Bariatric Surgery: An Effective Way to Alleviate the Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes is one of the leading diseases affecting today’s generation, both young and old, all over the world. Many studies have been conducted to search for ways to ease the symptoms. There are conventional ways, such as daily medications and blood glucose monitoring, to name a few, but these work to keep the blood sugar under control. Another method is undergoing Bariatric Surgery, which was recently reported to be the most effective way to alleviate the symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes in obese or overweight patients.

There are two procedures for Bariatric Surgery:

1.       Removing a portion of the stomach or reducing its size using a gastric band. Also known as biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch, which is when the stomach is changed in shape and location to direct the food mostly on the lower intestine so that nutrients and calories can be absorbed thoroughly.

2.       Gastric Bypass Surgery or changing the route of the small intestine to a small pouch in the stomach.

A recent clinical study was performed, nicknamed STAMPEDE (Surgical Treatment and Medications Potentially Eradicate Diabetes Efficiently), where a group of patients with Type 2 Diabetes who were obese or overweight signed up for a trial method to determine the most effective way to alleviate Type 2 Diabetes symptoms. These 150 patients were randomly selected in the overweight and obese category and were divided into three groups.

The first group was instructed to adhere to the conventional way of managing medications and monitoring glucose every day. The second group underwent the Roux-en-Y Bypass Surgery, or Gastric Bypass surgery. The third group underwent sleeve gastrectomy where 80% of their stomach was closed. All three groups underwent lifestyle counseling and had thorough medical attention.

Three years later, the patients were examined and those who underwent surgery showed astounding results.

·         The group of patients who underwent sleeve gastrectomy lost an average of 47 pounds and 33% of these patients were able to discontinue taking medications for diabetes.

·         Patients who went through Roux-en-Y Bypass Surgery lost almost 58 pounds and 58% of them stopped taking medications.

·         The group who adhered to the conventional mode showed little to no changes.

The changes seen in patients who underwent surgery were remarkable. They lost weight, their kidneys functioned better and their lives improved as a whole.

The only foreseeable constraint is the expensive price of the bariatric surgery procedure which prompted dubiety among some insurance companies. This uncertainty was challenged by researchers who reported the strong possibility of an increasing number of obese or overweight patients with Type 2 Diabetes in the near future, which hastens the call for earlier consideration of bariatric surgery in these types of patients.

The Five Most Popular Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures in the United States

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reported a 3% increase in number of clients in 2013 from the previous year. More people are becoming interested in cosmetic procedures, especially due to the arrival of newer and less invasive procedures. Pop culture, particularly selfies, may be a factor in greater public interest and may also reflect the increase in both surgical and nonsurgical cosmetic procedures in 2014.

Botox

In 2013, 6.3 million Americans underwent a Botox treatment which is 3% more than the number of clients in 2012. Simply put, Botox stops muscles from contracting by temporarily disabling superficial muscles on the forehead and around the eyes in order to improve the appearance of wrinkles. Botox treatment is also used for treatment of migraines and excessive perspiration.

Dermal Fillers

There has also been a significant rise in the number of client visits for dermal filler application in plastic surgery clinics. In 2013, this form of cosmetic enhancement saw an approximately 13% increase from 2012. Like Botox, fillers are also a convenient means to improve your facial appearance. Plastic surgeons may fill wrinkled areas with hyaluronic acid, one of the most common fillers in cosmetic surgery. Fillers are commonly used to ease the signs of aging by adding volume to plump up the face or hands.

Chemical Peel

About 1.2 million Americans sought chemical peel treatments in 2013 which represents 3% more chemical peel clients than in 2012. As the name of the procedure implies, it is a peeling away of the top layer of the skin using chemicals. It works to remove damaged layers of the skin and eliminate dark pigments and fine lines. Chemical peels are also great for sloughing off precancerous skin tissue and for improving the appearance of scars.

Microdermabrasion

Like chemical peeling, microdermabrasion is a method of sloughing off the dead or damaged top skin layer. The difference is that it involves collagen stimulation for healthier-looking and smoother skin. This non-invasive procedure is great for eliminating fine lines, sun spots, blemishes, and dullness. Microdermabrasion improves the skin’s ability to absorb nutrients and moisture and augments the use of anti-aging products. The procedure is basically painless and carries little, if any, risk which is probably why nearly one million Americans regularly return to their plastic surgeons for the procedure.

Laser Hair Removal

Unwanted facial and body hair can be a real nuisance. The hairs are typically removed by shaving, plucking or waxing, however one of the most reliable methods of hair removal is laser hair removal. Lasers can be used to remove hair on a larger area without subjecting the patient to intense discomfort and long recovery periods. Although there has been a decrease in the number of Americans who sought laser hair removal procedure in 2013, it remains one of the most popular minimally invasive cosmetic procedures with over 1 million clients in that same year.

It is clear that the demand for non-surgical cosmetic procedures has remained strong in 2014 as new plastic surgical devices and products were approved which offer more options and choices to consumers who seek to refresh or enhance their look.