Bariatric Surgery and Diabetes

In the United States, nearly 30 million adults have diabetes. Approximately 8 million of these individuals don't know they have diabetes and are living without treatment. Further, around one in three adults is considered pre-diabetic.

With 1.4 million new cases diagnosed each year, diabetes is on the rise in the U.S. and the obesity epidemic is largely to blame. For those living with diabetes, weight loss surgery from Virginia Bariatric Surgery Center can provide a way to minimize symptoms, providing a brighter, healthier future for patients. With the connection between bariatric surgery and diabetes, procedures like gastric bypass and gastric sleeve can alleviate or reverse the side effects of weight-related illness.

What Is Type Two Diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease that creates challenges with the production and absorption of insulin. Type two diabetes, sometimes called adult-onset diabetes, is a form of diabetes that generally occurs in adulthood and can be influenced by both genetics and lifestyle choices. The pancreas generally produces insulin in those with type two diabetes but this amount is either insufficient or the body is resistant to its use. Type two diabetes has no cure and is often progressive in those who do not properly control symptoms leading to challenges like:

  • Heart disease
  • Strokes
  • Neuropathy
  • Damage to the eyes and feet
  • Inadequate circulation
  • Skin infections
  • Loss of limbs.
Those who are obese are at particular risk for developing type two diabetes.
 

Will Bariatric Surgery Cure Diabetes?

While bariatric surgery is intended primarily to address obesity, weight loss surgery may have another significant benefit: the ability to treat diabetes.

Bariatric surgery leads to weight loss, which can reduce insulin resistance in the cells and increase insulin production in the pancreas. Further, bariatric surgery offers other advantages that are beneficial in the alleviation of diabetes, including:
 
  • Lowering blood sugar levels
  • Reduction in blood pressure
  • Improved heart health
  • Improvement of diabetes-related health challenges
  • Hormonal changes due to reduced food intake and weight loss
Bariatric surgery can alleviate symptoms in up to 90% of patients and may cause full relapse, allowing patients to cease medication use in treating diabetes.
 

Diabetes Management After Bariatric Surgery

After bariatric surgery, those with type two diabetes will often see a reduction in symptoms, including increased insulin production and a decrease in insulin-resistant cells. Following surgery, it is very important to adhere closely to the guidelines provided by your doctor, including diet restrictions and exercise suggestions. Failure to do so can result in relapse, putting patients at risk for continued complications from diabetes.

If you are considering bariatric surgery as a diabetes treatment, Virginia Bariatric Surgery is happy to help. Please contact us today to learn more about bariatric surgery and diabetes or register for one of our free bariatric surgery seminars!