Bariatric or weight loss surgery has become the preferred weight loss option for those who are obese. Some studies have found out that the procedure doesn’t just address obesity; it can also benefit those with coexisting morbidities such as diabetes.
About Diabetes
The latest report from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that over 29 million Americans have diabetes and about 1 in 4 doesn’t know about it.
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how the body utilizes the energy found in food. In type 1 diabetes, the body doesn’t make insulin as a result of damage to the pancreas. Insulin is the hormone that transports the glucose from the bloodstream into the cells, to be used for energy.
Type 2 diabetes, which is the most common form of diabetes, results from the body’s inability to use the insulin efficiently. This can be brought about by several factors including obesity.
How Bariatric Surgery Can Improve Type 2 Diabetes
Losing weight, even if it’s just 5 or 7% of your weight, is associated with lower blood sugar, less insulin resistance, low blood pressure, low blood cholesterol, and reduction in the overall risk for diabetes-related complications. Hence, people who are obese and with type 2 diabetes are recommended for dietary changes and an increase in physical activity. Unfortunately, this traditional route for losing weight doesn’t work well for everyone.
Bariatric surgery is recommended for those who can’t lose weight through the traditional means. In this procedure, weight loss is achieved by reducing the size of the stomach, removing a portion of the stomach, or re-routing the small intestine to a small stomach pouch.
If you have type 2 diabetes and struggling to lose weight through diet and exercise alone, bariatric surgery may be the solution that you’re looking for.
Foothills Weight Loss Specialists patients have seen significant improvement in their condition after undergoing bariatric surgery. To find out if you’re a good candidate for the procedure, contact us online or call 865-984-3413 today.