Weight loss surgery can cure diabetes too: Max

A study conducted by doctors at Max Healthcare has shown that bariatric surgery — mainly done for weight loss — has resulted in reversing diabetes in obese patients.

A study conducted by doctors at Max Healthcare has shown that bariatric surgery — mainly done for weight loss — has resulted in reversing diabetes in obese patients.

HT Image

Of the 689 obese patients, who underwent bariatric surgery, 82% reported to have completely reversed diabetes.

The study accepted for publication at the Obesity Journal this year was also presented by Dr Pradeep Chowbey, the chief researcher and bariatric surgeon at the ongoing XVII World Congress of International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO).

Gastric bypass surgery works by reducing the size of the stomach so a person can't eat as much and shortening the length of the intestine so that the body doesn't absorb too many calories. But doctors claim the surgery also normalises blood sugar, besides bringing the blood pressure, cholesterol and sleep apnea under control.

"The hormones incretins, which increase after the surgery, stimulate the pancreas to make more insulin. This insulin help bring type 2 diabetes under control," said Dr Chowbey.

According to doctors, this surgery for reversal of diabetes works best for cases of recent diabetics, where the metabolic disease is not too prolonged.

The International Diabetes Federation estimates that the number of diabetics in India have more than doubled from 19 million in 1995 to 40.9 million in 2007.

It is projected to increase to 69.9 million by 2025. Currently, 11% of India's urban population and 3% of rural population above the age of 15 have diabetes.