GI Dynamics - Defining Noninvasive Metabolic Control

Limitations of Current Treatment

Current therapies for type 2 diabetes and obesity are not optimal. Diet and exercise alone are not successful for most patients. Similarly, the effects of drug therapy for type 2 diabetes are limited. Surgery is often an unsatisfactory option too, due to fear, expense, and because it is invasive. In fact, only about 1% of patients who could benefit from bariatric surgery actually choose to have it.

Pharmaceutical Intervention

Although the treatment of type 2 diabetes with drugs has become increasingly sophisticated, the normalization of blood glucose for any appreciable period of time is seldom achieved.1 Further, pharmaceutical treatments do not stop disease progression.

Similarly, pharmaceutical treatments for obesity have fallen short of expectations. The weight loss realized is far below that of surgery. And the side effects range from highly unpleasant to dangerous.

Most importantly, patients have difficulty complying with pharmaceutical treatment regimens for type 2 diabetes. No drug can be effective if it is not used as directed.

Diet and Behavioral Modification

The excess weight carried by morbidly obese patients prevents them from engaging in the exercise that could help them lose weight. For these patients, finding a way to help them lose weight so that they can begin healthy physical activities is essential.

While diet modification is an important part of living with diabetes, it is seldom complied with by the patient.2

Nonsurgical Therapeutics: a New Class of Treatment Options to Address These Limitations

The EndoBarrierâ„¢ Gastrointestinal Liner helps define a new class of treatment options between pharmaceutical regimens and surgery called nonsurgical therapeutics. Unlike traditional pharmaceutical approaches, nonsurgical therapeutics remove the burden of dose regimen compliance from the patient. And as a nonsurgical therapeutic, the EndoBarrier Gastrointestinal Liner can be easily removed once the desired effect has been attained.

 

1. Sherwin RS, et al. The prevention of delay of type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care. 2003; Jan 26 Suppl:S62-9.

2. Yannakoulia M. Eating Behavior among Type 2 Diabetic Patients: A Poorly Recognized Aspect in a Poorly Controlled Disease. Review of Diabetic Studies. 2006 Spring;3(1):11-16.