Obesity surgery could reduce heart risk in diabetics

There are disadvantages to the treatment. According to the NIH, surgery costs an average of $ 15,000 to $ 25,000, depending on the type of procedure. There are surgical risks, including bleeding and infections. And in the long run, side effects include nutritional deficiencies, hernias and ulcers.

"This treatment is invasive," said Arterburn. "There are risks, and this requires lifestyle changes throughout life."

But, he added, these elements must be weighed against the potential benefits.

To study the longer term prospects, the Arterburn team reviewed the records of about 5,300 patients with type 2 diabetes who had undergone obesity surgery. They were compared to similar patients who were taking oral medications, and sometimes insulin, to manage their diabetes.

In the last five years, just over 4% of the group in the group on medication had a heart attack or stroke. This rate was cut in half, to about 2%, in the surgery group.

The researchers weighed other factors, including age, race and uncontrolled hypertension. And obesity surgery was always linked to a risk of cardiovascular complications reduced by 40%.

Patients who underwent surgery were also less likely to die during the study period: after five years, just over 1% had died, compared to 4.5% in the control group, according to the estimates. results.

Dr. Sayeed Ikramuddin is the chair of surgery at the University of Minnesota School of Medicine in Minneapolis.

He added that surgery can bring benefits to the "right person", which means that it is not for everyone who is suffering from severe obesity.

Some people may, for example, have health problems making the surgery difficult, explained Ikramuddin, who co-authored an editorial published with the study.

He pointed out the situation as a whole: weight loss is essential for people with severe obesity.

"Controlling your blood sugar will not necessarily take you where you need to be," said Ikramuddin. "There are benefits to losing a lot of weight – no matter the outcome."

He suggested that people talk to their doctor about all options for weight loss, including weight-loss medications associated with lifestyle changes.

"Surgery is an option in the spectrum," Ikramuddin said.