Obesity related health issues are among the most significant contributing factors to weight loss surgery. In fact, many doctors require either a BMI of at least 40 or a BMI of 35 in conjunction with a weight-related medical condition to qualify patients for surgery. As such, diabetes and bariatric surgery often go hand in hand.
Diabetic patients make up a sizable proportion of weight loss surgery candidates, and rightfully so: obesity is directly linked to the onset of type 2 diabetes. If you are looking for a way to diminish the dangerous side effects of your illness, weight loss surgery may be an effective treatment.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes, also known as adult-onset or noninsulin-dependent diabetes, is a serious disease that affects how the body processes blood sugar. Individuals are either unable to properly produce insulin or are resistant to its effects. Type 2 diabetes makes it extremely hard to control glucose levels, leading to serious side effects when not kept under control.
Type 2 diabetes has many complications that can be potentially life-threatening, including:
- Heart disease and blood vessel problems
- Nerve damage
- Kidney damage
- Poor circulation, especially to the hands and feet
- Hearing impairment
- Dementia and memory problems
Weight and Diabetes
Unlike type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease that is most commonly diagnosed in childhood and believed to be at least partially genetic, type 2 diabetes tends to have a later onset. Type 2 diabetes may have some genetic components, but doctors believe that causes are more likely to be environmentally-driven.
While individuals of all ages and weights fall victim to type 2 diabetes, it is more common in those who are obese. The more fatty tissue that is present within the body, the more likely cells are to be resistant to insulin. Other factors contributing to type 2 diabetes include excess body weight in the abdominal area as well as prolonged inactivity. Some doctors believe weight is the root cause of 90% of type 2 diabetes cases, putting patients who are overweight or obese at serious risk.
Losing Weight and Diabetes Treatment
For those who are overweight and suffering from type 2 diabetes, it can be very hard to get symptoms under control. When conventional medications and dietary changes are not effective, weight loss surgery can make a difference.
Individuals with a diabetes diagnosis related to weight gain and inactivity are likely to see great improvement with rapid weight loss. In fact, a recent study indicates that the dramatic loss after bariatric surgery can put diabetes into remission for as long as 15 years. For patients who qualify, weight loss procedures have proven effective for reducing or eliminating the dangerous side effects that come with type 2 diabetes.
A diagnosis of type 2 diabetes can be very hard to handle, but Destination Weight Loss is here to help with your diabetes and bariatric surgery needs. Our team can guide you to a solution that’s right for you, including a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, or adjustable gastric band procedure. Contact us to explore what our surgical team can do to support your health and well-being!
