How Bariatric Surgery Affects Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes & Weight Loss Surgery

Out of the 34 million Americans living with diabetes, about 90-95% have type 2 diabetes. This form of diabetes develops over time and predominantly affects people who are overweight and lead inactive lifestyles.

However, for many people living with type 2 diabetes, bariatric surgery can help to effectively manage and even reverse this chronic health condition. In light of National Diabetes Month, the health experts at Antelope Valley Medical Center are here to share some additional insight on how this weight loss procedure can help to improve this form of diabetes.

What is Type 2 Diabetes?

Diabetes is a term used to refer to a group of chronic health conditions that affect the body’s ability to turn food into energy due to its inability to make or properly use insulin. With type 2 diabetes, your body is able to produce insulin, however, it is not being used efficiently enough to manage the body’s blood sugar levels.

When there’s too much sugar in your blood for prolonged periods of time, it can increase your risk of developing:

• Heart disease
• Vision loss
• Kidney damage

How Bariatric Surgery Can Improve Type 2 Diabetes

Fortunately, type 2 diabetes can be effectively managed and even reversed by making healthy lifestyle choices. This would predominantly involve leading a more active lifestyle and eating a balanced diet, ultimately helping the affected person lose and maintain a healthy body weight.

However, for many people who are obese or morbidly obese, it can be difficult to lose a significant amount of weight on their own. After trying a variety of different lifestyle choices, bariatric surgery may be a viable treatment option to address weight-related health issues like type 2 diabetes.

Research has shown that bariatric surgery has a significant impact on both insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity, ultimately improving your body’s ability to regulate your blood sugar levels. Not only can this help to prevent the progression of diabetes and minimize symptoms, but it can also completely reverse this diabetic condition.

Specialty Care in Lancaster, CA

As the only full-service, acute-care hospital in Antelope Valley, Antelope Valley Medical Center is proud to deliver exceptional medical care to the community we serve. Our knowledgeable staff is dedicated to providing our patients with heartfelt, compassionate care and medical excellence.