Blog Posts

Diabetes and obesity

July 1, 2020

Diabetes has long been linked to obesity. Overweight and obese individuals increase their risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes, which differs from type 1 (where the pancreas produces little, if any, insulin) results when the pancreas does produce enough insulin, but the cells in the body have become resistant to it. New studies have suggested that the insides of individual cells within the body can become stressed when an individual is overweight. Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) is located on the inside of cells, and overeating stresses the membranous network out. Essentially, the ER has too many nutrients to handle, and it becomes overwhelmed, so it sends out an alarm. This alarm tells the insulin receptors on the cell surface to become less sensitive, which leads to insulin resistance and high blood sugar. Fortunately, where type 1 diabetes is often a chronic and inherited condition, type 2 diabetes can be managed with diet and exercise. In some cases, it can even be reversed.  

There is no cure for type 2 diabetes, but some individuals may be able to reverse it, or at the very least, manage it easier and regulate blood sugar levels through diet and exercise. You may not require medication any longer, either. Diet and exercise are also able to help curb the symptoms or health concerns that come with type 2 diabetes. Losing a significant amount of weight immediately following diagnosis has proved to be a successful way to help reverse the disease.  

Exercising alone may not be enough to reverse the effects of type 2 diabetes, which is why it should be used in conjunction with a healthy diet and weight loss. The Lap-Band® Program is ideal for individuals who have tried various other methods of weight loss but have found no success or have been unable to maintain the weight loss. The Lap-Band is a tool that can be tightened or loosened as your body or your physical needs change over time, therefore helping you achieve your weight-loss goals and maintain weight loss for a lifetime. It can help you stick to a healthy diet and regular exercise regimen. Following these healthy patterns has been shown to improve certain health conditions, like type 2 diabetes. 

Source: Dixon, et al. “Adjustable Gastric Banding and Conventional Therapy for Type 2 Diabetes.” JAMA. 2008.

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Important Lap-Band® System Safety Information

The Lap-Band System is indicated for weight reduction for patients with obesity, with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of at least 40 kg/m2 or a BMI of at least 30 kg/m2 with one or more obesity-related comorbid conditions. It is indicated for use only in adult patients who have failed more conservative weight reduction alternatives, such as supervised diet, exercise and behavior modification programs. Patients who elect to have this surgery must make the commitment to accept significant changes in their eating habits for the rest of their lives.

The Lap-Band System is not recommended for non-adult patients (patients under 18 years of age), patients with conditions that may make them poor surgical candidates or increase the risk of poor results, who are unwilling or unable to comply with the required dietary restrictions, or who currently are or may be pregnant.

The Lap-Band System is a long-term implant. Explant and replacement surgery may be required. Patients who become pregnant or severely ill, or who require more extensive nutrition may require deflation of their bands. Anti-inflammatory agents, such as aspirin, should be used with caution and may contribute to an increased risk of band erosion.

Placement of the Lap-Band System is major surgery and, as with any surgery, death can occur. Possible complications include the risks associated with the medications and methods used during surgery, the risks associated with any surgical procedure, and the patient’s ability to tolerate a foreign object implanted in the body. Most common related adverse events include: Band slippage, pouch dilation, stoma obstruction, gastroesophageal reflux, esophageal dilation, cholelithiasis, incisional infection, abdominal pain, gastroenteritis, or nausea and vomiting may occur. Reoperation may be required. Rapid weight loss may result in complications that may require additional surgery. Deflation of the band may alleviate excessively rapid weight loss or esophageal dilation.

Important: For full safety information please click here or talk with your doctor.