‘Dementia link to sudden low blood pressure and dizziness’
October 13, 2024
Experts say the tiny device could be more effective than medication, diet and exercise, with initial studies showing blood glucose levels dropping within weeks.
Doctors are trialling a new implant which could give hope to millions of diabetics.
More than three million people in the UK have Type 2 diabetes, and medics say the sleeve implant has the potential to be a more effective treatment than medication, diet and exercise.
The tiny EndoBarrier device is put into the small intestine via the mouth for up to 12 months.
It acts as a barrier to prevent food being absorbed and ensures it bypasses a section of the upper intestine, allowing less time for digestion and improving resistance to insulin.
In a 24-month study involving 160 participants, experts at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and Southampton General Hospital will compare EndoBarrier with standard medical therapy for the management of obese people with Type 2 diabetes.
Results of an initial study showed a drop in blood glucose levels within weeks – reducing the need for diabetes medication. Patients also achieved significant weight loss similar to that seen following gastric band surgery.
Prof Julian Teare, a consultant gastroenterologist and study lead based at Imperial College London, said: “Type 2 diabetes affects millions of people in the UK and many of these people have been unsuccessful at managing their diabetes with their current treatment regimens.
“While previous clinical trials and commercial experience suggest that EndoBarrier therapy is a safe and effective treatment option for Type 2 diabetes, results from this study should provide definitive evidence to help guide treatment decisions.
“The use of a lower cost and less invasive alternative to bypass surgery may mean we can treat thousands more people living with Type 2 diabetes every year.”
Mr James Byrne, a consultant surgeon and co-lead based at Southampton General Hospital, said: “We know weight loss surgery is currently the most effective and longest-lasting treatment option for Type 2 diabetes.
“However, it is not the right approach for everyone and will not significantly impact the epidemic of Type 2 diabetes we see in the UK.
“Other strategies for this condition are urgently required and our research will confirm whether or not EndoBarrier therapy can help to deliver and, more importantly, sustain improvements in diabetes control.”
Source The Mirror