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Small Intestine Bypass Cures for Diabetes

Diabetes has become a pressing concern in the U.S where it currently affects 20 million people. Diabetes causes many chronic illnesses that can lead to heart disease, amputation and a shortened life span. Until recently, there were no known cures for the illness; however, small intestine bypass surgery has been effective in the elimination of the condition in obese people. Its effectiveness is so prominent that studies are underway to develop a surgery that will benefit all diabetics.

  1. Diabetes

    • Diabetes is a chronic condition that is currently reaching epidemic proportions in the U.S. The two most common forms of the condition are type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes or juvenile diabetes is a condition that begins during childhood and remains with the person throughout the life course. Type 2 diabetes is generally diagnosed during adulthood and is a result of obesity, poor nutrition and sedentary lifestyles. Type 2 diabetes affects all races, ages and sexes. However, it has the most prominent impact on the elderly, minorities and low-income people.

    Small Intestine and Diabetes

    • Research has shown a connection between the upper part of the small intestine and type 2 diabetes. The upper portion of the small intestine produces the majority of the glucose found in the body. When the pancreas is not properly producing insulin, glucose is not properly inserted into the cells and it builds up in the bloodstream. The buildup of glucose in the bloodstream leads to the development of diabetes.

    Gastric Bypass Surgery

    • Gastric bypass surgery is the most frequently preformed weight loss surgery in the U.S. Gastric bypass restricts the majority of the stomach and creates a smaller stomach pouch. The new pouch is then connected to the lower part of the small intestine. Gastric bypass surgery has proven successful in the elimination of diabetes and physicians have started recommending the surgery to eliminate the condition in the obese.

    Gastric Bypass Leads the Way

    • Physicians noticed that obese diabetics were no longer suffering from the condition after undergoing the gastric bypass procedure. They initially thought the disease was eliminated due to the induced weight loss. However, further research showed that diabetes was eliminated because the upper part of the small intestine was bypassed. This connection has prompted research to find a comparable surgery for diabetics who are not obese.

    Duodenal-Jejunal Bypass

    • New York's Sound Shore Medical Center of Westchester conducted a study of Duodenal-Jejunal Bypass as a way to eliminate type 2 diabetes. The study was conducted from November 2007 until November 2008.

      Duodenal-Jejunal bypass involves removing the first foot of the small intestine and reattaching the remaining part. The digestive tract is redirected in order to keep food from coming into contact with the upper part of the small intestine, which helps to regulate blood sugar levels.

      Overall results of the study are still being compiled; however, in the patients surveyed, the surgery has eliminated the illness.

      Duodenal-Jejunal bypass is currently being performed by a physician in Brazil and additional studies are being performed in India and Mexico. The surgery has not been implemented outside of the Sound Shore study in the U.S.

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