Scientists say a new stomach operation could cure and reverse the effects of Type 2 Diabetes.
Medical experts from across the globe will gather at University College Dublin today to discuss the development - which has been spearheaded by Science Foundation Ireland.
Diabetes is one of the most serious health problems in Ireland; affecting more than a quarter of a million people. The cost of diabetes is over €730 million annually with over 60% of this being spent treating the complications of diabetes.
Up to 30,000 adults are unaware that they have diabetes, and even with those that are aware less than 25% manage to meet targets to control their blood sugar level. Inappropriate nutrition can exacerbate their condition which then leads to complications involving the eyes, kidneys, nerves, circulation and heart.
It is these complications that do the most damage, which causes the patient to health to become worse and can often to lead to an early death.
However Professor Carel Le Roux says not enough of the procedures are being carried out in Ireland:
