Impact on Type II Diabetes of Weight-Loss Surgery
Although we have discussed this topic quite a bit, it deserves attention as it is a growing problem. Therefore, Statistics tell us that two-thirds of all Americans are overweight or obese today. Therefore, type II diabetes is affecting 15-20% of this population.
Past
In the past, medical treatment has centered on weight loss, diet control, and oral medication. However, as the disease progresses, over time, more oral medications are indicated, followed by insulin therapy. Ultimately, it is necessary to treat the complications of the other medical problems that develop. It is an insidious progressive disease that shortens the length and diminishes the quality of many people’s lives.
Bariatric Surgery
Most Importantly, In bariatric surgery over the last few decades we’ve noticed a higher ratio of remission of type II diabetes associated with the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in particular. Over the last several years the science has caught up with our observations. Furthermore, We now know that gastric bypass stimulates the production of substances in the blood, which leads to a reversal of insulin resistance and better use of the insulin produced in the body. This is huge!
Most Importantly, Several studies have now been done on patients with diabetes and obesity. Therefore, The remission rate for type II diabetes in this patient population is as high as 80%. Those patients who do not respond tend to be those with a long history of 8-10 years of diabetes or those who are already on insulin. We refer to it as a “remission” of diabetes as some patients down the road who experience weight regain will reactivate it and will need to restart medication therapy.
The take-home message is that if you are a type II diabetic with a body mass index (BMI) over 30, you should talk with your primary care physician, endocrinologist, or cardiologist about the potential of gastric bypass for remission of your type II diabetes. As always, you are welcome to call our office at 303-861-4505 with questions or visit us on Facebook.