Type 2 diabetes is one of the most serious and concerning obesity-related diseases. While some people are genetically predisposed to diabetes, type 2 diabetes is frequently linked to preventable causes, like obesity. The condition often leads to a significant reduction in quality of life and can severely reduce life expectancy.

However, there is good news. Through countless studies, doctors have found that losing weight, including weight loss as a result of bariatric surgery, can improve type 2 diabetes, and many times, cure it. 

How Type 2 Diabetes & Obesity Are Related

Diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death in the US, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, reducing life expectancy by 12 to 14 years. Diabetes is also the number one cause of kidney failure, lower-limb amputations, and adult blindness. This is why it’s so important to seek treatment for complete remission or improvement as soon as possible.

Obesity is an important factor in developing diabetes, and those who are severely obese are 10 times more likely to develop the disease. Foods that are high in fats and carbohydrates increase fatty acids in the blood and lipid (fat) build-up in the liver and muscles. This increases insulin resistance and inflammation. Over time, the pancreas stops making enough insulin.

Diabetes occurs when blood sugar (blood glucose) levels are too high. Blood sugar is the primary source of energy for your cells, and it’s able to enter into cells because of the hormone insulin, which is made by the pancreas.

If your body does not make insulin or make enough insulin, glucose cannot get to your cells. This means it stays in the blood. When this situation is ongoing, it can cause certain health problems. Complications of diabetes can be very serious, possibly affecting the eyes, kidneys, and nerves.

Weight Loss Surgery to Cure Type 2 Diabetes

With excess body fat being one of the main contributors to type 2 diabetes, weight loss surgery is recognized as the most effective treatment among affected individuals with a BMI of 35 or more.

Many weight loss surgery patients lose 50 to 80% of their excess weight during the 18 to 24 month period after surgery, depending on the specific surgery. But the effects on blood sugar are immediate (within days) after surgery. Patients are often able to reduce the dosage of diabetes medications soon after surgery as well.

Gastric bypass surgery is particularly effective for controlling or curing diabetes. According to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS):

• 95% of patients see an improvement in type 2 diabetes after gastric bypass surgery
• 80% of patients with type 2 diabetes experience remission after gastric bypass surgery

Resolution of the disease is most common among those who experience more weight loss after surgery. The benefits extend to high blood pressure and high cholesterol as well. These factors, which increase the risk of strokes and heart attacks, are also improved and/or resolved after surgery.

Contact Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery If You Are Obese & Have Type 2 Diabetes

Through weight loss surgery, and especially with gastric bypass, our patients can dramatically increase their chances of achieving normal blood sugar levels and often eliminate the need for diabetes medications. This alone has the ability to help significantly improve overall health and improve quality of life. Contact us to get started on your weight loss right away.

Learn more about weight loss options at Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery.

The caring group of professionals at Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery will help you get started on your weight loss journey and stay with you every step along the way. Dr. Long and his team specialize in all types of bariatric surgery, including gastric sleeve surgery, gastric bypass, and the LAP-BAND. Visit us today at http://www.bmisurgery.com/ or give us a call to set up a consultation at 205-833-6907.