Could Bariatric Surgery Cure Diabetes?

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Over the last few weeks, "bariatric surgery as a cure for Type 2 diabetes" has been a hot topic in the media. Two recent studies that were highlighted in a New England Journal of Medicine editorial called “Surgery or Medical Therapy for Obese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes?” have provided information that millions of obese individuals in the United States can’t look past – Bariatric surgery may be a more effective treatment than standardized medicine, in curing diabetes!

In many cases, morbidly obese patients often suffer from other medical conditions, including diabetes, that complicate their lifestyle and medical treatment. Both studies though examined obese patients with diabetes; the U.S. study specifically examined patients that have either undergone Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or a sleeve gastrectomy against a group of patients that have had traditional medical treatments for obesity and diabetes. Results indicated that the bariatric surgery patients experienced improved blood sugar control and greater weight loss than those being treated medically. After a year, 78% of those patients who had gastric bypass and 51% of those who had sleeve gastrectomy were off all diabetes medications.

The dramatic study results are certainly impressive, and appear to be a viable option for obese patients with diabetes, possibly curing or greatly improving their diabetes. However the long term successes of the patients who were part of the study have yet to be fully determined.

photo courtesy of Flickr user DeathByBokeh