Although there is no cure for diabetes, those who have Type II diabetes can enter remission by keeping blood sugar in check. Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels without the need for medication allows those with Type II diabetes to remain in remission. Without a cure for the condition, the individual must take it upon themselves to keep blood sugar levels low by following a healthy diet and making healthy lifestyle choices such as refraining from drinking too much alcohol and smoking cessation.
Although there is no cure, diabetes treatment is available. Weight loss and lifestyle changes can lead to remission in individuals diagnosed with type II diabetes. While diabetes cannot be reversed, the health condition can be treated if doctors monitor blood glucose levels. Individuals who have type II diabetes can be considered in remission when blood glucose markers are stable for at least 6 months, and no medication is needed to control blood glucose. Diabetes remission can be achieved, minimizing and preventing further complications.
Surgical Options
Bariatric surgery provides long-term positive outcomes for those with diabetes. Positive outcomes depend on factors such as comorbidities, the type of surgery, and the patient’s willingness to engage in lifelong lifestyle changes su, such as choosing healthy food options.
In diabetic obese adolescents who have received bariatric surgery, the remission rate after surgery for type II diabetes is 82% in the first and second years. However, there is a high rate of abdominal re-operations and nutritional deficiencies in adolescents. Because of this, some individuals opt for surgery as adults instead.
The Surgical Process
Individuals who choose surgery may see improved glycemic control after a bariatric operation. In addition to early and dramatic post-operative improvement in hyperglycemia and insulin sensitivity, bariatric surgery can cause alterations in gastrointestinal hormone release, including the following:
- Leptin
- Peptide YY
- Ghrelin
- Cholecystokinin
- Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1)
The above may correct feeding behavior via the gut-brain axis. Bariatric surgery is also associated with dramatic changes in the gut microbiome and glycemic profile. Despite surgery, individuals can relapse. Regardless of surgery type, GLP-1-based programs tend to outperform non-GLP-1 programs and intensive lifestyle modification alone for treating post-bariatric surgery weight gain.
Health Risks Associated With Diabetes
There are a variety of health risks associated with diabetes. Individuals with diabetes can experience a wide range of medical issues including:
- Nerve damage in the feet or lower legs
- Cardiovascular disease
- Sores that are slow to heal
- Kidney damage or kidney failure
- Hearing loss
- Dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease
- Vision loss
- Serious skin infections
Those living a sedentary lifestyle are more likely to develop diabetes, as it is considered to be a risk factor. Other risk factors of diabetes consist of:
- Family history of the disease
- Obesity
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Smoking
- Physical inactivity
Those experiencing the above may have a greater risk of developing type II diabetes. To help decrease your chances of developing diabetes, consider incorporating a form of exercise into your routine, selecting healthy options when it is mealtime, and refraining from substances that can impact the body negatively, such as smoking or alcohol.
Find Treatment Today
If you struggle with diabetes, consider finding personalized treatment options offered by Dr. Gura, a diabetes specialist. Dr. Gura is a kidney specialist and internist with years of experience helping patients with diabetes, kidney issues, and other health concerns. Dr. Gura can help those with diabetes avoid serious complications such as kidney failure.
Consider our kidney specialist if you are suffering from a health issue that affects the kidneys, including diabetes. Diabetes can occur in conjunction with other conditions. Because of this, Dr. Gura works closely with other specialists. Contact us today to learn more about your treatment options.