Surgery or pills? new study tests best way to treat teen diabetes

NCT ID NCT04128995

Ongoing Disease control Sponsor: Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study compares two approaches for treating type 2 diabetes in teenagers: weight-loss surgery (vertical sleeve gastrectomy) versus intensive medical therapy (including metformin and other drugs). The goal is to see which method provides better blood sugar control and reduces related health problems. About 88 teens aged 13-19 with type 2 diabetes are participating.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: bariatric surgery (vertical sleeve gastrectomy) and advanced medical therapy (metformin, GLP-1 agonist, SGLT-2 inhibitor, or basal insulin)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could show that bariatric surgery is a more effective option than medication alone for managing type 2 diabetes in teenagers, potentially leading to better long-term health.
What could go wrong: This is a relatively small study (88 participants) and results may not apply to all teens. Surgery carries risks, and the medical therapy may be just as effective for some. Long-term outcomes are still unknown.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

obesity disorder Pediatric Obesity type 2 diabetes mellitus

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

BARIATRIC SURGERY CANDIDATE DIABETES MELLITUS, TYPE 2 PEDIATRIC OBESITY

Contacts and locations

Locations

Children's Hospital Colorado

Aurora, Colorado, 80045, United States
Cincinnati Childrens

Cincinnati, Ohio, 45229, United States
Lurie Children's Hospital

Chicago, Illinois, 60611, United States

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