Long-Term Benefits of Bariatric Surgery for Type 2 Diabetes Control

A new study published in JAMA found that weight loss surgery leads to better blood sugar control and reduced medication use long-term in people with type 2 diabetes compared to non-surgical management. The research supports the expanded use of bariatric surgery for those with a BMI less than 35 who have trouble controlling their blood sugar with medical management alone. Despite the benefits, weight loss surgery comes with risks and known complications, and people who have the surgery can regain weight over time. However, even short-term diabetes remission has benefits in reducing diabetes-related complications, and the surgery is considered to be more cost-effective about five years after the procedure.