Bariatric surgery is more effective than medical and lifestyle modifications for achieving long-term Type 2 diabetes control and remission, according to new research led by Anita P. Courcoulas, Anthony M. Harrison, MD Professor of Surgery and chief, Division of Minimally Invasive Bariatric and General Surgery in the Department of Surgery.
In the largest and longest randomized follow-up study to date, Courcoulas and colleagues also found that bariatric surgery improved cholesterol and triglyceride levels more effectively than did medical and lifestyle modifications. Since diabetes and cholesterol are important risk factors for heart disease, the management of both may contribute to fewer heart attacks, strokes and other complications.
“This analysis is the strongest evidence we have to date that bariatric surgery is a safe and effective tool for achieving diabetes control and remission,” said Courcoulas.
Read more about the findings in JAMA and in the news release.