Type 2 diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops in adults, and the exact cause is unknown. Obesity, which has been associated with insulin resistance, is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Bariatric surgery was first used to help patients with obesity lose weight. However, it was found that it improves a variety of chronic conditions, including type 2 diabetes. Curing diabetes is not a goal of bariatric surgery, but it is a favorable side effect.

What is diabetes?

According to the International Diabetes Federation in its 10th edition of its IDF Diabetes Atlas Diabetes is defined as: “Diabetes mellitus, more simply called diabetes, is a serious, long-term (or “chronic”) condition that occurs when raised levels of blood glucose to occur because the body cannot produce any or enough of the hormone insulin or cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. “

What factors contribute to type 2 diabetes?

Obesity is the primary cause, but it can also lead to other health problems such as cardiovascular disease, blindness, strokes, kidney failure, amputations, depression, impotence, cancer, and premature death, with a 12- 14 year reduction in life expectancy. The current treatment for type 2 diabetes includes weight loss, exercise, and dietary changes. According to the International Diabetes Federation, there are some factors that increase the risk of diabetes such as

• Family history of diabetes
• Overweight
• Unhealthy diet
• Physical inactivity
• Increasing age
• High blood pressure
• Ethnicity
• Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT)*
• History of gestational diabetes
• Poor nutrition during pregnancy

*Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) is a category of higher than normal blood glucose, but below the threshold for diagnosing diabetes.

How can bariatric surgery help control type 2 diabetes?

It can help in 2 ways

• Helps reduce BMI (Body Mass Index)
• Helps gut hormones that promote a healthy metabolism and blood sugar level stability.
• Help the body regulate hormones that influence in the reduction and in some cases elimination of diabetes.

Can surgery eliminate type 2 diabetes?

Surgery helps with weight loss which in response helps reduce the BMI and promote a healthy metabolism. The surgery creates hormonal changes which are generated even before weight loss; almost 80 percent of patients have eliminated the use of medication.

What types of bariatric surgeries can I get at VIDA Bariatrics?

• Gastric sleeve
• Gastric bypass

Who qualifies for surgery?

• BMI 40+
• BMI 35+ and have 2 or more medical conditions such as
  • Diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • Sleep apnea
  • Arthritis
• Skinny fat patients
• Women with 30 % body fat BMI

Surgery is not a cure-all for diabetes, but it can help control and, in some cases, eliminate diabetes and other weight-related chronic diseases. Surgery should be used in conjunction with treatment, physical activity, and a healthy diet to assist in achieving a happy weight and a happy life.

How do I schedule an appointment?

Dr. Rodriguez will go over the procedure in detail, including the benefits and drawbacks of gastric bypass and gastric sleeve surgery. Make an appointment with the VIDA Bariatrics team today!