Glycemic variability and hypoglycemia before and after Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass and Sleeve Gastrectomy – A cohort study of females without diabetes

Abstract

BackgroundRoux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) lead to lower fasting glucose concentrations, but might cause higher glycemic variability (GV) and increased risk of hypoglycemia. However, it has been sparsely studied in patients without preoperative diabetes under normal living conditions. ObjectivesTo study 24-hour interstitial glucose (IG) concentrations, GV, the occurrence of hypoglycemia and dietary intake before and after laparoscopic RYGB and SG in females without diabetes. SettingOutpatient bariatric units at a community and a university hospital. MethodsContinuous glucose monitoring and open-ended food recording over 4 days in 4 study periods: at baseline, during the preoperative low-energy diet (LED) regimen, and at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. ResultsOf 47 patients included at baseline, 83%, 81%, and 79% completed the remaining 3 study periods. The mean 24-hour IG concentration was similar during the preoperative LED regimen and after surgery and significantly lower compared to baseline in both surgical groups. GV was significantly increased 6 and 12 months after surgery compared to baseline. The self-reported carbohydrate intake was positively associated with GV after surgery. IG concentrations below 3.9 mmol/L were observed in 14/25 (56%) of RYGB- and 9/12 (75%) of SG-treated patients 12 months after surgery. About 70% of patients with low IG concentrations also reported hypoglycemic symptoms. ConclusionsThe lower IG concentration in combination with the higher GV after surgery, might create a lower margin to hypoglycemia. This could help explain the increased occurrence of hypoglycemic episodes after RYGB and SG.