Type 2 Diabetes is "CURED" in 24% of patients who have bariatric surgery.
These patients have maintained a Hb A1c below 6, a fasting glucose of less than 100 for more than 5 years while being off all diabetic medications. In short, These patients no longer have any evidence of diabetes!
This amazing news was reported in the Surgery News of the American College of Surgeons Surgery in July 2013 by Dr. Brethauer from the Cleveland Clinic. He reported on long term follow up of 217 patients who had had bariatric surgery after years of struggling with obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Another 26% of patients were greatly improved off diabetic medicines but dis not meet the more stringent requirements of the first group of patients.
A total of 56% of patients where not on any diabetic medications 6 years ofter their operation.
Which patients did best?
1). Patients who had a gastric bypass operation (instead of a gastric band or gastric sleeve).
2). Patients who had diabetes for less than 5 years prior to surgery.
3). Patients who lost most weight after surgery.
Dr, Brethauer's conclusion: "Bariatric surgery can a significant and sustainable remission of type 2 diabetes and other metabolic risk factors in obese patients and should be considered early in the course of the disease."
I wholeheartedly agree. If you are diagnosed with diabetes your next plan should be to get rid of it as soon as possible. If you are like 90% of diabetics and are at least 50 to 75 lbs overweight you meet criteria for surgery and can often 'cure' the disease before it gets worse! Decide you will not put up with it and contact your bariatric surgeon today. What are you waiting for?
If you are one of the very many people that have their diabetes resolved or improved after bariatric surgery please spread the word of your amazing result and to as many people as possible and help me change our country's understanding. Type 2 diabetes is not inevitable but preventable, treatable and often curable. Join me. We have our work cut out for us so let's get to it.
