Last Updated on July 20, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta
Losing weight is crucial for diabetic patients, especially type 2 diabetes, due to several reasons. Shedding excess body weight helps in improving insulin sensitivity, leading to better control of blood sugar levels. Lower blood sugar levels and reduced insulin resistance result from weight loss. As a result, it causes a reduction in the risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular complications associated with diabetes. In this article, we will discuss whether bariatric surgery can reverse diabetes.
Is it possible that bariatric surgery can reverse diabetes?
Maybe. Bariatric surgery is a type of weight loss procedure that can significantly improve, and in some cases, even reverse type 2 diabetes in certain individuals, especially with severe obesity. These procedures change the anatomy of the digestive system which helps in weight loss more effectively. Also, glycemic control is restored by a combination of enforced caloric restriction, enhanced insulin sensitivity, and increased insulin secretion.
There are various studies have shown that bariatric surgery can have a profound impact on diabetes, especially in obese individuals with type 2 diabetes. Some ways bariatric surgery can lead to diabetes improvement or remission are as follows:
- Rapid weight loss: Bariatric surgery promotes significant and sustained weight loss, improving insulin sensitivity and reducing insulin resistance. This causes the blood sugar levels to often decrease, and thus better control of diabetes.
- Changes in hormones: Bariatric surgery can lead to changes in gut hormones that regulate appetite, food intake and metabolism. These hormonal changes can positively affect blood sugar regulation and insulin secretion.
- Gut microbiota modification: This surgery can also change the gut microbiota composition, i.e., reestablishing a healthier microbiota which may influence glucose metabolism and improve insulin sensitivity.
Can bariatric surgery reverse diabetes in all cases?
No, bariatric surgery cannot reverse diabetes in all cases. Bariatric surgery is generally considered as a treatment option for individuals with severe obesity and poorly controlled type 2 diabetes. Doctors recommend it especially when other methods of weight loss and diabetes management have been unsuccessful. The success rate of bariatric surgery for reversing diabetes depends on a number of factors, including the patient’s age, BMI, and the type of surgery performed. In general, the younger the patient and the higher the BMI, the more likely the surgery is to be successful.
Even in patients who do experience remission of their diabetes after bariatric surgery, it is important to note that diabetes can relapse. This is why it is pivotal for patients to continue to make lifestyle changes. These changes include eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly, etc. even after their surgery.
If you are considering bariatric surgery, you must consult a qualified healthcare professional who can assess your specific situation and discuss the potential risks and benefits of the procedure. Also, remember that bariatric surgery is not a cure for diabetes.
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