As weight increases so does the likelihood of T2DM. Not surprisingly, reaching and maintaining a healthy weight is the most effective treatment for T2DM. If only it were that simple—most find that diet, exercise and even prescription medications are not effective for long-term weight loss. Fortunately, there is a safe, long-term treatment for both severe obesity and T2DM—bariatric surgery.
“Metabolic and bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for T2DM among individuals who are affected by obesity and may result in remission or improvement in nearly all cases.” –ASMBS
Bariatric surgery can have a dramatic impact on T2DM and pre-diabetes. In fact, studies show that more than 80% of type 2 diabetics having the roux-en-y gastric bypass (gastric bypass) no longer have elevated blood sugar levels. Blood sugar levels improve almost immediately in many people–even before significant weight is lost. Ongoing research is seeking to explain this, with the reduction of caloric intake and changes in gut hormones being at least part of the puzzle. Gastric bypass is a surgery that causes food to bypass most of the stomach and the top portion of the small intestine.
Another surgery, the gastric sleeve (also referred to as sleeve gastrectomy or vertical gastrectomy), involves the removal of a large section of the stomach, leaving a thin banana or sleeve-shaped stomach. This procedure also has high T2DM remission rates–more than 60%.
“For the first time in diabetes history we have a concrete chance to create a major shift in treatment goals: from improving life with diabetes to the hope of a life without it.”
–Francesco Rubino
Type 2 diabetes is a health problem that touches many of us. Take steps today to reduce its impact.
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