Weight loss surgery and diabetes

Weight loss surgery and diabetes

The medical blogsphere has been very excited about a recent study that shows that gastric bypass surgery to dramatically reduce weight was not only able to help treat diabetes but in a great number of cases, diabetes is considered “cured”.

Obesity and diabetes are often found hand in hand. Unfortunately, many of the medicines used to treat diabetes can cause weight gain which can make diabetes worse and the cycle continues.

Three groups were studied. One group was conventional medical treatment for diabetes — exercise, diet and medications.

The other two groups studied were two different forms of weight loss surgery. Both operations are dramatic as they both bypass significant sections of the gut which leads to less opportunity for food to be eaten and absorbed.

Two years into the study, those on conventional medical treatments were still diabetic. Those who had the operations had greatly reduced blood sugar levels, and were considered no longer diabetic.

While gastric bypass surgery might be hailed as a miracle cure here, it’s important to note that it’s a very dramatic surgery that significantly changes the way the digestive tract works.

“Because bariatric surgery limits food intake so dramatically and also diminishes the absorption of nutrients, there is a great risk of malnutrition,” nutritionist Timi Gustafson has noted on his blog.

Absorption of different elements of food happens at different stages of the gut. If a large portion of the gut is removed or bypassed, there is a significant risk of deficiencies that can lead to other complications such as osteoporosis and even malnutrition.

While this study is very promising, showing both weight loss and improvement in diabetes, other options are available.

One option is gastric banding. This procedure does not remove any of the digestive tract and can be reversed if needed. No part of the digestive tract is bypassed, allowing all vitamins and minerals to be absorbed.

The band reduces the ability to overeat by making the functional portion of the stomach about the size of an egg.

Looking at the journals it is clear that it too is also a useful tool to help reduce diabetes. An Australian study has demonstrated that two years after gastric banding, 90 percent of diabetic patients had significantly improved blood sugars, with 64 percent essentially cured.

All weight loss surgeries are expensive. However, with medical insurance, the out-of-pocket cost can come down to as low as $3000. When weighed against medical expenses, the “return of investment” is often seen in as little as three years after surgery.

If you have struggled with weight loss, this surgery may be an option. Talk with your doctor about all your options.

INFO: Read more at http://thehealthybear.com

By DR GEORGE FORGAN-SMITH

You May Also Like

Comments are closed.