Researchers publishing in the New England Journal of Medicine reported new research looking at bariatric surgery (weight loss surgery and diabetes).
The study, conducted at the Cleveland Clinic, found that patients with diabetes who underwent surgery for their obesity were over three times more likely to be able to gain control over their diabetes.
In fact, the results were so positive; it showed that after 3 months, the hemoglobin A1c test (a test that shows your average blood sugar control over a six to 12 week period) was less than 6%- this is virtually in the normal range of 4%-5.6%
What’s so unique and exciting about this study is that we’ve known bariatric surgery can help diabetics, but this study suggests that for a lot of obese patients it might actually cure their diabetes because of the significant amount of weight loss.
The other amazing thing here is that these kinds of results are greater then what we’ve seen with medications (and frankly most diets long-term). So, if you’re currently obese and a diabetic, think about bariatric surgery and have a serious conversation with your doctor to see if this is a good option for you.