Impact of Baseline BMI on Glycemic Control and Weight Change with Metformin Monotherapy in Chinese Type 2 Diabetes Patients: Phase IV Open-Label Trial

Background

Differences exist between treatment recommendations regarding the choice of metformin as first-line therapy for type 2 diabetes patients according to body mass index (BMI). This study compared the efficacy of metformin monotherapy among normal-weight, overweight, and obese patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes.

Methods

In this prospective, multicenter, open-label study in China, patients aged 23–77 years were enrolled 1∶1:1 according to baseline BMI: normal-weight (BMI 18.5−23.9 kg/m²; n = 125); overweight (BMI 24.0−27.9 kg/m²; n = 122) or obese (BMI ≥28 kg/m²; n = 124). Extended-release metformin was administered for 16 weeks (500 mg/day, up-titrated weekly to a maximum 2,000 mg/day). The primary efficacy endpoint was the effect of baseline BMI on glycemic control with metformin monotherapy, measured as the change from baseline in glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA_1c) at week 16 compared among BMI groups using ANCOVA. Other endpoints included comparisons of metformin’s effects on fasting plasma glucose (FPG), lipid levels and body weight.

Results

Mean HbA_1c decreases at week 16, adjusted for baseline values, were –1.84%, –1.78% and –1.78% in normal-weight, overweight and obese patients, (P = 0.664); body weight decreased by 2.4%, 3.9% and 3.5%, respectively. FPG levels decreased similarly over time in all BMI groups (P = 0.461) and changes from baseline in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) did not differ significantly among BMI groups at week 16 (P = 0.143 and 0.451, respectively).

Conclusions

Baseline BMI had no impact on glycemic control, weight change or other efficacy measures with metformin monotherapy. These data suggest that normal-weight type 2 diabetes patients would derive the same benefits from first-line treatment with metformin as overweight and obese patients, and are not at increased risk of excess weight loss.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov {"type":"clinical-trial","attrs":{"text":"NCT00778622","term_id":"NCT00778622"}}NCT00778622     

Motivation,Readiness to Change,and Weight Loss Following Adjustable Gastric Band Surgery

High levels of readiness to change (RTC) are considered critical to the long‐term success of weight management programs including bariatric surgery. However, there are no data to support this assertion. We hypothesize that RTC level will not influence weight outcomes following surgery. In 227 consecutive patients undergoing adjustable gastric banding surgery, we recorded reasons for seeking surgery, and RTC measured with the University of Rhode Island Change Assessment. Scores were blinded until study completion. The primary outcome measure was percentage of excess BMI loss at 2 years (%EBMIL‐2); others included compliance and surgical complications. Of 227 subjects, 204 (90%) had weight measurement at 2 years. There was no significant correlation between RTC score and %EBMIL‐2 (r = 0.047, P = 0.5). Using the median split for RTC score the lowest 102 subjects mean %EBMIL‐2 was 52.9 ± 26.9% and the highest 52.2 ± 28.3%, P = 0.869. There was no weight loss difference between highest and lowest quartiles, or a nonlinear relationship between weight loss and RTC score. There was no significant relationship between RCT score and compliance, or likelihood of complications. Those motivated by appearance were more likely to be younger women who lost more weight at 2 years. Poor attendance at follow‐up visits was associated with less weight loss, especially in men. Measures of RTC did not predict weight loss, compliance, or surgical complications. Caution is advised when using assessments of RTC to predict outcomes of bariatric surgery.     

Reduction in Incidence of Diabetes,Hypertension and Lipid Disturbances after Intentional Weight Loss Induced by Bariatric Surgery: the SOS Intervention Study

SJÖSTRÖM, c. DAVID, LAUREN LISSNER, HANS WEDEL, and LARS SJÖSTRÖM. Reduction in incidence of diabetes, hypertension and lipid disturbances after intentional weight loss induced by bariatric surgery: the SOS Intervention Study. Obes Res. Objective: To examine the effect of a large, long standing and intentional weight reduction on the incidence of diabetes, hypertension and lipid disturbances in severely obese individuals as compared to weight-stable obese controls. Research Methods and Procedures: The ongoing prospective SOS (Swedish Obese Subjects) intervention consists of a surgically treated group and a matched control group obtaining conventional obesity treatment. This report is based on 845 surgically treated patients and 845 controls (BMI41. 0±4. 6 kg/m² (mean±standard deviation [S])) followed for 2 years. Results: Surgically treated patients lost 28±15 kg and controls 0. 5±8. 9 kg (p<0. 0001). Two-year incidence of hypertension, diabetes, hyperinsulinemia, and lipid disturbances was compared in the two treatment groups. Adjusted odds ratios (95% CI) for the surgically treated group versus controls were 0. 38 (0. 22, 0. 65) for hypertension, 0. 02 (0. 00, 0. 16) for diabetes, 0. 10 (0. 03, 0. 28) for hyperinsulinemia, 0. 10 (0. 04, 0. 25) for hypertriglyceridemia, 0. 28 (0. 16, 0. 49) for low HDL-cholesterol and 1. 24 (0. 84, 1. 8) for hypercholesterolemia. Compared to controls, the 2-year recovery rates from hypertension, diabetes, hypo-HDL, and hypertriglyceridemia were significantly higher in the surgically treated group. Discussion: Intentional weight loss in the obese causes a marked reduction in the 2-year incidence of hypertension, diabetes and some lipid disturbances. The results suggest that severe obesity can and should be treated.     

The Impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 on Bariatric Surgery: Redefining Psychosocial Care

The global outbreak of the 2019 novel coronavirus disease has had a tremendous psychological impact on individuals around the world. Individuals with obesity are susceptible to distress and psychological sequalae secondary to this pandemic, which can have detrimental effects on obesity management. In particular, individuals undergoing bariatric surgery could experience increased emotional distress, resulting in increased eating psychopathology, mental health exacerbation, and difficulties with self‐management. Addressing these challenges requires novel approaches to redefining psychosocial care before and after bariatric surgery. Emerging evidence suggests that the remote delivery of care using virtual care models, including mobile and online modalities, could extend the reach of psychosocial services to individuals after bariatric surgery and mitigate weight regain or impairment in quality of life. Because of this pandemic, the rapid integration of virtual psychosocial care in bariatric surgery programs to address patients’ needs will create new opportunities for clinical and implementational scientific research.     

The Effect of Long-Term Use of U-500 Insulin Via Continuous Subcutaneous Infusion on Durability of Glycemic Control and Weight in Obese,Insulin-Resistant Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

ObjectiveTo evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of U-500 insulin administered via continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) in patients with insulin-resistant type 2 diabetes and high insulin requirements.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the effects of U-500 insulin administered via CSII on durability of gly-cemic control (HbAlc), body weight, total daily insulin dose, and incidence of hypoglycemia in 59 patients with insulin-resistant type 2 diabetes (duration of treatment 1 to 9.5 years; mean treatment duration 49 months). All variables were analyzed by 1-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) from pre-U-500 baseline to time points from 3 to 114 months.ResultsAfter 3 months of U-500 insulin use, hemoglobin A1c dropped significantly from a mean baseline of 8.3% to a mean value of 7.3% (P = .003), and this improvement was sustained for over 66 months of use. There was no significant overall change in body weight or total daily insulin dose over time with the use of U-500 insulin. For those subjects who did gain weight, there was a parallel increase in insulin dose that correlated with weight gain.The overall incidence of severe hypoglycemia was low over the study period, with a mean occurrence of 0.1 episodes per patient per year.ConclusionsU-500 insulin is safe and effective for extended use (up to 9.5 years) in patients with insulin-resistant type 2 diabetes who require high insulin doses, and provides sustained glycemic control without causing excessive weight gain. (Endocr Pract. 2013;19:196-201)     

Pramlintide as an Adjunct to Basal Insulin: Effects on Glycemic Control and Weight in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background: Pramlintide is a synthetic analogue of the β-cell hormone amylin. When used as an adjunct to mealtime insulin, it reduces postprandial glucose concentrations, glycosylated hemoglobin (AIC) values, and weight. Due to its effects on postprandial glucose, pramlintide may also provide similar benefits when used as an adjunct to basal insulin in the absence of mealtime insulin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM).Objective: The current post hoc analyses examined the efficacy and tolerability of pramlintide as an adjunct to basal insulin in a subset of patients with type 2 DM in 2 clinical trials.Methods: Post hoc analyses of 2 subgroups of patients with type 2 DM treated with pramlintide and basal insulin (with or without oral agents) with no mealtime insulin are reported. One subgroup of patents was from a 52-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study; a second subgroup of patients was from an uncontrolled, open-label study. Mean (SE) changes from baseline in A1C, postprandial glucose, weight, and insulin dose are reported. Tolerability was also assessed.Results: Baseline characteristics (mean [SD]) of the placebo-controlled study were as follows: pramlintide—n = 18; age, 59 (11) years; A1C, 9.4% (1.3%); weight, 88.4 (16.5) kg; body mass index (BMI), 31.8 (6.1) kg/m²; placebo—n = 11; age, 56 (9) years; A1C, 9.4% (1.6%); weight, 92.0 (13.4) kg; and BMI, 31.2 (5.1) kg/m². Baseline characteristics (mean [SD]) of the patients from the open-label study were as follows: N = 10; age, 60 (12) years; A1C, 8.1% (1.3%); weight, 109.2 (26.6) kg; and BMI, 35.7 (8.1) kg/m². In the placebo-controlled study, pramlintide treatment (120 μg BID) as an adjunct to basal insulin (neutral protamine Hagedorn, lente, or ultralente) resulted in mean (SE) reductions in A1C (pramlintide, -1.16% [0.22%]; placebo, -0.48% [0.18%]; P < 0.05) and weight (pramlintide, -2.3 [1.0] kg; placebo, -0.9 [1.0] kg) compared with placebo. Similarly, in the open-label study, pramlintide treatment (120 μg before major meals) as an adjunct to insulin glargine resulted in mean (SE) reductions from baseline in AIC (-0.81% [0.26%]; 95% CI, -1.40 to -0.22) and weight (-2.8 [1.0] kg; 95% CI, -5.12 to -0.47). In addition, mean postprandial glucose excursions, ascertained by self-monitoring of blood glucose readings, were reduced after each meal. In both subgroups, pramlintide was generally well tolerated, and there were no episodes of severe hypoglycemia.Conclusion: The improvements in glycemic control and weight in these post hoc analyses warrant further clinical investigation into the use of pramlintide as a potential next therapeutic step in patients with type 2 DM treated with basal insulin.     

Long-Term Effect of Bariatric Surgery on Liver Enzymes in the Swedish Obese Subjects (SOS) Study

Background and Aim

Obesity is associated with elevated serum transaminase levels and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and weight loss is a recommended therapeutic strategy. Bariatric surgery is effective in obtaining and maintaining weight loss. Aim of the present study was to examine the long-term effects of bariatric surgery on transaminase levels in obese individuals.

Methods

The Swedish Obese Subjects (SOS) study is a prospective controlled intervention study designed to compare the long-term effects of bariatric surgery and usual care in obese subjects. A total of 3,570 obese participants with no excess of alcohol consumption at baseline (1,795 and 1,775 in the control and surgery group, respectively) were included in the analyses. Changes in transaminase levels during follow-up were compared in the surgery and control groups.

Results

Compared to usual care, bariatric surgery was associated with lower serum ALT and AST levels at 2- and 10- year follow up. The reduction in ALT levels was proportional to the degree of weight loss. Both the incidence of and the remission from high transaminase levels were more favorable in the surgery group compared to the control group. Similarly, the prevalence of ALT/AST ratio <1 was lower in the surgery compared to the control group at both 2- and 10-year follow up.

Conclusions

Bariatric surgery results in a sustained reduction in transaminase levels and a long-term benefit in obese individuals.     

Economic Impact of the Clinical Benefits of Bariatric Surgery in Diabetes Patients With BMI ≥35 kg/m2

The medical costs for a type 2 diabetes patient are two to four times greater than the costs for a patient without diabetes. Bariatric surgery is the most effective weight‐loss therapy and has marked therapeutic effects on diabetes. We estimate the economic effect of the clinical benefits of bariatric surgery for diabetes patients with BMI ≥35 kg/m². Using an administrative claims database of privately insured patients covering 8.5 million lives 1999–2007, we identify obese patients with diabetes, aged 18–65 years, who were treated with bariatric surgery identified using Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System codes. These patients were matched with nonsurgery control patients on demographic factors, comorbidities, and health‐care costs. The overall return on investment (RoI) associated with bariatric surgery was calculated using multivariate analysis. Surgery and control patients were compared postindex with respect to diagnostic claims for diabetes, diabetes medication claims, and adjusted diabetes medication and supply costs. Surgery costs were fully recovered after 26 months for laparoscopic surgery. At month 6, 28% of surgery patients had a diabetes diagnosis, compared to 74% of control patients (P < 0.001). Among preindex insulin users, insulin use dropped to 43% by month 3 for surgery patients, vs. 84% for controls (P < 0.001). By month 1, medication and supply costs were significantly lower for surgery patients (P < 0.001). The therapeutic benefits of bariatric surgery on diabetes translate into considerable economic benefits. These data suggest that surgical therapy is clinically more effective and ultimately less expensive than standard therapy for diabetes patients with BMI ≥35 kg/m².     

The Added and Interpretative Value of CGM-Derived Parameters in Type 1 Diabetes Depends on the Level of Glycemic Control

ObjectiveIn type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) management, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM)-derived parameters can provide additional insights, with time in range (TIR) and other parameters reflecting glycemic control and variability being put forward. This study aimed to examine the added and interpretative value of the CGM-derived indices TIR and coefficient of variation (CV%) in T1DM patients stratified according to their level of glycemic control by means of HbA1C.MethodsT1DM patients with a minimum disease duration of 10 years and without known macrovascular disease were enrolled. Patients were equipped with a blinded CGM device for 7 days. TIR and time spent in hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia were determined, and CV% was used as a parameter for glycemic variability. Pearson (r) and Spearman correlations (r_s) and a regression analysis were used to examine associations.ResultsNinety-five patients (age: 45 ± 10 years; HbA1C level: 7.7% ± 0.8% [61 ± 7 mmol/mol]) were included (mean blood glucose [MBG]: 159 ± 31 mg/dL; TIR: 55.8% ± 14.9%; CV%: 43.5% ± 7.8%) and labeled as having good (HbA1C level ≤7% [≤53 mmol/mol]; n = 20), moderate (7%-8%; n = 44), or poor (>8% [>64 mmol/mol]; n = 31) glycemic control. HbA1C was significantly associated with MBG (r_s = 0.48, P < .001) and time spent in hyperglycemia (total: r_s = 0.52; level 2: r = 0.46; P < .001) but not with time spent in hypoglycemia and CV%, even after an analysis of the HbA1C subgroups. Similarly, TIR was negatively associated with HbA1C (r = −0.53; P < .001), MBG (r_s = −0.81; P < .001), and time spent in hyperglycemia (total: r_s = −0.90; level 2: r_s = −0.84; P < .001) but not with time in hypoglycemia. The subgroup analyses, however, showed that TIR was associated with shorter time spent in level-2 hypoglycemia in patients with good (r_s = −0.60; P = .007) and moderate (r_s = −0.25; P = .047) glycemic control. In contrast, CV% was strongly positively associated with time in hypoglycemia (total: r_s = 0.78; level 2: r_s = 0.76; P < .001) but not with TIR or time in hyperglycemia in the entire cohort, although the subgroup analyses showed that TIR was negatively associated with CV% in patients with good glycemic control (r = −0.81, P < .001) and positively associated in patients with poor glycemic control (r = +0.47; P < .01).ConclusionThe CGM-derived metrics TIR and CV% are related to clinically important situations, TIR being strongly dependent on hyperglycemia and CV% being reflective of hypoglycemic risk. However, the interpretation and applicability of TIR and CV% and their relationship depends on the level of glycemic control of the individual patient, with CV% generally adding less clinically relevant information in those with poor control. This illustrates the need for further research and evaluation of composite measures of glycemic control in T1DM.     

Impact of Walking on Glycemic Control and Other Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Type 2 Diabetes: A Meta-Analysis

Background

Walking is the most popular and most preferred exercise among type 2 diabetes patients, yet compelling evidence regarding its beneficial effects on cardiovascular risk factors is still lacking. The aim of this meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was to evaluate the association between walking and glycemic control and other cardiovascular risk factors in type 2 diabetes patients.

Methods

Three databases were searched up to August 2014. English-language RCTs were eligible for inclusion if they had assessed the walking effects (duration ≥8 weeks) on glycemic control or other cardiovascular risk factors among type 2 diabetes patients. Data were pooled using a random-effects model. Subgroup analyses based on supervision status and meta-regression analyses of variables regarding characteristics of participants and walking were performed to investigate their association with glycemic control.

Results

Eighteen studies involving 20 RCTs (866 participants) were included. Walking significantly decreased glycosylated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) by 0.50% (95% confidence intervals [CI]: −0.78% to −0.21%). Supervised walking was associated with a pronounced decrease in HbA1c (WMD −0.58%, 95% CI: −0.93% to −0.23%), whereas non-supervised walking was not. Further subgroup analysis suggested non-supervised walking using motivational strategies is also effective in decreasing HbA1c (WMD −0.53%, 95% CI: −1.05% to −0.02%). Effects of covariates on HbA1c change were generally unclear. For other cardiovascular risk factors, walking significantly reduced body mass index (BMI) and lowered diastolic blood pressure (DBP), but non-significantly lowered systolic blood pressure (SBP), or changed high-density or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels.

Conclusions

This meta-analysis supports that walking decreases HbA1c among type 2 diabetes patients. Supervision or the use of motivational strategies should be suggested when prescribed walking to ensure optimal glycemic control. Walking also reduces BMI and lowers DBP, however, it remains insufficient regarding the association of walking with lowered SBP or improved lipoprotein profiles.

Trial Registration

PROSPERO CRD42014009515     

The Effects of Lifestyle Interventions on (Long-Term) Weight Management,Cardiometabolic Risk and Depressive Symptoms in People with Psychotic Disorders: A Meta-Analysis

Aims

The aim of this study was to estimate the effects of lifestyle interventions on bodyweight and other cardiometabolic risk factors in people with psychotic disorders. Additionally, the long-term effects on body weight and the effects on depressive symptoms were examined.

Material and Methods

We searched four databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared lifestyle interventions to control conditions in patients with psychotic disorders. Lifestyle interventions were aimed at weight loss or weight gain prevention, and the study outcomes included bodyweight or metabolic parameters.

Results

The search resulted in 25 RCTs -only 4 were considered high quality- showing an overall effect of lifestyle interventions on bodyweight (effect size (ES) = −0.63, p<0.0001). Lifestyle interventions were effective in both weight loss (ES = −0.52, p<0.0001) and weight-gain-prevention (ES = −0.84, p = 0.0002). There were significant long-term effects, two to six months post-intervention, for both weight-gain-prevention interventions (ES = −0.85, p = 0.0002) and weight loss studies (ES = −0.46, p = 0.02). Up to ten studies reported on cardiometabolic risk factors and showed that lifestyle interventions led to significant improvements in waist circumference, triglycerides, fasting glucose and insulin. No significant effects were found for blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Four studies reported on depressive symptoms and showed a significant effect (ES = −0.95, p = 0.05).

Conclusion

Lifestyle interventions are effective in treating and preventing obesity, and in reducing cardiometabolic risk factors. However, the quality of the studies leaves much to be desired.     

Nordic Walking Improves Cardiometabolic Parameters,Fitness Performance,and Quality of Life in Older Adults With Type 2 Diabetes

ObjectiveTo assess the effect of Nordic walking (NW) on cardiometabolic health, physical performance, and well-being in sedentary older adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D).MethodsFifteen subjects with T2D (female, 5; male, 10; age, 65 ± 6.2 years [mean ± standard deviation]; body mass index, 27.3 ± 4.9 kg/m² [mean ± standard deviation]) were enrolled in a 6-month NW training program. The fasting glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels, lipid profile (total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressures were measured before and after the intervention. Participants’ quality of life (Short-Form Health Survey) and physical fitness (6-minute walking test) were also evaluated.ResultsCompared with baseline, NW significantly improved the fasting glucose level (103.5 ± 18.5 vs 168.7 ± 37.7 mg/dL, P = .01), SBP (121.8 ± 12.2 vs 133 ± 14.4 mm Hg, P = .02), physical fitness (759.88 ± 69 vs 615.5 ± 62.6 m, P < .001), and both mental health (54.5 ± 4.4 vs 45.7 ± 5.6, P < .01) and physical health (49.8 ± 4.7 vs 40.3 ± 5.9, P < .01). The levels of glycosylated hemoglobin (6.15% ± 0.8% vs 6.4% ± 1%, P = .46), total cholesterol (162.2 ± 31.2 vs 175.5 ± 28.8 mg/dL, P = .13), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (95.2 ± 24.2 vs 106.3 ± 32.3 mg/dL, P = .43), and triglycerides (135.5 ± 60.8 vs 127.6 ± 57.4 mg/dL, P = 0.26) improved without reaching significance.ConclusionNW training improved the glycemic levels, SBP, physical fitness, and perception of quality of life in older adults with T2D. NW represents a suitable complementary strategy to improve the global health status in this population.     

Bariatric Surgery in the United Kingdom: A Cohort Study of Weight Loss and Clinical Outcomes in Routine Clinical Care

Background

Bariatric surgery is becoming a more widespread treatment for obesity. Comprehensive evidence of the long-term effects of contemporary surgery on a broad range of clinical outcomes in large populations treated in routine clinical practice is lacking. The objective of this study was to measure the association between bariatric surgery, weight, body mass index, and obesity-related co-morbidities.

Methods and Findings

This was an observational retrospective cohort study using data from the United Kingdom Clinical Practice Research Datalink. All 3,882 patients registered in the database and with bariatric surgery on or before 31 December 2014 were included and matched by propensity score to 3,882 obese patients without surgery. The main outcome measures were change in weight and body mass index over 4 y; incident diagnoses of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), hypertension, angina, myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, fractures, obstructive sleep apnoea, and cancer; mortality; and resolution of hypertension and T2DM. Weight measures were available for 3,847 patients between 1 and 4 mo, 2,884 patients between 5 and 12 mo, and 2,258 patients between 13 and 48 mo post-procedure. Bariatric surgery patients exhibited rapid weight loss for the first four postoperative months, at a rate of 4.98 kg/mo (95% CI 4.88–5.08). Slower weight loss was sustained to the end of 4 y. Gastric bypass (6.56 kg/mo) and sleeve gastrectomy (6.29 kg/mo) were associated with greater initial weight reduction than gastric banding (2.77 kg/mo). Protective hazard ratios (HRs) were detected for bariatric surgery for incident T2DM, 0.68 (95% CI 0.55–0.83); hypertension, 0.35 (95% CI 0.27–0.45); angina, 0.59 (95% CI 0.40–0.87);MI, 0.28 (95% CI 0.10–0.74); and obstructive sleep apnoea, 0.55 (95% CI 0.40–0.87). Strong associations were found between bariatric surgery and the resolution of T2DM, with a HR of 9.29 (95% CI 6.84–12.62), and between bariatric surgery and the resolution of hypertension, with a HR of 5.64 (95% CI 2.65–11.99). No association was detected between bariatric surgery and fractures, cancer, or stroke. Effect estimates for mortality found no protective association with bariatric surgery overall, with a HR of 0.97 (95% CI 0.66–1.43). The data used were recorded for the management of patients in primary care and may be subject to inaccuracy, which would tend to lead to underestimates of true relative effect sizes.

Conclusions

Bariatric surgery as delivered in the UK healthcare system is associated with dramatic weight loss, sustained at least 4 y after surgery. This weight loss is accompanied by substantial improvements in pre-existing T2DM and hypertension, as well as a reduced risk of incident T2DM, hypertension, angina, MI, and obstructive sleep apnoea. Widening the availability of bariatric surgery could lead to substantial health benefits for many people who are morbidly obese.