Medical Consensus: Bariatric Surgery Effective Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a growing epidemic – not only in the United States, but globally. This year will be one for the medical history books in regards to the improvement of this disease. Why? Because in 2015 two significant Type 2 diabetes conferences occurred with over 50 international medical experts and 30 international scientific organizations in attendance. The outcome was a worldwide consensus and new outlined guidelines on the role of surgery in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes.

Here are a few key points outlined in the new, proposed guidelines*:

• It will represent international recognition and agreement of the role of surgery in eliminating this disease.
• Better data has been accumulated with 11 randomized, controlled trials showing the dramatic improvement of this disease through surgical procedures as opposed to medication.
• There is a good chance these guidelines will influence the ADA’s 2017 “Standards” document, which would mean adoption of these new guidelines by insurance carriers both public and private would likely follow in 2017.
• Currently, 65% of patients with Type 2 diabetes have a BMI of 35 or less and are not eligible for surgery. The new guidelines would look to allow individuals with a BMI under 35, that are not responding well to medications, to be eligible for surgical treatment.

This is big news for current and prospective patients of Iowa Weight Loss Specialists. We have seen first-hand how the sleeve gastrectomy has improved the lives of our patients that have suffered from this disease.

To know that we would be able to help more people receive long-term, effective treatment through our surgical program is truly exciting and why we love doing what we do.

* Source: The Bariatric Times