Liver Fat Reduction After Gastric Banding and Associations with Changes in Insulin Sensitivity and β-Cell Function

Obesity (Silver Spring). 2021 Jul;29(7):1155-1163. doi: 10.1002/oby.23174. Epub 2021 May 26.

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between changes in liver fat and changes in insulin sensitivity and β-cell function 2 years after gastric banding surgery.

Methods: Data included 23 adults with the surgery who had prediabetes or type 2 diabetes for less than 1 year and BMI 30 to 40 kg/m2 at baseline. Body adiposity measures including liver fat content (LFC), insulin sensitivity (M/I), and β-cell responses (acute, steady-state, and arginine-stimulated maximum C-peptide) were assessed at baseline and 2 years after surgery. Regression models were used to assess associations adjusted for age and sex.

Results: Two years after surgery, all measures of body adiposity, LFC, fasting and 2-hour glucose, and hemoglobin A1c significantly decreased; M/I significantly increased; and β-cell responses adjusted for M/I did not change significantly. Among adiposity measures, reduction in LFC had the strongest association with M/I increase (r = -0.61, P = 0.003). Among β-cell measures, change in LFC was associated with change in acute C-peptide response to arginine at maximal glycemic potentiation adjusted for M/I (r = 0.66, P = 0.007). Significant reductions in glycemic measures and increase in M/I were observed in individuals with LFC loss >2.5%.

Conclusions: Reduction in LFC after gastric banding surgery appears to be an important factor associated with long-term improvements in insulin sensitivity and glycemic profiles in adults with obesity and prediabetes or early type 2 diabetes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Blood Glucose
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2*
  • Gastroplasty*
  • Humans
  • Insulin
  • Insulin Resistance*
  • Liver
  • Prediabetic State*

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Insulin