Decades of research have shown bariatric surgery to be a successful treatment for obesity. Not only does it lead to substantial weight loss, it has a profound effect on a number of obesity-related health risks—and type 2 diabetes is a standout. Here’s how bariatric surgery affects type 2 diabetes.
Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes
First, let’s address the reality we’re facing. The prevalence of obesity and its associated complications, including Type 2 diabetes, has reached epidemic proportions globally. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2016, over 1.9 billion adults were overweight, with more than 650 million classified as obese. This worrying trend has spurred interest in innovative therapeutic approaches, with decades of studies now pointing to bariatric surgery as a promising solution.
Here’s what research shows abut the effects of bariatric surgery:
- Weight loss and glycemic control: Numerous studies have consistently demonstrated the effectiveness of bariatric surgery in inducing significant and sustained weight loss. A meta-analysis published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) in 2014, pooling data from multiple randomized controlled trials, reported an average excess weight loss of 62.9% after bariatric surgery. This weight loss has been directly linked to improved glycemic control.
- Remission rates: One of the most compelling aspects of bariatric surgery is its impact on Type 2 diabetes remission. The STAMPEDE (Surgical Therapy and Medications Potentially Eradicate Diabetes Efficiently) trial, published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2012, demonstrated that 42% of individuals who underwent bariatric surgery achieved complete remission of diabetes, compared to only 12% in the intensive medical therapy group. Similar findings have been consistently reported in subsequent studies.
- Insulin sensitivity and beta-cell function: Bariatric surgery has been shown to enhance insulin sensitivity and restore beta-cell function, crucial elements in the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes. A systematic review and meta-analysis published in Diabetes Care in 2016 underscored the positive impact of surgery on insulin sensitivity and beta-cell function, providing mechanistic insights into the observed improvements in glycemic control.
- Long-term follow-up: Importantly, the benefits of bariatric surgery on type 2 diabetes are not transient. Long-term follow-up studies, such as the Swedish Obese Subjects (SOS) study, have revealed sustained improvements in glycemic control and reduced cardiovascular risk over decades. These findings dispel concerns about the durability of the metabolic effects of surgery, reinforcing its role as a viable and enduring intervention for type 2 diabetes.
The Bottom Line
The proof is in the numbers. Data consistently shows the efficacy of bariatric surgery as a transformative intervention for individuals with type 2 diabetes. If you’re living with obesity and type 2 diabetes, you owe it to yourself to learn more about whether you might be a candidate for bariatric surgery. Contact the team at Nevada Surgical today to get started. We’re happy to help.
