Risk factors associated with postprandial hypoglycaemia reduced by post-bariatric surgery

The glucagon response to insulin-induced postprandial hypoglycaemia is lower in people who underwent post-bariatric surgery compared to those who have had no surgery, evidence shows. 

During this case-control study, more than 30 participants underwent a postprandial hypoglycaemic clamp in the clinical research unit to reach the glycaemic target of 2.5 mmol/l 150 to 170 minutes after ingesting 15g of glucose.

Glucose fluxes were assessed during the postprandial and hypoglycaemic period using a dual-tracer approach.

According to the study, the primary outcome was the incremental AUC of glucagon during hypoglycaemia

Catecholamines, cortisol, growth hormone, pancreatic polypeptide and endogenous glucose production were also analysed during hypoglycaemia.

The findings state: “The rate of glucose appearance after oral administration, as well as the rates of total glucose appearance and glucose disappearance, were higher in both Roux-en-Y gastric bypass groups vs the non-surgical control group in the early postprandial period.

“During hypoglycaemia, glucagon exposure was significantly lower in all surgical groups vs the non-surgical control group.”

The results add: “Pancreatic polypeptide levels were significantly lower in people with post-bariatric hypoglycaemia vs the non-surgical control group.

“Other hormonal responses to hypoglycaemia and endogenous glucose production did not significantly differ between the groups.”

To read the research, click here.