Preventing type 2 diabetes, CVD, and mortality: surgical versus non-surgical weight loss strategies.

The burden of type 2 diabetes is increasing. The prevention of the disease, improvement of metabolic control, and more importantly reduction in mortality remain a challenge for primary care doctors, diabetologists, researchers and policymakers. In this article, the available literature is reviewed with a focus on recent developments. Comparison between medical and surgical interventions is performed using mainly head-to-head trials where possible. Weight loss surgery is effective for glycaemic control. The need for level 1 data with hard end points such as cardiovascular risk and mortality is highlighted, and the prospect of the combination of existing therapy options is emphasized.