Do you know that over 100 million Americans are obese?
Obesity is a condition in which a person carries excess body fat. It can cause a lot of health problems, including diabetes, which affects over 30 million Americans.
But there is some good news!
A study led by the University of Michigan has found that bariatric surgery, which is a type of weight loss surgery, may be able to help people who are obese reverse complications related to diabetes and peripheral neuropathy.
Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that damages the nerves that go from the spinal cord to the hands and feet. It can cause pain, numbness, and tingling sensations.
The study followed more than 120 patients who underwent bariatric surgery for obesity over two years after the procedure.
The researchers found that all metabolic risk factors for developing diabetes, such as high glucose and lipid levels, improved outside of blood pressure and total cholesterol.
The researchers also found that two years after bariatric surgery, patients showed improvements in peripheral neuropathy.
This is important because obesity is the second leading risk factor for peripheral neuropathy after diabetes.
The findings suggest that bariatric surgery likely enables the regeneration of the peripheral nerves.
Therefore, it may be an effective treatment for millions of individuals with obesity who are at risk of developing diabetes and peripheral neuropathy.
The researchers noted that bariatric surgery led to better metabolic improvements and even greater improvements in peripheral neuropathy compared to previous studies of medical weight loss.
They hope that bariatric surgery can become a successful therapy to improve or reverse peripheral neuropathy for patients with long-term metabolic impairment.
The study was supported by several organizations, including the National Institutes of Health and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) Center of Excellence at the University of Michigan.
Overall, this study’s findings are important because current treatments for peripheral neuropathy focus on pain relief and do not address the underlying cause of the condition.
Bariatric surgery may offer a new and effective way to treat this condition and improve the quality of life for many people who are obese.
How to prevent type 2 diabetes
If you have obesity, it’s important to know that you are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. However, there are steps you can take to prevent or delay the onset of this condition.
Lose weight: Losing weight can significantly reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Even a modest weight loss of 5-10% of your body weight can make a big difference. You can start by making small changes to your diet and gradually increasing your physical activity.
Eat a healthy diet: Eating a healthy diet can help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce your risk of developing diabetes.
Try to eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats. Avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and foods high in saturated and trans fats.
Increase physical activity: Regular physical activity can help you lose weight, maintain a healthy weight, and reduce your risk of developing diabetes.
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. This can include activities such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming.
Quit smoking: Smoking increases your risk of developing diabetes and other health problems. If you smoke, talk to your doctor about ways to quit.
Manage stress: Chronic stress can contribute to the development of diabetes. Find ways to manage your stress, such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.
Get regular check-ups: Regular check-ups with your doctor can help you identify any health problems early on and take steps to prevent or manage them.
By making these lifestyle changes, you can strongly reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Remember, even small changes can make a big difference, so start with one or two changes and gradually build up from there.
If you care about weight loss, please read studies that avocado could help you lose weight and belly fat, and a popular weight loss diet linked to heart disease and cancer.
For more information about diabetes, please see recent studies about how to control diabetes-causing gene, and results showing drug that prevents kidney failure in diabetes.
The study was conducted by Evan Reynolds et al and published in Diabetologia.
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