Woman becomes first Londoner to receive EndoBarrier treatment

A diabetic woman has become the first person in London to undergo a new form of treatment for obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Lena Daly, from Lambeth, was fitted with an EndoBarrier – a thin plastic sleeve designed to help obese type 2 diabetes patients lose weight and reduce their blood sugar levels.
The new medical treatment works by lining the upper part of the small intestine, causing food to be absorbed further down in the intestine.
Cutting out this part of digestion causes the patient to feel fuller after a smaller meal and also changes the way the body manages blood glucose, resulting in a rapid decline in blood sugar levels.
The procedure can be performed in under an hour. It typically costs between £6,000 and £8,000 in the private sector, but is now available on the NHS.
Daly had the EndoBarrier fitted after being admitted to a trial of the treatment at the King’s College and Guy’s and St Thomas’ hospitals.
“I feel like I’ve won the lottery,” the 53 year-old said. “It will make such a great difference. I feel privileged.”
The mother of two was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2004. She has since seen her weight rise to 17 stone, but she hopes the treatment will help her return to a more healthy weight of 12 stone.
Dr Piya Sen Gupta, the research fellow conducting the trial, said there are still 20 places remaining in London for patients interested in receiving EndoBarrier therapy.