Bariatric Surgery Can Improve Diabetes
According to the most recent statistics provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 38 million Americans have diabetes. That number is only expected to grow as rates of obesity climb. While many patients are primarily motivated to undergo bariatric surgery in order to lose weight, the treatment can provide many other benefits, including effective diabetes management. The relationship between bariatric surgery and diabetes is significant. In fact, one study reported that nearly 80 percent of patients achieved normal blood glucose levels and were able to completely discontinue the use of diabetes medications. Choosing to undergo your bariatric procedure in Tijuana, Mexico, allows you to affordably improve your health. Doctors within the Tijuana Bariatric Preferred Provider Network can help patients change their lives by gaining control over diabetes and other conditions.
Understanding Diabetes
Diabetes causes blood glucose levels to rise to an abnormal level. Type 2 diabetes, the most common form of the condition, is characterized by insulin resistance. This means the body is unable to naturally produce enough insulin to maintain normal blood glucose levels. This can lead to a range of side effects, from minor discomfort to serious risk of complications, including:
- Blurred vision
- Fatigue
- Increased appetite and thirst
- Numbness in the extremities
- Cardiovascular disease
- Kidney damage
While bariatric surgery can be an important tool, it is also important to identify the lifestyle habits which are contributing to your condition. This approach can help you to effectively regain control of your health.
Diabetes and Obesity
While there are a variety of factors that can contribute to the development of diabetes, obesity is a proven component. In fact, research shows that obese patients may be almost 80 times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.
The Importance of Weight Loss
It is often recommended that patients with type 2 diabetes lose weight. This is because weight loss can reduce insulin resistance. The more productively your body can utilize insulin, the less reliance you should have on medication.
Bariatric Surgery to Manage Diabetes
Bariatric surgeries such as gastric bypass, gastric sleeve surgery, and LAP-BAND® have become popular solutions for patients who need to achieve significant weight loss. Depending on the type of procedure, you may lose as much as 60 to 70 percent of your body weight over several months.
One study reports that nearly 80 percent of bariatric surgery patients achieved normal blood glucose levels and were able to completely discontinue the use of diabetes medications.
For patients with type 2 diabetes, these procedures offer an additional benefit, which is the restoration of normal or reduced glucose levels. According to the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, these procedures can improve type 2 diabetes for nearly 90 percent of patients. Additionally, bariatric surgery has been proven to help 78 percent of patients achieve a complete remission.
Achieve a Healthier Lifestyle
Bariatric surgery can help the right patients lose weight, improve diabetes and other conditions, and significantly improve their overall quality of life. Our Tijuana, Mexico, bariatric surgery office coordinates care with trusted bariatric surgeons who offer a variety of weight loss procedures. To learn more about the positive effects of bariatric surgery, contact Tijuana Bariatrics to schedule a consultation today.
