Diabetes UK comment on National Bariatric Surgery Registry report

Wednesday, 13 April 2011 12:00 AM

Diabetes UK Chairman Professor Sir George Alberti said:

"Diabetes UK recommends people who are clinically obese should try to lose weight through diet and lifestyle changes in the first instance. However we agree that bariatric surgery should be used as an alternative treatment to help people lose weight if all other attempts have been unsuccessful and their diabetes remains poorly controlled.

"If trends continue, 60 per cent of men and 50 per cent of women will be obese by 2050 and the majority will either have Type 2 diabetes or be at high risk. This frightening escalation will result in an estimated cost of £50 billion to the NHS.

"This audit provides evidence that bariatric surgery could be used as a cost-effective method for the NHS to treat obesity-related health problems such as Type 2 diabetes.

"All surgery carries risks however and psychological assessments before surgery are vital to ensure the person is aware of, and in the position to cope with, the life-changing effects it will bring. Bariatric surgery is not a cure for Type 2 diabetes, although it can result in a lengthy remission. Diabetes is a serious life-long condition and losing weight will help people to better manage their diabetes and reduce their risk of complications such as heart disease, kidney disease, stroke, blindness and amputation."

For any media enquiries, please call the Diabetes UK press office on 020 7424 1165. For any out of hours enquiries, please call 077 111 760 28.

Many thanks

Katie Power
Media Officer

Diabetes UK
020 7424 1164

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