You’ve probably heard of weight-loss surgery, also known as metabolic or bariatric surgery. It’s a big step, mainly considered by people who have tried other ways to lose weight without success.
The surgery is often recommended for people with diabetes, as it can significantly improve their blood sugar levels.
Some people even say goodbye to diabetes altogether after the surgery. But what if the surgery could do more than that? What if it could also help protect your heart?
Groundbreaking New Study
Researchers wanted to dig deeper into this idea. They recently shared their work at a large conference organized by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery in 2023.
What they found was pretty exciting. People with diabetes who had this surgery were not only healthier but also had a longer life compared to those who didn’t have the surgery.
The surgery lowered their chances of having heart attacks, strokes, or needing to be in the hospital.
If they did face these health scares, they had a much better shot at surviving them—cutting their risk of dying from a heart attack by over 27% and from a stroke by nearly 27%.
How Does It Work?
Dr. Jonathan Jenkins, one of the scientists behind the study, believes the surgery helps control blood sugar levels much more efficiently in people with diabetes.
Better blood sugar control could be the key to why the surgery also lowers the risk of heart issues.
A Closer Look at the Data
The study looked at a large number of people with diabetes—over 400,000 in total. Some had the surgery, and some didn’t.
Everyone in the study was about the same age and had similar health problems, backgrounds, and lifestyles. This made it easier to see how effective the surgery was on its own.
Extra Perks: Savings and Less Hospital Time
But wait, there’s more good news. The study found that people who had the surgery generally spent less time in the hospital. This also meant they saved money—anywhere from $1,000 to almost $4,000.
They were also less likely to need other major surgeries like heart bypasses or amputations. And if they did need these surgeries, they generally had better outcomes.
What This All Means for You
This study tells us that metabolic surgery isn’t just about weight loss or controlling diabetes. It can also be a life-saving procedure that protects your heart.
Despite all these benefits, only a tiny fraction of people who could benefit from this surgery actually get it. This could be because of the stigma around weight-loss surgeries or perhaps due to the COVID-19 pandemic affecting medical services.
A Health Crisis: Obesity and Diabetes in America
Let’s not forget the bigger picture. A staggering 42% of Americans are obese, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Being obese can put you at risk for a laundry list of health problems, including heart disease, strokes, certain cancers, and yes, COVID-19.
If you have diabetes and are thinking about metabolic surgery, consider the added bonus of potentially protecting your heart.
But remember, surgery is a big step and comes with its own risks and considerations. Always consult your healthcare provider for the best advice tailored to your needs.
If you care about heart health, please read studies about how eating eggs can help reduce heart disease risk, and herbal supplements could harm your heart rhythm.
For more information about health, please see recent studies that olive oil may help you live longer, and vitamin D could help lower the risk of autoimmune diseases.
Follow us on Twitter for more articles about this topic.
Copyright © 2023 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
