Bariatric Surgery for Long-Term Blood Glucose Control and Type 2 Diabetes Remission
A recent study supported by the National Institutes of Health has revealed that bariatric surgery may offer better long-term blood glucose control for individuals with type 2 diabetes compared to medication and lifestyle interventions.
The study, named the Alliance of Randomized Trials of Medicine vs. Metabolic Surgery in Type 2 Diabetes (ARMMS-T2D), combined data from four independent single-center randomized trials in the United States. It aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of bariatric surgery in comparison to intensive lifestyle changes and medication therapy for adults with type 2 diabetes and overweight or obesity.
Participants who underwent bariatric surgery showed higher rates of diabetes remission up to 12 years post-surgery, with many no longer requiring diabetes medications. Results also demonstrated that individuals in the surgery group experienced an average 20% weight loss at seven years, while those in the medication/lifestyle group only saw an 8% weight loss.
Furthermore, the surgery group exhibited greater improvements in blood glucose control, with 54% of participants achieving an HbA1c level below 7%, compared to only 27% in the medication/lifestyle group. Interestingly, the study also noted beneficial effects of bariatric surgery on HbA1c and weight loss among participants with a lower BMI.
Dr. Griffin P. Rodgers, the Director of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), emphasized the importance of this study in advancing clinical knowledge and enhancing long-term health outcomes for individuals with obesity and type 2 diabetes. The findings suggest that bariatric surgery could be a promising option for individuals struggling with type 2 diabetes and overweight or obesity.
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