Insulin secretion in pigs improved by gastric bypass

According to a new study released by Lund University Diabetes Center, situated in Sweden, beta cells which produce insulin increase performance in numbers, following surgery. The research was led by Dr. Nils Wierup. In the study, there were only 4 gastric bypass surgeries included which were performed on pigs. The final results of this study prove that for increasing beta cells number, reduced food intake or weight loss is required. The results were concluded, based on pigs which ate the same amount of food and had the same body weight. “The reason why we have now studied pigs is that they are omnivores like us and their gastrointestinal physiology is similar to that of humans. This basic research in GI tract functions is mutually beneficial, since it also helps the further refinements of surgical methods”, said Jan Hedenbro, surgeon at Aleris Obesitas, who has collaborated with Lund University Diabetes Center.