Implantable Device to Reduce Weight and Reverse Process of Diabetes

Researchers in Britain claim that they have developed an implant device that could not only provide a safer way of reducing weight, but can also reverse the process of type 2 diabetes.

The researchers, led by Dr John Mason of the Trafford Healthcare National Health Service Trust, said that their main aim of the research was to develop a safer alternative to a weight loss surgery known as duodenal switch.

Duodenal switch is a surgery wherein an incision is made to the start and end of the duodenum, which is the part of small intestine that is connected to the stomach, in order to reduce the absorption of food by the small intestine, the Daily Mail reported. However the surgery has a number of long term effects including hernia and bowel obstruction.

The new device, known as EndoBarrier, provides the same benefit as the surgery but is safer. An hour-long surgery will allow doctors to place the device lining the duodenum which means that the food can only be absorbed by the lower small intestine.

While testing the device, the researchers found that those volunteers who participated in the study and were diabetic showed remission of the disease. While the researchers initially thought that it was because of weight loss, they found that the patients were able to stop taking diabetic medicines even before they showed any weight loss.

The EndoBarrier surgery is available only privately and is estimated to cost �8,000

Source: Medindia