Mechanisms of Glycemic Improvement After Gastrointestinal Surgery

This study is designed as a prospective clinical trial aimed at investigating the mechanisms behind observed improvements in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) following bariatric surgery. The majority of patients with T2DM who are undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery, in particular, experience complete remission of T2DM almost immediately post-surgery. This response occurs before significant weight loss is possible. To assess the mechanisms involved with disease resolution, the investigators propose a study to evaluate patients at the UW Medical Center (UWMC) who have T2DM and are undergoing RYGB with G (gastronomy)-tube placement as part of their clinical care. The investigators are interested in this sub-population as the G-tube allows us the unique opportunity to evaluate glycemic control and insulin response following delivery or exclusion of nutrients to the otherwise bypassed portion of the gastrointestinal tract. The investigators hypothesize that nutrient delivery to the proximal GI tract will reverse RYGB-mediated improvements in glucose homeostasis, possibly in association with changes in nutrient-regulated gut peptides involved in glucose control.