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Gastric bypass and type two diabetes

Jan 23, 2008 | Associated Press | MSNBC News

Obesity surgery is becoming increasingly popular. Gastric Bypass is often used to help people lose weight.

But we found out it may also be a cure for people with type two diabetes.

This used to be Ron Lorio before he lost 130 pounds. He suffered with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, gout, sleep apnea and type two diabetes.

His declining health made him consider gastric bypass surgery.

Ron says, "My doctor told me it would probably save my life."

Ron was most concerned about his skyrocketing diabetes.

He adds, "Hopefully I was never going to be taking shots but who knows, it scared me."

Ron went to Rochester General Hospital to have a stomach bypass operation like this one.

Gastric bypass surgeon, Dr. Anthony Di Benedetto says its been known for years that this operation not only dramatically reduces a person's weight, but can also improve obesity related diseases like high blood pressure, high cholesterol and sleep apnea. He says the biggest benefit is for people with type 2 diabetes.

Dr. Di Benedetto says "The majority of my patients will see their diabetes go before they leave the hospital if they're type 2 diabetic. They'll come in taking diabetic medication and in 2 to 3 days their diabetes will be gone and they will go home with no medication."

Dr. Di Benedetto says the surgery can alleviate type 2 diabetes 86 to 92 percent of the time.

He adds, "A lot of people are afraid of the diabetes and the long term effects. They get pushed over the edge into bariatric surgery because of the diabetes."

The exact reason why the surgery has such a dramatic and quick impact isn't clear but extensive research is underway.

Ron says he's never felt better and thankful that he got his life and his health back.

He says, 'It just went up and down like a yo-yo as far as my weight goes I've been on medication for the last 25 years, now all I take is a vitamin, it's wonderful."

20 to 40 percent of all gastric bypass patients will have type-two diabetes. Up to 90-percent will see the disease go away after surgery.

Dieting can improve type two diabetes, but with severely obese people that can be more difficult.