Weight loss surgery can reverse diabetes

Overweight, diabetic patients who had bariatric surgery achieved significant improvement or remission of their diabetes, according to new research. Some weight loss surgery patients achieved normal blood sugar levels without use of any diabetes medications and the need for insulin to control blood sugar was eliminated in others. "After one year, patients who underwent gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy lost more weight and were significantly more successful at controlling their diabetes, compared to those who simply took medications," said lead investigator Philip Schauer, M.D., Director of the Cleveland Clinic Bariatric and Metabolic Institute. "We believe that bariatric surgery represents a potentially valuable strategy for control of diabetes that should be considered in more patients who do not respond to conventional treatment."