Community Health Network Bariatric Services

There has been a lot of research to uncover the links between obesity and diabetes. It’s now clear that obese people are at an increased risk for developing Type 2 diabetes. In fact, more than 80 percent of people with Type 2 diabetes are obese or overweight¹.

A new large-scale study out of Sweden reports that bariatric surgery patients were less likely to develop Type 2 diabetes than obese individuals who tried non-surgical weight loss methods.  Results were published last week in the New England Journal of Medicine. The study focused on the prevention of diabetes in highly obese patients, rather than reversal of existing diabetes from obesity surgery, as found in two studies earlier this year.

Researched tracked thousands of participants over the course of up to 15 years; none had diabetes when the study began. Approximately half the group underwent weight loss surgery – mostly adjustable bands and stomach stapling, while the other half received normal healthcare and counseling on weight loss.

Results showed that participants who had weight loss surgery were 78% less likely to develop diabetes, leading researchers to conclude that bariatric surgery is an effective tool for preventing Type 2 diabetes in obese people, not just reversing it.

Although the results are promising, there are cautions. Bariatric surgery does have risks, is expensive, and may not be a practical option for weight loss for the millions of obese adults today.

Would you have bariatric surgery to try to prevent Type 2 diabetes if you were at risk?

Posted in: Adjustable Gastric Lap Band, After Bariatric Surgery, Bariatric Health and Wellness, Bariatric Medical News, Bariatric Surgery Procedures, Bariatric Weight Loss, Before Bariatric Surgery, Morbid Obesity, Stomach Stapling, Weight Loss Surgeries | Tags: American obesity rates, diabetes, diabetes prevention, obesity, research, study, Type 2 diabetes