Surgery Aids Moderately Obese Diabetics

Weight-loss surgery can help to control diabetes better than diet and exercise alone in people with mild to moderate obesity, a new study finds. The study focused on 120 people with diabetes. They were about 50 to 70 pounds overweight. Weight-loss surgery usually is used for people who are at least 100 pounds overweight. Less obese people also may qualify if they have weight-related conditions, such as diabetes. The new study randomly divided people into 2 groups. Both groups got an intensive diet and exercise program. One group also received gastric bypass surgery. In the next year, people in the surgery group lost an average of almost 60 pounds. In the non-surgery group, weight loss averaged 17 pounds. About 75% of the surgery group and 30% of the other group reduced blood sugar levels to normal or near normal. About 6% had serious problems as a result of surgery.