- Researchers report that bariatric weight-loss surgery provides more long-term benefits for managing type 2 diabetes than lifestyle changes.
- They said that bariatric surgery also improves cholesterol and triglyceride levels more effectively than medical or lifestyle modifications.
- Currently, people with body mass index readings of under 35 do not qualify for the surgery under most health insurance company guidelines.
Bariatric surgery provides more benefits than lifestyle changes in managing type 2 diabetes, according to a
As part of the research, participants with type 2 diabetes and obesity enrolled in one of four randomized clinical trials completed between May 2007 and August 2013.
The participants underwent bariatric surgery or completed a medical and lifestyle program based on established interventions known to reduce diabetes risk.
Interventions included physical activity, nutrition tracking, enhanced engagement with a healthcare team, stress management, support groups, and medication. The trials occurred before the availability of GLP-1 receptor agonist medications such as Ozempic for diabetes management and weight loss.
The researchers followed most of the participants for 12 years.
The researchers reported that bariatric surgery improved cholesterol and triglyceride levels more effectively than medical or lifestyle modifications. High cholesterol levels are a risk factor for heart disease.
Participants who had the surgery also consistently had lower HbA1c levels, indicating better blood sugar control, at every follow-up point, despite starting the study with higher baseline levels.
The findings also included:
- At the seven-year follow-up, 18% of participants achieved diabetes remission, compared to 6% in the medical and lifestyle groups.
- At the 12-year follow-up, participants who had surgery achieved an average of 19% weight loss, compared to slightly less…
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