Type 2 Diabetes: Improved Health & Reduced Health Care Costs After Weight Loss Surgery
Although four different types of diabetes exist, the most prevalent is type 2 diabetes. In the United States nearly 90 percent of diabetics have type 2 diabetes. People with type 2 diabetes do not produce or properly use the hormone insulin which is necessary to covert sugar and starches into energy. It is considered a degenerative disease; meaning that, over time, the pancreases can virtually “wear out” and proper insulin control becomes impossible without medications or insulin injections. Diabetes medication is a serious financial burden on the individual and the health care system.
Obesity and Diabetes
Morbid obesity, having a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 40, is by far the biggest contributor to type 2 diabetes in the United States. According to the National Institutes of Health, the risk for type 2 diabetes is double for someone classified as obese and ten times higher for someone who is severely obese.
A new study, published this month, by the Archives of Surgery found that bariatric (weight loss) surgery was associated with the elimination of diabetes medication in 74.7% of over 2,000 patients studied at one year and 84.5 % at 2 years after surgery. But this is not new news! Over 30 scientific studies from publications such as the New England Journal of Medicine and the Annals of Surgery have come to the exact same conclusion; weight loss surgery has the potential to cure type 2 diabetes!
The fascinating part of this study, however, was the financial implications of weight loss surgery, such as gastric bypass or gastric band surgery. Researchers found that, on average, the average cost of health care per person before surgery was $6,376. One year after surgery health care costs decreased by 34.25% or $2,179. After two years, health care costs per person decreased by 70.5% or $4,498 per person.
Over the past ten years, insurance coverage for bariatric surgery has improved greatly but still remains spotty at best. This study makes an excellent financial argument for the coverage of bariatric surgery because of its health and cost benefits.
We can Help You Fight Obesity
If you are struggling with your weight and with type 2 diabetes, weight loss surgery may be right for you. Our staff at Ehrlich Bariatrics in Connecticut can provide you with a free insurance verification and help you understand which procedure is right for you. Call us today at 203.880.5000 or register for a free seminar to learn more.
References:
The Skinny