The physicians of Foothills Weight Loss Specialists have long known that weight loss surgery is effective for our patients suffering from many obesity-related co-morbities, including type 2 diabetes. According to the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, a significant number of patients see improvement in their diabetic state and symptoms as a result of bariatric surgery.
Now, the first guidelines for recommending weight loss surgery specifically as a treatment for individuals with diabetes have been endorsed as a result of new clinical testing. The findings of the long-term studies, as well as a joint statement endorsed by 45 international professional organizations, is featured in the June issue of Diabetes Care, a journal focusing on the research and management of diabetes.
In a recent news release from Diabetes Care, editor-in-chief Dr. William Cefalu stated the following:
“Given the rapid developments in the field, it is important to focus on this topic for those who care for individuals with diabetes. These new guidelines, based on the results of multiple clinical studies, validate that [weight-loss] surgery is indicated in certain people with diabetes and can yield significantly improved outcomes.”
Evidence from the ongoing clinical studies shows that weight loss surgery is a viable treatment method for improving blood sugar control in those with type 2 diabetes, and the newly established guidelines serve to establish safe recommendations for certain patients.
“Despite continuing advances in diabetes [drug treatment], fewer than half of adults with type 2 diabetes … attain therapeutic goals designed to reduce long-term risks of complications, especially for [blood sugar] control, and lifestyle interventions are disappointing in the long term,” said Cefalu.
The report adds that weight loss surgery more effectively improves blood sugar control than lifestyle modifications and drug treatments alone. According to the new guidelines, weight loss surgery may be recommended as a treatment option for those with Class III obesity, and those with Class II obesity and high blood sugar that does not respond to drug treatment and lifestyle changes.
When someone has a BMI between 30.0 and 34.9, they are living with moderate-risk obesity, or Class II obesity. When someone has a BMI between 35.0 and 39.9, they are living with high-risk obesity, or Class III obesity.
“Surgery represents a radical departure from conventional approaches to diabetes. The new guidelines effectively introduce, both conceptually and practically, one of the biggest changes for diabetes care in modern times,” said the study first author, Dr. Francesco Rubino.
Learn more about this recent news here, and read the full report here.
If you are struggling with obesity and type 2 diabetes, weight loss surgery may be an option for you. A consultation with one of our Foothills Weight Loss Specialists bariatric surgeons will help determine your current health and whether you are eligible for bariatric surgery. Please do not hesitate to contact us at (865) 984-3413 to schedule an appointment or speak with one of our experienced staff members.
Be sure to check out our helpful resources and previous posts below to learn more weight loss surgery about the options we offer.
Diabetes, High Cholesterol and Sleep Apnea: How Bariatric Surgery May Help
Is Weight Loss Surgery Right for Me?
Obesity: A Biological Response to the Modern Environment
Foothills Weight Loss Specialists Weight Loss Surgery Options