Serious Health Problems That Are Linked to Diabetes
Having diabetes predisposes you to other serious health complications. But modern weight loss surgery can put many of these health concerns in the rearview mirror.
Can Weight Loss Surgery Help Reverse Type 2 Diabetes?
Has excess weight plagued you for a long time? If so, you’ve likely tried diet after diet, but nothing has really worked. And if you have Type 2 diabetes, your overall well-being is at risk.
Being significantly overweight or obese is a major risk factor for Type 2 diabetes. Plus, you’re more at risk of other health complications, such as heart disease.
Make this month, National Diabetes Month, your incentive to change your life.
At Turnquest Surgical Solutions, our board-certified bariatric surgeons, Dexter Turnquest, MD, and Victoria C. Chang, MD, provide weight loss surgical solutions that work. Weight loss surgery has a dramatic positive impact on your overall health and on your diabetes.
The research on surgical weight loss and diabetes
Wouldn’t it be fantastic if your blood sugar levels could return to normal? Are you ready for some good news? Research shows that weight loss surgery may lead to remission in some people with Type 2 diabetes. That means the glucose levels revert to a nondiabetic range.
Not all patients are able to eliminate diabetes medication after surgery, but many do. At the least, you may be able to reduce the amount of medication you take.
One major study showed that six years after weight loss surgery, two-thirds of the Type 2 diabetes patients in the study no longer showed signs of the disease. Their cholesterol and blood pressure levels were better.
On the other hand, the control group didn’t choose surgery but instead took medicine. Less than 10% of that group showed comparable results.
How does bariatric surgery improve Type 2 diabetes?
The surgery helps you take off weight fairly rapidly. You reduce your food intake because your stomach is much smaller. You simply can’t absorb large amounts of food anymore.
As the weight comes off, your body mass index starts to decrease. The change lowers your insulin resistance and helps you control your blood sugar.
The surgery changes some of your body’s hormones that are associated with food consumption. We don’t have all the answers as to why, but the surgery lowers your body’s production of ghrelin, the hormone responsible for your appetite.
In addition, it stimulates other hormones, leading to better metabolism and helping to stabilize your blood sugar levels. Your body is able to transform more blood sugar into energy.
Type 2 diabetes doesn’t have to be a lifelong sentence. If you’re ready to make a major change to improve your health, call us at one of our two Houston, Texas, locations of Turnquest Surgical Solutions or book an appointment through our online portal today.
You Might Also Enjoy...
5 Benefits of Robotic Surgery
If you’re scheduled for surgery, you likely want to know as much about it as you can before the big day. If it’s robotic surgery, you may be wondering how it works. Read on to learn about its benefits.
Your Guide to Dietary Changes Before and After Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery isn’t something you should enter into lightly. It requires significant dietary changes. Knowing what the changes are helps you decide whether bariatric surgery is for you.
8 Questions to Ask Your General Surgeon Before Hernia Repair Surgery
When surgery is in your future, it’s natural to feel somewhat anxious. But being well informed about what’s going to happen can help you feel more at ease. Check out these eight questions to ask before hernia repair surgery.
What Does a Gallbladder Attack Feel Like?
Digestive problems are no fun. Excess gas, bloating, feeling nauseous, and/or pain in your midriff area can spoil your day. Could these be symptoms of a gallbladder attack?
Experiencing a Weight Loss Plateau? It May Be Time to Reset Your Gastric Sleeve
After an initial weight loss from gastric sleeve surgery, are you finding it hard to maintain your progress? Has the weight started creeping back up again? Find out how to reset your gastric sleeve.