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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
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Bypass Surgery Shows Promise as Diabetes Fix

Variation on obesity procedure has led to remission

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(Newser) – Intestinal bypass surgery—a variation on the gastric surgery used to combat obesity—is showing surprising and promising results in treating diabetes, the Washington Post reports. Cutting out some of the intestine but sparing the stomach, the procedure is  producing full remission in a high percentage of cases, allowing patients to go off all medication.

Just days after the procedure, patients saw their blood sugar normalize. While the mechanism behind the fix isn’t yet known, and some doctors are skeptical, “I think it's the most significant advance in the management of this chronic killing disease since the discovery of insulin,” says one surgeon. "Understanding what is happening is the holy grail," says a diabetes doc. "Surgery in a pill is where this all needs to be headed."

Employees at Novo Nordisk, the world's leading diabetes care company, formed a human circle to commemorate the first United Nation's sanctioned World Diabetes Day.
Employees at Novo Nordisk, the world's leading diabetes care company, formed a human circle to commemorate the first United Nation's sanctioned World Diabetes Day.   (AP Photo/Feature Photo Service)
A seven-year-old holds her insulin pump, which also works with an implant to display blood sugar levels, Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2007, in Grandville, Mich.
A seven-year-old holds her insulin pump, which also works with an implant to display blood sugar levels, Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2007, in Grandville, Mich.   (AP Photo/ Adam Bird)
Shirley Krueger, who suffers from diabetes, sits in her apartment in Salem, Ore., Feb. 27, 2008. Krueger, who works part time, signed up on the first day in a one-of-a-kind state lottery for the chance of health insurance coverage. (AP Photo/Greg Wahl-Stephens)
Shirley Krueger, who suffers from diabetes, sits in her apartment in Salem, Ore., Feb. 27, 2008. Krueger, who works part time, signed up on the first day in a one-of-a-kind state lottery for the chance...   (AP Photo)
Diabetes sufferer Lee Ann Thill, 34, draws insulin for her insulin pump at her home in Magnolia, N.J., Monday, June 11, 2007.
Diabetes sufferer Lee Ann Thill, 34, draws insulin for her insulin pump at her home in Magnolia, N.J., Monday, June 11, 2007.   (AP Photo/Mel Evans)
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