When Medicines Fail to Control Blood Sugar, Metabolic Surgery May Be Considered: AIIMS Expert

Metabolic Surgery May Be an Option for Some Type 2 Diabetes Patients: AIIMS Doctor

Surgery May Be Considered When Blood Sugar Remains Uncontrolled Despite Medication and Lifestyle Changes

New Delhi: A senior doctor at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has said that metabolic surgery may help improve blood sugar control in selected patients with Type 2 diabetes. However, the doctor stressed that it should not be considered a routine treatment for every diabetes patient.

According to Dr. Manjunath Maruti, Professor in the Department of Surgery, some patients can manage their diabetes effectively with medication and lifestyle changes. However, for patients whose blood sugar remains uncontrolled despite appropriate medical treatment, metabolic surgery may offer an evidence-based treatment option.

Which Patients May Be Considered for Surgery?

Dr. Manjunath said metabolic surgery may be considered when:

The patient has had Type 2 diabetes for at least two years.

HbA1c remains above 7.5% despite treatment with more than three oral anti-diabetic medications.

Blood sugar remains inadequately controlled despite medication and lifestyle modifications.

The patient has been advised to start insulin or has already started insulin because other medicines are no longer sufficient to control blood sugar.

He emphasised that every patient's condition is different and that the decision to undergo surgery should be made only after a thorough evaluation by medical specialists.

Potential Long-Term Health Benefits

According to Dr. Manjunath, the initial cost of metabolic surgery should be considered alongside the long-term health and economic burden associated with uncontrolled diabetes.

He also noted that no treatment can guarantee that diabetes-related complications will never occur. However, sustained improvements in metabolic health following surgery may help reduce the long-term burden of diabetes and its complications in appropriate patients.

Important Note

Metabolic surgery is not suitable for every patient with Type 2 diabetes. The decision should be based on factors including the patient's age, weight, HbA1c level, response to medication and other health considerations, and should be taken in consultation with qualified medical specialists.