We are all very much aware that we are in an obesity epidemic globally, more so in the UK. The term obesity refers to an individual who has a BMI (body mass index) above 30 (normal weight BMI is between 20-25 and an overweight BMI is between 25-29.9). There are many risks associated with obesity and these include, type II diabetes, coronary heart disease, breast and bowel cancer, arthritis, liver disease and also stroke.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes refers to raised blood glucose level and you can be either type I or II diabetic. With type I diabetes, the body destroys the cells that produce insulin, hence you need insulin as the main form of treatment. Whereas with type II diabetes, the body does not utilize the insulin produced. In the UK, type II diabetes is more common than type I and approximately 90% off adults with diabetes suffer from type II. Most patients with diabetes get pro-gressively worse, they are initially managed by dietary modifications and oral medications. As we all know, type II diabetes can lead to coronary heart disease, kidney failure and blindness.
How likely am I to develop diabetes if I am already obese?
Unfortunately for those of us who are obese with a BMI of 30 or more we are at a higher risk of developing type II diabetes. If our excess weight is around the mid-section of the abdomen, sometimes referred to as the ‘muffin top’ or ‘tyre’ we are even more high risk of developing type II diabetes. Recent statistics have revealed that obesity is thought to account for 80-85% of the risk in relation to developing type II diabetes. If you are obese, your chance of having diabetes can up by 25% (it is normally less than 5% of the population).
How does obesity cause type 2 diabetes?
Obese individuals can struggle to control their blood sugar levels and many individuals with type II diabetes have a condition known as insulin re-sistance. Although they can make insulin, their bodies cannot effectively use it to move glucose into the cells. Consequently the pancreas has to work hard to overcome this problem but ultimately can be worn down significantly and it is at this stage that an individual would be diagnosed as type II diabetic. On the plus side, losing weight can help insu-lin resistance and can help control blood sugar levels, which is why many of us consider weight loss surgery.
Will weight loss cure diabetes?
Here at Obesity Surgery Manchester we have consistently noted that following weight loss surgery type diabetes goes into long term remission, means pts will come of all their medications. The duration of remission or cure is dependent on the duration of diabetes, number of medications pts on including insulin and pancreatic reserve of the person. Due to these metabolic benefits weight loss surgery for diabetes is also called Metabolic surgery. Of course it is advisable to regularly check blood sugars even if one is in remission of diabetes so that it can be effectively treated. Metabolic surgery also helps in better control of diabetes if it is difficult to control blood sugars.
To book in for your free mini consultation today with Professor Senapati who has performed more than 1000 various bariatric surgical procedures, please contact the practice on 07923 115501. We look forward to meeting you!