Overcome diabetes and other conditions for good with weight loss surgery

How does Weight Loss surgery cure type 2 diabetes?

Weight loss surgery, particularly procedures like gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy, can have a profound impact on type 2 diabetes. The mechanisms through which weight loss surgery can effectively "cure" or significantly improve type 2 diabetes are multifaceted and involve several physiological changes in the body:

- Weight Loss: The primary goal of weight loss surgery is, of course, weight loss. By significantly reducing the size of the stomach or rerouting the digestive tract, these procedures restrict the amount of food a person can consume and absorb. This restriction typically leads to substantial weight loss over time, which is often a key factor in improving insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control.

- Changes in Hormonal Regulation: Weight loss surgery can lead to changes in the secretion of hormones involved in appetite regulation and glucose metabolism. For example, the rearrangement of the gastrointestinal tract in procedures like gastric bypass can alter the production of hormones such as ghrelin and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which play roles in hunger and satiety as well as insulin secretion. These hormonal changes can contribute to improved glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity.

- Improved Insulin Sensitivity: Obesity is strongly associated with insulin resistance, where the body's cells become less responsive to insulin's signals, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. Weight loss following surgery can enhance insulin sensitivity, allowing the body to more effectively utilise insulin to regulate blood sugar levels.

- Changes in Gut Microbiota: The gut microbiota, the diverse community of microorganisms that inhabit the digestive tract, has been implicated in the development of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Weight loss surgery can alter the composition and function of the gut microbiota, potentially influencing metabolic processes and inflammation associated with diabetes.

- Reduced Inflammatory Response: Obesity is characterised by chronic low-grade inflammation, which can contribute to insulin resistance and other metabolic abnormalities. Weight loss surgery has been shown to reduce systemic inflammation, which may play a role in improving insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism.