Myth: Medication is still more effective than surgery in reducing diabetes complications amongst overweight individuals.
Truth: This is false.
A study in the New England Journal of Medicine compared bariatric surgery and diabetes medication experimental groups only to determine which diabetic patients had improved glycemic control. This research study concluded that glycemic levels were better controlled amongst the bariatric surgery experimental group in comparison to the medication-only group. Other improvements in the bariatric surgery group include a significant weight reduction, less reliance on insulin medications, and improved quality of life.
For further insight into this research study, click here.
Reference
1. Shauer PR, Bhatt DL, Kirwin JP, et al. Bariatric surgery versus intensive medical therapy for diabetes – 5-year outcomes. The New England Journal of Medicine. February 16, 2017. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1600869
