Diabetes as an Indication for Bariatric Surgery

Global incidence and prevalence of type II diabetes (T2DM) has paralleled the rise in obesity. Bariatric surgery is currently the most effective treatment for obesity, and is superior to medical management in the treatment of diabetes. Reported rates of diabetes remission following bariatric surgery range between 9 and 100%. Remission rates and durability vary by procedure type. Surgery appears to have weight-independent metabolic benefits. Additionally, surgery is a powerful tool for diabetes treatment in patients with body mass index under 35, who do not meet the typical criteria for inclusion in a bariatric program. Underrepresented racial and ethnic populations likely benefit from bariatric surgery at a lower BMI compared to Caucasian patients. Here we review the extensive evidence to support diabetes as a primary indication for bariatric surgery.