The DFW Bariatric Institute Doctors have either authored or reviewed and approved this content.
Obesity and Diabetes
One of the most serious conditions linked to obesity is diabetes – a chronic disease that affects the body’s ability to regulate sugar levels in the blood. Diabetes can start slowly, and progress into stages so severe that patients may suffer a range of debilitating conditions – and even fatal complications. Here at DFW Bariatric Institute, we see many patients who have type 2 diabetes as the result of morbid obesity. We have also seen many patients become cured of the condition after treatment with surgical procedures such as gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, or other weight loss options.
Millions of people in the U.S. have diabetes, and many of these people are undiagnosed – even those who regularly visit the doctor. Undiagnosed diabetes can lead to terrible consequences since the disease is so progressive, consequences that can include kidney disease, vascular disease, eye disease, blindness, and complications that are often fatal. However, early diagnosis and treatment for diabetes can preserve quality of life and help patients delay its progression.
In addition to a family history of the disease, lifestyle and weight can factor heavily into your risk for developing (or already having) diabetes. For many people, the symptoms of diabetes are not overt until serious complications have occurred, so regular monitoring by your doctor is crucial, particularly for those at high risk. Remember, diabetes can affect blood pressure and blood vessels, which can ultimately lead to heart disease and stroke. It is vital to get tested for diabetes regularly (it’s a very quick and simple blood test) and start getting the condition under control as soon as possible. With close attention to their treatment plans and some lifestyle changes, many people with diabetes are able to lead long, active, normal lives.
While not all individuals who have diabetes suffer from obesity, the disease is one of the most common co-morbidity conditions (medical conditions linked to obesity) for people who are considered obese or morbidly obese. For these individuals, surgical weight loss treatment may be an ideal option to help them lose weight, make necessary lifestyle changes, and get diabetes under control – or even eliminate it from their bodies altogether.
Crystal’s Weight Loss Success
Gastric Sleeve Surgery
“The doctors at DFW have said from the beginning that bariatric surgery is a tool and, if utilized correctly, can lead to great results. They’re absolutely right. I started my journey at the most unhealthy I had ever been and have since lost 188 lbs and am feeling great! My sleep apnea, hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol have all been cured.” — Crystal
Living With Diabetes
While Type 2 Diabetes is common, with over 29 million affected in the U.S., there can still be a stigma attached to the condition. However, with lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, along with healthy weight loss, Type 2 Diabetes can be managed and even cured.
The healthcare and weight loss experts at DFW Bariatric Institute have helped many people struggling with Type 2 Diabetes, and they know that there are ways to live a more healthy life while managing diabetes. Diabetes doesn’t have to be a progressive disease; follow our health tips to living with Type 2 Diabetes.
1. Educate Yourself
The first step to living with Type 2 Diabetes is understanding the fundamentals of the condition. A healthy glucose level is the key to managing diabetes. A healthy level is between 4.6-6.0 via A1C Test. To be considered in remission you need to have a glucose level of 5.6 or below for a year, without the help of medications. Monitoring and understanding your glucose level is key in managing your diabetes.
2. Understand Your Diet
An unbalanced diet is one of the key factors in spiking glucose levels – that’s why it is important to optimize your diet. Staying away from foods that are high on the Glycemic Index, including high carb high starch foods such as white bread and sugar, is important to managing diabetes. Eating a diet rich in lean proteins like fish or turkey and leafy greens is a great way to manage diabetes.
3. Make Exercise A Priority
While eating healthy is a huge benefit to anyone living with diabetes, it often takes a complete lifestyle change to manage or eliminate diabetes. Making exercise a priority is essential for anyone looking to make a permanent change. It’s important to set sustainable exercise goals, so even getting up for a long walk once a day is a great way to start prioritizing health and wellness.
4. De-stress
Stress can cause a plethora of health issues and can have a negative effect on blood sugar levels. Finding ways to manage stress is important when living with Type 2 Diabetes and also for overall health and wellness. Practice yoga or try your hand at meditation, as both have been shown to reduce stress and offer a wide range of health benefits.
5. Manage Your Weight
Losing weight has been shown to have a profound effect on Type 2 Diabetes, as losing weight can result in lower glucose levels. As we know, diet and exercise are a critical part of weight loss, but there are challenges to losing weight and some people are not able to attain the results they need through diet and exercise alone. Many people with Type 2 Diabetes opt for weight loss surgery as a powerful tool to manage diabetes and lose weight with medical support. An ASMBS study found that bariatric surgery leads to improvement of Type 2 Diabetes in more than 85 % of patients and complete remission of the disease in 78%. Bariatric surgery is very successful in treating Type 2 Diabetes and can help patients reclaim their health.
Learn More
Contact us today to talk to one of our weight loss experts for more information about how bariatric surgery can help you reclaim your health and wellness.
Patient Testimonials
Janet S.
Lost 93 pounds*
"93 pounds later, I have a whole new life. I’ve gone from a size 24 down to 10-12. I no longer have high blood pressure or high cholesterol. My knees, which were in sad shape before surgery, don’t hurt anymore. I joined a gym and participate in water aerobics and a latin impact aerobics class. My whole life has changed. I have much more confidence in myself and love to be with people."
Vivian P.
Lost 140 pounds*
“First off….this surgery will give you your life back. It is a total life changing surgery and I feel like I owe DFW Bariatric my life since they restored mine to me. My weight ballooned up to 273 lbs before my surgery. I have successfully lost and maintained a 140 lb weight loss… This is the most amazing journey that anyone could ever take and the DFW Bariatric Institute staff will all be there to hold your hand and lead you down the road to your success.”
Sherrie M.
Lost 110 pounds*
“I am currently 29 years old and weigh 130 lbs. Before surgery I weighed almost 240 lbs…This is the best thing I have done with my life and would do it again today. It changed my life drastically. My surgeon said to me, 'I can do 50% for you and give you the surgery, but the other 50% is up to you. Your eating, your exercise, your total outlook on life make up the other 50%. And what you want from the surgery is what you will get, and the life you will gain.'”
John E.
Lost 90 pounds*
“I went to a seminar and left there with complete ease, feeling like everyone cared about me and my health. On first office visit I was totally impressed…I never felt rushed in the office, and always felt everyone cared. My surgery was completed and I am now down 90 pounds…The biggest part of recovery comes from the encouragement DFW Bariatric gives. Everyone is always positive and takes the time to explain things in a positive way.”
Kathy D.
Lost 161 pounds*
“There are no words to express the amount of change that weight loss surgery has brought to my life. I am a 54 year old female. There were so many things I was unable to do before the surgery that I blamed on age. It wasn’t my age at all, it was the weight. I am 30 again…The day of my surgery, I weighed 299 pounds. Today I weigh 138 and wear a size 6…I feel so good about myself now. The surgery saved my life!”
Brian S.
Lost 130 pounds*
“After losing 130 pounds, I feel like I have a new lease on life. I was able to stop all of my diabetes, high blood pressure, and my cholesterol medicines. I have always had chronic knee problems and now I am able to run three miles per day without any pain. If I had a choice of doing this surgery again or not, I would definitely do it again. I feel that by having the surgery it not only gave me my life back but it also saved my life.”
Lorna Q.
Lost 107 pounds*
"I have lost the astonishing amount of 107 pounds in less than a year. I feel like I have my life back and I am in control again. All my family and friends are always telling me that I look happier than before and they are right, I am much, much happier than before. I have to thank DFW Bariatric and my husband for helping me throughout this very emotional and amazing journey. I do not regret at all having the surgery, it is one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life.”
Danielle L.
Lost 154 pounds*
“My outlook on life was so different before having my weight loss surgery. I was taking medicine for diabetes, high blood pressure, and depression, and my back, legs, and shoulders hurt all the time which kept me from sleeping. My start weight was 298 pounds. And I am now 144. I’m no longer on any type of medications. My body is the best shape I have ever been in. I am so happy to be where I am today mentally and physically. With my hard work and dedication and with the aid of DFW Bariatric, I am where I want to be. I trust this team with all my heart.”
Dennis H.
Lost 170 pounds*
“At 365 pounds, I was medicated for high blood pressure, diabetes, joint inflammation, and high cholesterol…I was a living example of morbid obesity. I knew then that it was time to do something with my weight…It was not easy to get through all of the hoops that my health plan demanded, but the DFW Bariatric team helped me every step of the way. Today I weigh 195 pounds and feel great! From the time I left the hospital after surgery I have been free from all prescription medications. I can never thank this team enough for giving me back my life."
