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The NHS Under Fire By a Group of Surgeons

The NHS is being accused of ignoring a weight-loss operation that surgeons say could almost wipe out Type-2 diabetes.
Health - 11 November 2011   Download IconContent available for download:  
Audio | Interview with David Kerrigan| Login to Download

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There are currently 1.2 million morbidly obese people living in the UK, and the cost to the UK economy currently stands at £7.2 billion. With a BMI greater than 35, the risk of developing Type-2 diabetes increases 95 times – by 2050 it is predicted that the cost of obesity and diabetes will be around £50 BILLION.

Now the NHS is being told to wake up and realise the potential of a weight loss surgery called bariatric surgery, as evidence shows eight in ten Type-2 diabetic patients who have certain procedures return to normal blood sugars of their condition within days or weeks – often before they leave hospital – with reports that they were able to discontinue their medication all together.

One million people in the UK already meet the NICE criteria for bariatric surgery, and the NHS, by treating just one third of 1% eligible patients according to a recent survey, is being accused of being irresponsible by ignoring the needs of people whose medical conditions could be solved. Bariatric surgery does not only treat people with Type-2 diabetes, but can also help with associated metabolic complications such as hypertension and sleep apnoea.

. Introduction:

There are currently 1.2 million morbidly obese people in the UK, and the cost of this on the UK economy has reached £7.2 billion. Obesity can lead to serious complications, and people with a BMI of over 35 are 95 times more likely to develop Type-2 diabetes – and it is estimated that this will cost the UK a staggering £50 BILLION by 2050. In light of this, the NHS has been accused of side stepping the issue, as certain kinds of widely available keyhole surgery can actually reverse Type-2 diabetes in eight in ten cases, meaning that patients could lead a dramatically improved life – with reduced cost to the NHS which currently spends £600 MILLION a year in Primary Care treating diabetes and its complications.

So, with one million people needing this surgery, what are the consequences of ignoring this procedure?

Joining us to discuss this further is David Kerrigan, a leading bariatric surgeon from Gravitas who has advised the Government on existing obesity NICE guidelines.

. Suggested Questions:

How much is obesity and diabetes expected to cost our area in 2050?

What are the consequences of living with obesity and Type-2 diabetes?

What are the benefits of having bariatric surgery?

Can people lead an improved life after the procedure?

What advice do you have for anyone with type-2 diabetes and overweight and worried about their condition?

Where can we find out more information?