RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

The Effect of Bariatric Surgery on Insulin Sensitivity and Energy Metabolism

This study aims to understand how weight-loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, impacts the body's ability to use insulin and process energy in people who are overweight or have type 2 diabetes. We're particularly interested in how the surgery improves health, especially for the liver, and reduces fat build-up. Many people with obesity have fat in their liver, which can lead to other health problems like type 2 diabetes. We know that weight-loss surgery often helps with blood sugar control very quickly, sometimes even before much weight is lost. This research hopes to discover why this happens and how it could lead to better treatments for diabetes and liver conditions.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

German Diabetes Center

Enrolment target

450

Start

01 Sep 2012

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2028

Obesity Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2

What is this study about?

This study is investigating how a type of surgery for weight loss, called bariatric surgery, affects how your body handles sugar and energy. Many people who are very overweight or have type 2 diabetes also have fat building up in their liver and muscles. This can make it harder for the body to use insulin properly, which is key for controlling blood sugar levels.

We want to understand a few things: Firstly, how much weight-loss surgery can improve how your body uses insulin and processes energy, and if it helps reduce fat stored in places it shouldn't be, like the liver. Secondly, we're looking at whether problems with how muscles and the liver use energy are common in people with higher levels of obesity. Lastly, we want to see if the amount of fat in the liver is linked to how much inflammation is present in the liver.

Ultimately, this research aims to figure out the exact ways in which weight-loss surgery helps to improve blood sugar control and liver health. We believe that understanding these processes better could open doors to new ways of treating diabetes and other related health conditions in the future.

Key takeaways

The study investigates how weight-loss surgery affects blood sugar control.
It aims to understand impacts on energy use and fat in the liver and muscles.
Participation involves people who are healthy weight, moderately, or severely obese.
This research hopes to find new ways to treat diabetes and liver conditions.
You can withdraw from the study at any time.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, participants generally need to be between 20 and 70 years old. We're looking for people who are a healthy weight (with a BMI between 20 and 25), as well as those with moderate to severe obesity (with a BMI of 35 or higher). This allows us to compare different groups and learn more.

There are certain health conditions that would prevent someone from joining. For example, if you've been unwell recently, have a serious kidney or heart condition (like having had a heart attack), or suffer from severe anaemia, you wouldn't be able to take part. We also can't include people with certain autoimmune diseases, thyroid problems, active cancer, or those with HIV/AIDS or Hepatitis B/C.

Other reasons you might not be able to join include if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or having your period, if you smoke or misuse alcohol or drugs, or if you work night shifts. Also, if you're taking certain medications like strong anti-inflammatory drugs or have known allergies to common local anaesthetics, you might not be suitable.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 20 and 70 years old?
Do you have a healthy weight or are you considered moderately to severely obese (BMI 35 or above)?
Have you been generally healthy in the last 2 weeks?
Do you not have a serious kidney, heart, or autoimmune condition?
Are you not pregnant or breastfeeding, and not currently on your period?
Are you able to attend appointments during normal daytime hours (no night shift work)?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

The detailed description of what your participation would involve is not provided in a way that allows us to explain about visits, assessments, or duration. Usually, studies like this often involve several hospital visits for blood tests, physical examinations, and possibly tests to measure how your body uses energy. You might also be asked to have scans of your liver or muscles to check for fat levels. The study does not mention any specific medication you would take as part of the trial, beyond existing medications you might be on. The total duration of participation is also not specified in the information provided.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in research can sometimes offer the benefit of receiving close medical attention and contributing to science that could help others in the future. However, there are potential risks, such as discomfort from blood tests or other procedures, and the chance that the study might not directly benefit your health. It's important to remember that you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

German Diabetes Center
Verified postcode
Düsseldorf, Germany· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'insulin sensitivity'?

Insulin sensitivity is how well your body's cells respond to insulin, a hormone that helps control blood sugar. Good sensitivity means your body uses insulin efficiently.

What is 'energy metabolism'?

Energy metabolism is how your body breaks down food to create and use energy. This process is essential for all your body's functions.

What does 'ectopic lipid storage' mean?

This means fat stored in places it shouldn't normally be, like in your liver or muscles, rather than in your usual fat stores.

Does this study involve having weight-loss surgery?

The information provided does not indicate that participants will undergo surgery as part of the study. It aims to study people who have already had or are planning to have bariatric surgery.

Will I be given new medication in this study?

The study information does not mention giving participants new medications as part of the research.

How to find out more

Sabine Kahl, MD

sabine.kahl@ddz.de 0049211-3382 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.