We live in a world where the number of people with chronic illnesses is more significant than the number of those who are well. Health problems have grown exceedingly frequent due to comfortable and sedentary lifestyles, whether they be heart patients or diabetics, obese people, or those suffering from malnutrition. Obesity, which is a driving factor for metabolic syndrome and type-2 diabetes, is the one disease that is directly or indirectly associated with chronic disorders.
Diabetes, on the other hand, is a disease for which there is no cure. However, it turns out that bariatric surgery, or weight loss surgery, might give sufferers hope. Several studies have indicated that patients with type-2 diabetes improved after weight reduction surgery, with most people having only a few or no symptoms six years later – healthy blood pressure readings, blood sugar, and cholesterol control. In some ways, this treatment may cure diabetes and allow patients to live everyday life with little or no medication.
While everything looks to be going well with bariatric procedures for diabetic patients, Dr. Harsh Sheth, the best bariatric surgeon in Mumbai, would like to share his thoughts on the procedure’s benefits and drawbacks, as well as how it might give patients hope.
With 10 years of expertise, Dr. Harsh Sheth is one of Mumbai’s leading bariatric surgeons. Saifee Hospital, Bhatia Hospital, ACI Cumballa Hill Hospital, Apollo Spectra Hospital (Tardeo), Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai Central, and Conwest & Manjula S Badani Jain Charitable Hospital, he is a consultant in advanced laparoscopic and bariatric surgery.
“Bariatric surgery is a weight-loss surgical technique. The patient’s digestive system is altered as a result of this. It is indicated to those with major health concerns like type-2 diabetes or sleep apnea. It is used in conjunction with lifestyle and nutritional adjustments to treat obesity in patients effectively. When exercise and food control are insufficient, the operation is useful in lowering body weight. “Type-2 diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, sleep apnoea, body soreness, and knee pain are all major benefits of this operation,” he stated.
Dr. Harsh Sheth also discussed the hazards associated with this treatment.
“While weight loss surgery is not a miraculous cure for obesity, it is an important part of the treatment.” However, there are several hazards that a patient should be aware of before undergoing bariatric surgery. Short-term problems such as bleeding, infection, blood clots, respiratory difficulties, and gastrointestinal leakage are possible. Bowel blockage, gallstones, ulcers, vomiting, and low blood sugar levels are some of the long-term consequences, but these complication rates are pretty standard,” he concluded.
“Obesity is a significant risk factor for type-2 diabetes development and progression, and weight loss is an important element of diabetes care.” Obese persons are 10 times more likely to acquire diabetes, and scientists have discovered that bariatric surgery can help with type 2 diabetes. Premier bariatric surgery changes in gut hormones, gut bacteria, glucose transporters in the intestine, and fat loss all contribute to a remarkable reduction in blood glucose levels after bariatric surgery.
He discussed how effective bariatric surgery is at treating diabetes and the new procedures that are being used.
“Bariatric/metabolic surgery has been proved in multiple studies worldwide to treat diabetes in the vast majority of obese people. Today, bariatric surgery offers several techniques that can aid in the treatment of the illness. Using laparoscopic or robotic-assisted surgery, most bariatric operations can now be performed using a less invasive technique. In some circumstances, minimally invasive surgical (MIS) operations using advanced robotic surgical instruments and technology, such as the intuitive surgical system, have proven effective. It is not a cosmetic operation, but it is life-saving for patients with diabetes and obesity, as it can help them lose up to 75% of their excess body weight.”
“Obesity plays a significant role in the development of diabetes. Bariatric surgery is now widely regarded as a viable therapy option for people with type 2 diabetes. Most obese diabetics are offered bariatric surgery early on to avert pancreatic damage. If blood sugars do not respond to medication, surgery may be considered in skinny diabetics. Blood sugar levels stabilize after surgery, and diabetic medications such as oral pills and insulin can be stopped.
Long-term diabetic problems are avoided with this normoglycemic condition. With careful dietary control and regular exercise, patients can keep their blood sugar levels in check. A word of caution: sugar levels may rise in the event of an illness. As a result, suitable treatment is recommended at that time. We’ve been attempting to treat diabetes with tablets and insulin for a long time. “Bariatric surgery can cure type-2 diabetes in select patients,” he explained. “When bariatric surgery was designed, the primary goal was weight loss, which was the only thing that was tried to achieve from the surgery. However, over time, we achieved not only weight loss but also the resolution of metabolic problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, the problem of snoring, especially in females with metabolic syndrome, polycystic ovarian disease, and excessive facial hair” he explained.
Patients with diabetes for a more extended period benefit, although not to the same extent as those with diabetes for a shorter period. Most people will return to normalcy in 5 years or longer, depending on how well they manage their eating habits after surgery. The benefit for diabetes is not due to weight loss alone but to a separate action that aids through a distinct mechanism. A Mumbai-based bariatric surgeon indicated that the benefits might be visible just a day or two after the surgery.
“The metabolic profile of a person improves dramatically after such operations.” Blood glucose, HbA1c, and cholesterol levels all tend to improve, insulin resistance decreases, and many people with diabetes reduce or stop using insulin and additional drugs for hypertension, dyslipidemia, heart disease, gout, and other illnesses. “Most diabetic individuals with poorly managed diabetes have a variety of chronic difficulties with their eyes, heart, kidneys, and loss of sensation in the soles of their feet,” he stated.