Why is weight loss surgery the best diabetes treatment?

How Does Weight Loss Surgery Help With Diabetes?

For many people with type 2 diabetes, weight loss surgery can dramatically improve blood sugar control. Here’s how:

Significant Weight Loss

Most patients lose a large amount of weight after surgery, which can improve insulin sensitivity and help manage blood sugar levels.

Hormonal Changes

The surgery alters gut hormones, increasing hormones like GLP-1 that help with insulin production and improving how your body uses glucose.

Rapid Improvement

Patients often notice better blood sugar control soon after surgery, sometimes even before losing significant weight.

Diabetes Remission

Many individuals can achieve remission, meaning they no longer need diabetes medications after surgery.

How Does Weight Loss Surgery Work?

Weight loss surgery is typically recommended for individuals who are severely overweight and have not had success with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise. If you have type 2 diabetes and your weight is affecting your health, you may be a candidate. It’s essential to discuss your situation with a healthcare professional to determine the best option for you.

The surgery works by:

• Reducing stomach size: This limits food intake, making your stomach feel full more quickly.
• Changing how nutrients are absorbed: It decreases the number of calories your body can absorb.
• Altering gut hormones: This leads to better insulin sensitivity and more stable blood sugar levels.

Is Weight Loss Surgery a Permanent Cure for Diabetes?

While weight loss surgery can lead to significant improvements and even diabetes remission, it’s not always a permanent cure. Patients must maintain a healthy lifestyle after surgery. If weight is regained, diabetes symptoms may return, and medication might be needed again. However, many patients experience long-term success by making lifestyle changes.

How Quickly Can I Expect to See Blood Sugar Level Improvements?

Many patients notice improvements in their blood sugar levels soon after surgery. In fact, some see changes within days or weeks, even before losing a lot of weight. This can lead to a reduced need for diabetes medications shortly after the procedure.

Or you can read more about this topic in Dr. Eibes’ blog, “Can Weight Loss Surgery Reduce or Eliminate the Impact of Diabetes?”

For more information, watch the YouTube video below.