About 8.9 percent of the population has diabetes, about 25 percent of which suffer from severe obesity. 

Diabetes and Obesity

It is still unknown why some people develop insulin resistance but obesity and lack of physical activity can make it worse.

Being obese plays a role in the development of type 2 diabetes. It was observed that obese individuals have an increased pro-inflammatory markers, cytokines, and other substances that are involved in the development of insulin resistance.

People with “apple” shape bodies (carrying majority of their excess weight around their abdomen) are associated with the highest level of insulin resistance compared to those who are pear-shaped (carrying most of the weight in the hips and thighs). 

If you’re morbidly obese but struggled in losing weight through conventional means, you may want to consider bariatric surgery.

Research shows metabolic and bariatric surgeries are effective in treating type 2 diabetes.

Bariatric Surgery in Treating Diabetes

Losing the excess weight through bariatric surgery can benefit severely obese individuals especially those with diabetes. According to research, this has something to do with the weight loss effects on tissue-specific insulin sensitivity, beta-cell function, bile acid composition, intestinal glucose metabolism, and gut microbiota. 

Are you qualified?

Qualifications for most types of bariatric surgery include the following:

  • BMI > 40 or more than 100 lbs overweight
  • BMI > 35 and at least one obesity-related co-morbidities such as type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, and hypertension
  • Inability to lose weight over a sustained period of time (with prior weight loss efforts) 

Bariatric Surgery at Foothills Weight Loss Surgeons

At Foothills Weight Loss Surgeons in Knoxville, it is our aim to help you achieve a healthier you through bariatric surgery.

If you’ve been considering this option, our first step is viewing our FREE informational session, which is conveniently available online. This seminar will provide you with more details about what to expect before and after bariatric surgery. 

Have more questions about bariatric surgery or the seminar? You can call us at (865) 984-3413.

Foothills Weight Loss Surgeons is part of Premier Surgical Bariatrics in Knoxville, Tennessee. Foothills is affiliated with the Fort Sanders Center for Bariatric Surgery, part of Covenant Health Bariatric Services.

 

References:

https://www.obesityaction.org/community/article-library/obesity-and-type-2-diabetes/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4259868/

https://asmbs.org/patients/who-is-a-candidate-for-bariatric-surgery