Diabetes is a chronic condition that can make an individual cripple. While medications, lifestyle changes, and dietary modifications are the standard treatments for diabetes management, there is growing evidence that metabolic surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, can play an important role in diabetes control, particularly in cases of severe obesity.
“Bariatric surgery improves general health and consequently lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease. It also reduces the risk of stroke, hypertension, myocardial infarction, and other causes of death”, Dr Sukhvinder Singh Saggu (GI, Minimal Access & Bariatric Surgery, CK Birla Hospital, Delhi.
What Is Metabolic Surgery
Metabolic surgery encompasses various surgical procedures that aim to facilitate weight loss and improve metabolic health. The most common types of metabolic surgery include gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and adjustable gastric banding (also known as laparoscopic banding).
These procedures are primarily performed to treat obesity, but their impact on diabetes control has garnered significant attention.
How Metabolic Surgery Affects Diabetes
Rapid Weight Loss
One of the primary mechanisms by which metabolic surgery impacts diabetes is through rapid and substantial weight loss. Shedding excess weight reduces insulin resistance, a key driver of type 2 diabetes. Many individuals experience dramatic improvements in blood sugar control shortly after surgery.
Also read: World’s heaviest woman landed Mumbai,need to lose another 100 kg before bariatric surgery
Hormonal Changes
Metabolic surgery can alter the levels of certain gut hormones, such as GLP-1 and PYY, which regulate appetite and blood sugar. These hormonal changes can lead to better glucose management and reduced hunger, supporting long-term diabetes control.
Remission and Improvement
According to the Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism, metabolic surgery can lead to diabetes remission, particularly in individuals with a shorter duration of the disease and milder cases. For those with more advanced diabetes, surgery often results in significant improvements in blood sugar levels and a reduced need for diabetes medications.
Also read: Opting For Bariatric Surgery? Know How Online Support Group Meetings Can Help
Benefits of Metabolic Surgery for Diabetes Control
- a. Long-term Outcomes: Research indicates that metabolic surgery can lead to sustained improvements in diabetes control, often lasting for several years post-surgery.
- b. Reduced Medication Dependency: Many patients who undergo metabolic surgery can reduce or even eliminate their reliance on diabetes medications, improving their overall quality of life.
- c. Lower Risk of Complications: Better blood sugar control helps reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications, such as heart disease, kidney problems, and neuropathy.
- d. Enhanced Quality of Life: Beyond diabetes management, metabolic surgery often leads to improved physical and emotional well-being, including increased mobility and self-esteem.
Risk And Considerations
While metabolic surgery offers promising benefits for diabetes control, it is not without risks. Surgery carries inherent dangers, including infection, bleeding, and complications related to anesthesia. Also, patients must commit to significant lifestyle changes, including dietary modifications and regular exercise, to achieve long-term success.
Metabolic surgery has emerged as an important technique in the fight against diabetes, especially for those who are severely obese. It has the potential to cause diabetic remission, significant improvements in blood sugar control, and a lower risk of complications.
However, it is critical to approach this option with caution, checking with medical professionals to establish if it is the best option for your particular case. Finally, metabolic surgery has the potential to be a life-changing solution for people suffering from diabetes and obesity.
