Bariatric surgery have been performed on obese patients and highly decreased the risk  of them developing type 2 diabetes. Could weight loss surgery be a cure for type 2 diabetes?

According to the Pharmaceutical Journal, 11.5 million people in the UK are at high risk of type 2 diabetes. With nearly 40% of under 25s having weight loss surgery being classed as the new category super-obese, the people on the cusp of developing diabetes is surely increasing.

There are two types of bariatric (weight loss) surgery commonly used.

Gastric Band

A band is used to reduce the size of the stomach, this makes the patient feel fuller more quickly, meaning they eat less.

Gastric Bypass

The digestive system is redirected past most of the stomach. Less food is digested again making the patient feel full.

Research

Research published in Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology suggest that drastic surgery on obese patients could cut the risk of diabetes by 80%. According to the study which followed over 4,000 obese people, 2,167 who had bariatric surgery and 2,167 who continued as normal.

There were 38 cases of diabetes after surgery and 177 cases in those who who did not get the surgery. This is a reduction of nearly 80%, though not a cure, the surgery has proven to reduce the chance of developing type 2 diabetes greatly.

Who will Receive the Treatment?

Gastric bands and bypasses could be a highly effective method of preventing type 2 diabetes. Around 8,000 people a year are currently receiving the treatment, it is a possible option for patients with a BMI of 35 or higher with additional health conditions.

New guidelines may mean that much thinner people should also be considered for the treatment, while people over 35 on the BMI scale should automatically receive treatment. If that is the case, Diabetes UK believes that 460,000 people will meet the criteria for surgery.

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