Metabolic Surgery (Type 2 Diabetes Surgery)

Understanding Metabolic Surgery: An Effective Treatment for Type 2 Diabetes

For people with type 2 diabetes that is difficult to manage with conventional techniques like diet, exercise, and medication, metabolic surgery, also known as type 2 diabetes surgery, is an effective therapeutic option. As a general surgeon at Medicana Health Group, I have witnessed the life-changing power of metabolic surgery.

The following are some essential ideas of metabolic surgery:

What is Metabolic Surgery?

Metabolic surgery, often known as type 2 diabetes surgery, aims to help patients with type 2 diabetes better control their blood sugar levels. By changing the digestive tract, metabolic surgery primarily aims to increase insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism, promote weight loss, and enhance metabolic function.

Patients with a BMI of 35 or higher who have type 2 diabetes, as well as those with a BMI of 40 or higher who do not, are advised to undergo metabolic surgery. After receiving the best medical care, patients who have not managed their blood sugar levels well are also advised to have surgery.

The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy are the most frequently performed metabolic surgical techniques. The digestive tract is rerouted during these treatments, and the stomach's size decreases. Patients experience weight loss and enhanced metabolic function due to eating fewer calories and feeling fuller faster.

Numerous individuals who undergo metabolic surgery report having their type 2 diabetes go into remission. The procedure has been demonstrated to impact blood glucose control significantly. Other metabolic markers, including blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and cardiovascular risk, have also improved after the procedure.

As with any surgery, there are dangers associated with metabolic surgery, such as bleeding, infection, and issues with the anesthesia. For qualified patients, the advantages of the procedure frequently outweigh the dangers.

How Does Metabolic Surgery Treat Type 2 Diabetes?

For those with type 2 diabetes who are obese or have a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or above, metabolic surgery, commonly known as type 2 diabetes surgery or bariatric surgery, may be an effective treatment. The surgery entails changing the digestive tract to limit how much food the body can absorb and is usually carried out by a general surgeon.

The most commonly performed metabolic surgery operations include biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch, sleeve gastrectomy, and gastric bypass. There are several different forms of metabolic surgery. These operations function by shrinking the stomach or rerouting the digestive system, reducing the amount of food absorbed by the body.

In addition to helping people lose weight, metabolic surgery can significantly affect the blood sugar levels of individuals. Research shows that the technique can reduce insulin resistance and encourage the body to produce more hormone insulin, which is crucial for controlling blood sugar levels. As a result, the requirement for insulin or other diabetic drugs can often be decreased or even eliminated for people who undergo metabolic surgery.

Although the precise mechanism by which metabolic surgery heals type 2 diabetes is unknown, it is thought to entail alterations in gut hormones that impact insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. Other illnesses that are frequently linked to type 2 diabetes, such as high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, can also benefit from the surgery.

It's crucial to understand that metabolic surgery shouldn't be used as a therapeutic option for type 2 diabetes and should only be used in specific circumstances. Working closely with a general surgeon and a healthcare team, patients considering metabolic surgery can decide if the treatment is proper and create a plan for their post-surgical care and follow-up.

Who is a Good Candidate for Metabolic Surgery?

For type 2 diabetics who have failed to regulate their blood sugar with lifestyle modifications or medication, metabolic surgery is a safe and successful option. Various requirements can make someone a good candidate for metabolic surgery, even though the technique is not appropriate for everyone. These consist of:

• Having a BMI of 30 or higher: Metabolic surgery is typically advised for those who are deemed obese and have a BMI of 30 or higher. This is because obesity is a significant risk factor for type 2 diabetes.

• Type 2 diabetes that cannot be controlled: If you have type 2 diabetes and are unable to manage your blood sugar levels on your own, metabolic surgery may be a good alternative for you. People with hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) levels of 7.5% or more are strongly advised to take it.

• Being in generally good health: You should be in generally good health to have metabolic surgery. This implies that you shouldn't have any severe medical disorders, such as liver or heart illness, that could make the procedure unsafe.

• Being dedicated to making lifestyle changes: Metabolic surgery cannot cure type 2 diabetes. Long-term success requires significant lifestyle adjustments, such as adhering to a balanced diet and regular exercise. Before and after the procedure, you should be dedicated to making these changes.

What are the Benefits of Metabolic Surgery?

In addition to curing diabetes, metabolic surgery, commonly known as type 2 diabetes surgery, has been demonstrated to offer several other advantages.

The following are some of the main advantages of metabolic surgery:

• Better blood sugar regulation: Metabolic surgery has been proven beneficial in helping type 2 diabetics control their blood sugar levels. This may result in less need for diabetes medication and, in rare situations, even in diabetes remission.

• Weight loss: Metabolic surgery can result in substantial weight loss, enhancing general health and lowering the risk of obesity-related illnesses like heart disease and sleep apnea.

• Better cardiovascular health: Metabolic surgery has been shown to improve various heart disease risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and inflammation, in addition to weight loss.

• Lower risk of some cancers: Several research has revealed that metabolic surgery may be linked to a lower risk of some malignancies, including breast and colon cancer.

• Better quality of life: Many patients with metabolic surgery report having more energy and mobility and feeling less depressed and anxious.

What is the Recovery Process Like After Metabolic Surgery?

Following metabolic surgery, the patient will stay in the hospital for a few days while being closely monitored. During this period, the patient will be given painkillers, antibiotics, and other drugs as required. Additionally, the patient must follow a liquid diet for a while before easing into solid foods over several weeks. The type of metabolic surgery performed and the patient's particular response will determine the length of the hospital stay and the recovery period.

After being released from the hospital, the patient must adhere to a rigorous diet and exercise routine to encourage weight loss and control blood sugar levels. The patient will also need to schedule routine follow-up visits with the surgeon and other medical professionals to monitor their progress and modify their treatment plan.

Even though the recovery after metabolic surgery might be difficult, the advantages of better health and quality of life are frequently worth it. Patients should anticipate notable improvements in their diabetes, weight, and general health if they adopt lasting lifestyle changes and follow their treatment plan.

Medicana Health Group is dedicated to providing our patients with the most cutting-edge and efficient care possible. One of the numerous advanced techniques we use to help our patients achieve optimum health and well-being is metabolic surgery. If you have type 2 diabetes and have tried everything to manage it without success, contact us to arrange a consultation so you can learn more about how metabolic surgery can help you. To get started, call us at +90 850 460 1010 or email us at [email protected].