Bariatric Benefits: Can Weight Loss Surgery Reverse Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease that develops when your cells become less responsive to insulin, a hormone that regulates sugar levels in the blood. Because obesity plays a key role in the development of the disease, losing weight can help reverse Type 2 diabetes.

Sierra Pacific Surgical offers several types of bariatric surgery for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or higher who have or are at risk for Type 2 diabetes and other obesity-related conditions.

Our skilled surgeons use the latest minimally invasive surgical techniques to reduce the size of your stomach, so you consume fewer calories. We also provide comprehensive aftercare to ensure you heal fully and to track your weight loss results.

As November is National Diabetes Month, it’s a great time for our surgical team to shed a little light on the benefits of bariatric surgery for those living with Type 2 diabetes.

How weight influences your Type 2 diabetes risk

Excess body weight is a significant factor in the development of Type 2 diabetes. Excess fat, especially around the abdomen, releases acids and other inflammatory substances that interfere with the insulin hormone. This interference can lead to insulin resistance.

When the body becomes resistant to insulin, the pancreas starts working harder to compensate but still may not be able to produce enough insulin or use the insulin it makes properly to regulate blood sugar levels.

Another link between weight and Type 2 diabetes concerns body fat. Excess fat tissue releases hormones that can change your body’s metabolism and may lead to insulin resistance.

Losing just 5%-10% of excess body weight can improve blood sugar levels enough that you may not need medications to treat Type 2 diabetes. If weight loss is difficult because of morbid obesity, physical limitations, or other issues, bariatric surgery may be the solution you need to achieve better health.

3 benefits of bariatric surgery for those with Type 2 diabetes

Bariatric surgery, or weight loss surgery, can send Type 2 diabetes into remission, even before a significant drop in weight occurs.

Depending on your overall health and the type of bariatric procedure you have, weight loss surgery supports the reversal of Type 2 diabetes in several ways:

1. Effective weight reduction

Bariatric surgery can significantly improve blood sugar levels in obese individuals by supporting the safe and rapid loss of excess body fat.

The amount of weight you lose depends on several factors, but typically you can expect to lose 50% or more of excess body weight after surgery by following postsurgical guidelines.

2. Metabolic changes

Gastric bypass is a type of bariatric surgery that alters hormones in the digestive tract and gut to improve the body’s response to insulin.

Certain bariatric procedures also increase the production of GLP-1 and other hormones involved in metabolism.

3. Less hunger, fewer cravings

Bariatric surgery disrupts the production of hormones that trigger hunger sensations and food cravings. 

A reduction in these hormones makes it easier to stay on track with your weight loss results to protect against Type 2 diabetes and other obesity-related conditions.

If you’re considering bariatric surgery to improve your health and reverse Type 2 diabetes, call the Sierra Pacific Surgical office in Roseville, El Dorado Hills, or Sacramento, California,  today or book a consultation online.