Device to treat type 2 diabetes should be used on NHS

A device developed to help obese type 2 diabetic patients lose weight should be rolled out across the NHS, according to researchers.

The Endobarrier device is being presented as an alternative to gastric bypass surgery as patients do not have to undergo invasive surgery to have it fitted. The device is made of a 60cm long sleeve that coats the inside of the small intestine. This allows food to pass through but not be digested, making people feel fuller, quicker.

The device was used in a study with the NHS at the City Hospital, Birmingham in which the outcomes of the first 31 participants were presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) Annual Meeting in Lisbon.

The study, led by Dr Robert Ryder, was set up to see if the Endobarrier could help the hardest to treat cases for patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity. 50 people have had the device implanted and from the outcomes of the first 31 participants, the Endobarrier showed it could help patients lose a significant amount of weight.

The 31 participants lost an average of 15 kg, had improved blood sugar control and substantially reduced systolic blood pressure liver fat. Those taking insulin saw their daily insulin dose reduce from 100 units per day to 30.

The participants also reported improvements in wellbeing, energy and the ability to exercise. Around 94% said that they would recommend the service to their friends and family.

The patients taking part in the study had lived with type 2 diabetes for around 13 years and over half were taking insulin. The patients were encouraged to change their lifestyle behaviour for the time when the device was implanted.

Two patients had their device removed early due to a gastrointestinal haemorrhage and a liver abscess. Out of the 17 patients who reached six months post Endobarrier treatment, 65% have managed to maintain substantial improvements in their weight loss and diabetes control.

The authors of the study, said: "This inaugural NHS service demonstrates Endobarrier therapy to be highly effective in patients with obesity and diabetes that has been very hard to treat, with high patient satisfaction levels, and an acceptable safety profile. The Endobarrier service could be a safe and cost-effective treatment for the NHS--it does not involve surgery and patients do not have to stay in hospital (so reducing the risk of infection). As endoscopy units are located all over the UK, our service could be readily disseminated, with the registry being useful for on-going monitoring worldwide."