TL;DR:
- Bariatric surgery can reverse type 2 diabetes, leading to a “remission” of the condition, with blood sugar levels often reduced within days post-surgery.
- The surgery reduces the body’s food needs, alters key hormones, and triggers stronger hormone responses, aiding insulin creation and reducing hunger.
- Normal blood sugar can return in under a week post-surgery, and many stop diabetic medications within three months.
- Roux-en-Y gastric bypass offers the highest chance of remission, but sleeve gastrectomy is also effective.
- About 80% of patients can stop medication within a year of bariatric surgery, the best results seen with recent onset, non-insulin dependent diabetes.
- While weight loss alone might not normalize blood sugar, bariatric surgery addresses the root issue and can maintain results long-term.
- Even with regaining weight, hormone changes can aid glucose control and overall health outcomes are better post-surgery.
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Could bariatric surgery be the key to reversing type 2 diabetes? At Nevada Surgical, under the guidance of Dr. Kent Sasse, we’re diving into how this procedure can change lives. Imagine controlling diabetes not with daily medications but through a transformative surgery. This isn’t just weight loss; it’s about a potentially life-altering improvement in health. Join me as we explore the facts, mechanisms, and questions surrounding this groundbreaking approach to tackling type 2 diabetes.
Can Bariatric Surgery Cure Type 2 Diabetes?
Yes, bariatric surgery can reverse type 2 diabetes in many people, leading to remission. Post-surgery, blood sugar levels often drop quickly, sometimes within days, offering new hope.
How Does Bariatric Surgery Help Type 2 Diabetes?
After surgery, your body needs less food. You eat less, absorb less, and feel full sooner. This change reduces blood sugar, even before you lose much weight. The surgery alters hormones, especially GLP-1, which boosts insulin release. Other hormones like GIP, PYY, and ghrelin adjust, improving insulin function and reducing hunger.
When Does Diabetes Go Away After Surgery?
For some, normal blood sugar returns in under a week, even before significant weight loss. Most changes occur early, and within three months, many stop diabetes medications, experiencing improved mobility and health.
Is This a Cure or Just a Break?
We don’t call it a “cure” because diabetes can return if weight is regained or diet is poor. It’s better termed as “remission.” A1C should be below 6.5% without medications. Over 80% of those with type 2 diabetes achieve this after surgery. Remission can last over 10 years.
What Is the Best Type of Surgery for Type 2 Diabetes?
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass offers the highest chance of remission, altering the gut and hormones extensively. Up to 85% of patients achieve remission. Sleeve gastrectomy is also effective, though slightly less, with about 60% in remission.
What Happens Inside the Body?
After surgery, the small intestine digests food faster and triggers stronger hormone reactions, aiding insulin creation. Liver fat decreases, improving insulin effectiveness. Overall inflammation reduces, further lowering glucose levels.
What Are the Numbers?
Studies show 80% of people with type 2 diabetes stop medication within a year of bariatric surgery. Those with recent diabetes and non-insulin dependence see the best results.
Why Not Just Use Pills?
Pills help manage symptoms but don’t heal the gut or change hormones like surgery. Many diabetes drugs have side effects. Bariatric surgery addresses the root issue, resetting how the body handles sugar.
Does Weight Loss Alone Fix Type 2 Diabetes?
Weight loss helps but often doesn’t bring blood sugar to normal without surgery. Diet alone doesn’t change gut hormone levels, whereas surgery maintains weight loss and enhances bodily functions.
Is This Right for Everyone?
While not all with diabetes need surgery, many could benefit. A BMI over 35 with diabetes medication usage qualifies one for surgery. Consulting with a doctor and surgeon can help determine suitability.
What If I’ve Had Diabetes for 20 Years?
Even long-term diabetes can improve. While full remission might not occur, blood sugar can decrease, meds can be reduced, and insulin responsiveness can improve.
How Long Do the Results Last?
Studies show long-term remission post-surgery, with lasting positive outcomes despite some weight regain. Following lifestyle plans maximizes remission chances.
What If I Regain Weight?
Regaining weight can raise sugar levels again, but hormone shifts still aid glucose control. Some may need further medication or surgery, but outcomes remain better post-surgery.
What If I Never Had Surgery?
If managing diabetes with medication proves difficult, consider surgery as it surpasses any drug in helping get off meds. Surgery provides significant freedom and better health outcomes.
Final Thoughts
Bariatric surgery offers an effective solution for reversing type 2 diabetes. It changes how the body processes sugar and operates, leading to extended periods of remission. Unlike medications, surgery addresses the core problem, offering a reset to patients with challenging diabetes.
##Conclusion
Bariatric surgery offers hope for reversing type 2 diabetes. It improves blood sugar control with hormonal changes and reduces calorie absorption. Procedures like gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy are most effective, offering high remission rates. Weight loss without surgery can help too but isn’t as reliable. Consider the risks, like short-term surgical dangers and possible long-term nutrient deficiencies. While bariatric surgery is best for type 2 diabetes, it’s not a cure-all for type 1. Weighing the benefits and risks can guide informed decisions. Let’s address your questions and concerns, focusing on your well-being.