Type 2 Diabetes Remission After Weight Loss Surgery: From Myth to Reality

One of the main concerns for people with obesity and overweight is that they are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than others. In this article, we explain exactly what type 2 diabetes is and whether weight loss surgery can truly help achieve remission of type 2 diabetes.

Weight Loss Surgery for Type 2 Diabetes

Recently, many people search online for terms like “diabetes surgery,” “type 2 diabetes surgery,” or similar queries in their cities. Currently, there is no surgery that exclusively treats diabetes. However, if your type 2 diabetes is linked to obesity, losing weight through bariatric surgery can significantly improve or even remit the disease.

Schematic image of the impact of weight loss on the treatment of type 2 diabetes

🔔 Check your weight category using the online BMI calculator.

Key Benefits of Bariatric Surgery

Beyond weight loss, bariatric surgery can dramatically improve or resolve many obesity-related conditions, including:

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
High blood pressure
Heart disease
Certain types of cancer
Sleep apnea
Asthma and other obesity-related respiratory disorders
Arthritis
Blood lipid disorders such as high cholesterol
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Fatty liver disease
Venous stasis
Stress urinary incontinence
Partial or complete remission of type 2 diabetes
And more

Type 2 Diabetes: A Quick Overview

Diabetes is a chronic disease that can cause long-term complications. There are two main types:

Type 1 Diabetes

Usually occurs in children and adolescents.
The body does not produce insulin, requiring regular insulin injections.
Accounts for approximately 10% of all diabetes cases.

Type 2 Diabetes

Common in adults.
The body produces insulin, but either not enough or the cells resist it.
Accounts for around 90% of all diabetes cases.
Obesity is a major risk factor.

Globally, around 400 million people have type 2 diabetes. In our country, about 12% of the population is affected, mostly those with obesity (source: Ministry of Health).

Why Type 2 Diabetes is Dangerous and Needs Treatment

Diabetes is among the top ten causes of death worldwide.
Every 10 seconds, someone dies due to diabetes-related complications.
Its prevalence is increasing both in Iran and globally.
Type 2 diabetes can reduce life expectancy by up to 14 years.

Achieving Type 2 Diabetes Remission Through Weight Loss Surgery

Schematic image of types of bariatric surgery

One of the most significant benefits of bariatric surgery is the partial or complete remission of type 2 diabetes in patients who undergo the procedure. Numerous studies annually show that patients with obesity who have bariatric surgery experience marked improvements or complete remission of type 2 diabetes.

Research shows that patients at risk of diabetes who lose at least 7% of their body weight can reduce their chances of developing diabetes for up to 11 years. Considering that most bariatric surgeries can reduce body weight by 40% or more, this often leads to the remission of diabetes and other associated conditions.

The Best Way to Get Rid of Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity

Patients with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes and a BMI over 35 are excellent candidates for bariatric surgery to control both obesity and diabetes. While other weight loss methods exist, none are as effective as surgery for achieving rapid and significant weight loss.

Schematic photo of gastric bypass surgery to treat type 2 diabetes

Research on 135,000 patients with both obesity and type 2 diabetes showed:

78% achieved near-complete remission, returning blood sugar to normal without needing diabetes medications.
90% saw significant improvement, with lower blood sugar levels, reduced medication use, and fewer diabetes-related complications.

The Most Suitable Weight Loss Surgery for Diabetes Remission

Several bariatric procedures can help with weight loss and diabetes remission:

Sleeve Gastrectomy

Highly popular worldwide.
Improves type 2 diabetes symptoms in up to 81% of patients.
Achieves complete remission in 62% of cases.

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

Around 85% of patients experience complete remission if no complications occur.

Gastric Banding

45–60% of patients achieve near-complete remission.

The Best Timing for Bariatric Surgery

The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) recommends early intervention for patients in the initial stages of type 2 diabetes, particularly those with a high BMI. However, it is never too late to improve obesity-related conditions and associated diseases through surgery.

Ready to Treat Severe Obesity and Related Health Conditions?

If you have severe obesity along with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, it’s the ideal time to address both conditions. High BMI and reduced quality of life make timely bariatric surgery the most effective option. For consultation and to schedule your procedure, contact Dr. Anbara, one of Iran’s top weight loss surgeons, for personalized guidance on your journey to better health.