Analysis of morbid obese diabetic and non-diabetic patients: clinical and social characteristics, habits and workup to undergo bariatric surgery in Lombardy, Italy

Background: Studies on morbid obese diabetic and non-diabetic patients’ social characteristics and habits, in candidates for bariatric surgery (BS) are few. To gain further insights, we investigated 799 morbid obese diabetic (n = 111) and non-diabetic patients (n = 688). Methods: Family history of cardiometabolic diseases, personal history, education and occupation, comorbidities, daily habits, previous dietetic treatment, reasons and pathway to BS were investigated. Team members involved and examinations performed were also analyzed. Results: Family histories of obesity, diabetes and hypertension significantly associated with each other, and clinically overt diseases were also associated with family histories of the same disease, as diabetes and hypertension, and were more frequent in diabetic as compared to non-diabetic (p > 0.05, p < 0.0001 and p < 0.05). Females significantly differed from males for lower body mass index (BMI) (mean 41.2 vs 42.8 kg/m2), and a lower alcohol intake (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). Knowledge about BS and reasons for BS varied according to age. BS was mostly requested for medical reasons (80.1%). Conclusions: Patients seeking bariatric surgery have a valid and well structured idea of obesity and are aware of the importance of eating less and physical activity in managing obesity, with differences linked to their educational levels. The interaction between physicians and surgeons improved the overall prognosis of patients seeking BS, based on screening of CV risk factors. Improved patients long term follow-up after surgery, identification of the suitable pre-BS diets, as well and identification of patients who might benefit from non-BS approaches, such as newer medical therapies could improve long term care of obesity.