Improvement in glycated hemoglobin A1C after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy in an ethnically diverse population with diabetes

Abstract Background Obesity is a well-known risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes. The efficacy of bariatric surgery in reducing weight with resulting improvement in type 2 diabetes has been reliably demonstrated. Objectives We investigated and compared the effects of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) on glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) levels in a predominantly Hispanic and black population. Settings Community Hospital in New York, New York, United States. Methods This is a retrospective review of a 5-year data from a single center where patients with diabetes who underwent LRYGB or LSG were included. HbA1C levels and body mass index were analyzed preoperatively and then annually postoperatively for up to 5 years. Improvements in HbA1C were compared between the 2 groups after adjusting for age, sex, race, and hypertension with linear mixed-effects or logistic regression models. Results Of the 676 included patients, 84.8% were females and the mean age was 47 years. HbA1C levels decreased significantly (P .05), 24% versus 17% (2 yr), 22% versus 16% (3 yr), 22% versus 13% (4 yr), and 17% versus 10% (5 yr). Changes in body mass index were not correlated to changes in HbA1C at various study points. Conclusion Both LRYGB and LSG resulted in significant decreases in HbA1C levels and are correlated with changes in body mass index. LRYGB had the greatest effect at 1 year postoperatively. There was no significant difference in HbA1C reduction for LRYGB and LSG after 1 year postoperatively in this predominantly Hispanic and black cohort.