This is not a trick question
Typically, you see weight loss surgery recommended only for people who are at a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or above, which is technically classified as morbidly obese. (You can easily calculate your BMI.) This is generally a good guideline to follow. However, new research is showing that weight loss surgery may be more effective in treating Type 2 Diabetes than medication, even in patients who were classified as merely mildly obese.
For this study, doctors at Taiwan's Min-Sheng General Hospital analyzed data from 2007 on in order to compare the efficacy of weight loss surgery to medication in treating Type 2 Diabetes in mildly obese patients. The study found that, on average, patients who underwent weight loss surgery saw their BMI drop from 31 to 24.5. Comparatively, patients using traditional medication to treat their diabetes saw their BMI stay the same, around 29.
Further, among patients who underwent surgery, 36% saw their diabetes resolve completely, while 28% saw their diabetes resolve partially. Startlingly, in the medication group only 1% had complete resolution of their diabetes while 2% had partial resolution.
The decision to undergo weight loss surgery in order to help treat diabetes is a complicated one that should be made alongside a trusted medical team like the one you will find at Houston Surgical Group. Contact us today to discuss your diabetes treatment options.