Gastric Bypass Surgery, Gastric Sleeve Surgery, and Biliopancreatic Diversion Can Diminish Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

Obesity can lead to numerous health issues. Such comorbities can in some cases be resolved if the excess weight is lost.  Studies have shown that certain bariatric (weight loss) surgery procedures alter result in gut hormone changes which resolve type 2 diabetes.  Gastric bypass surgery, gastric sleeve surgery, and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch are three such procedures performed by Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding, NYU Langone Weight Management Program.

What is Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder that develops with obesity.  It is characterized by high blood sugar, insulin resistance, and generally lower levels of insulin in the bloodstream.

When you consume carbohydrates, they are broken down into sugars to be used by cells.  Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas that normally helps balance blood sugar so it isn’t too high (hyperglycemia) or low (hypoglycemia).  Insulin attaches to cells, signaling the absorption of sugars so they can be used for energy.  If more sugar is available in the blood than needed, the insulin instead helps store it in your liver.  

Blood sugar is high in diabetics because they either do not produce enough insulin or their cells do not respond to normal levels of insulin (insulin resistance).  With insulin resistance, high blood sugar prompt even more insulin production, so insulin levels are also elevated in the blood.

Symptoms of Diabetes

As diabetes develops, patients typically notice increased thirst and hunger, frequent urination, and unexplained weight loss.

Long-term complications of diabetes include stroke and heart disease. Lower limb ulcers can also develop, which may make amputation necessary.

Bariatric Surgery Procedures that Impact Diabetes

Gastric sleeve surgery, gastric bypass surgery, and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch have each been observed to be effective in resolving diabetes.  Each bariatric surgery procedure involves permanent modification to the stomach structure and also results in changes to nutrient absorption, though how exactly they alter gut hormones is yet unknown.

Contact Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding, NYU Langone Weight Management Program

Would you like more information on gastric bypass surgery, gastric sleeve surgery, biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch, or another bariatric surgery procedure?  To schedule a consultation, please contact Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding, NYU Langone Weight Management Program.