.5 or above. People with severe diabetes, hypertension or obstructive sleep apnoea associated with obesity are also likely candidates. Women who have irregular periods and are unable to conceive due to obesity can also opt for the surgery.' The surgery is also very effective for type 2 diabetics since it increases insulin resistance and helps control blood sugar. It's believed that around the 80% type 2 diabetics will go back to having normal blood sugar without medicinal intervention.
Side effects and complications
Recently, actor Rakesh Deewana died after undergoing weight loss surgery. After the procedure, he suffered hypertension and brain stem dysfunction. The truth is that like all other surgeries, risks will also be present in bariatric surgeries. It could be linked to anaesthesia, how the surgery is done and also the follow-up. There is also some chance of kidney issues, low blood sugar, nerve issues and you could also suffer from chronic nutritional problems after the surgery. Read more about Surgery for weight loss or bariatric surgery get your facts right!
With inputs from IANS
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