Effects of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy on the cost of medications and management of type 2 diabetes among patients with obesity in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: A retrospective study

Background and Aim: The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity and the associated direct healthcare costs have been increasing worldwide. Several bariatric surgical procedures, which have successfully resulted in body weight loss, were found to be superior to conservative therapies in managing T2DM. We aimed to assess the effect of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) on the direct cost of antidiabetic medications among adult T2DM patients in Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: Following a retrospective chart review, this study included all adult T2DM patients with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 35 kg/m2 who underwent LSG between January 2015 and June 2018 at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Jeddah. Patient files were reviewed at baseline, and 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Results: This study included 83 patients (mean age = 44.0 ± 10.9 years; men = 50.6%). BMI significantly decreased (P < 0.001) from the time of surgery (42.7 ± 6.4 kg/m2) to 6 and 12 months postoperatively (32.7 ± 6.2 kg/m2 and 29.7 ± 5.6 kg/m2, respectively), as did the glycosylated hemoglobin values (7.6% ± 1.6%, 6.0% ± 0.9%, and 6.1% ± 1.3%, respectively, P < 0.001). Overall, T2DM patients saved 1479 (95% confidence interval: 1053.75–1904.24) Saudi Riyal on their medications on their first-year post-LSG. Conclusions: LSG was effective in the management of T2DM in patients with obesity. Within 1 year postoperatively, it was associated with significantly improved diabetes control and reduced antidiabetic medication costs.