Griffith University Study Highlights the Impact of Bariatric Surgery on Type 2 Diabetes
Researchers at Griffith University in Australia have presented evidence that bariatric surgery can significantly alleviate type 2 diabetes in people who are severely obese. The findings appear in the journal PLOS ONE and add to a growing body of work on how weight-loss procedures influence metabolic health.
Type 2 diabetes is a long-term condition marked by high blood glucose levels resulting from the body’s impaired use of insulin. While lifestyle factors such as physical activity and diet play a major role, obesity remains a major risk factor. Bariatric surgery, which reduces stomach capacity and can alter gut hormones, is one option for managing obesity and its metabolic consequences when other treatments have not achieved lasting results.
In the Griffith University study, 212 patients underwent either gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy. After twelve months, participants showed an average weight loss of about 24 percent, a reduction in blood glucose levels by roughly the same amount, and substantial improvements in overall metabolic health. These results are particularly relevant for healthcare systems in North America where obesity and type 2 diabetes co-exist with rising health care costs.
Nearly half of the patients were able to discontinue diabetes-related medications within a year, reflecting the potential for sustained remission in some cases. Additionally, about 37 percent of participants who had high blood pressure experienced normalization of their blood pressure within the same timeframe. Many patients also demonstrated improved kidney function, suggesting broader benefits beyond glucose control. Patient satisfaction with the procedure and its outcomes during the recovery period exceeded 97.5 percent, underscoring the acceptability of these procedures among patients and clinicians alike.
For United States and Canadian health systems, these findings reinforce the role of bariatric surgery as a powerful intervention for eligible patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes. By reducing stored fat, altering hormonal signals, and improving insulin sensitivity, bariatric procedures may help patients achieve or sustain glycemic control, decrease medication dependence, and reduce cardiovascular and kidney-related risks. The study’s results align with other research showing that metabolic improvements can persist beyond the first year, though long-term follow-up matters for assessing durability and safety.
As newer approaches and refinements in surgical techniques continue to evolve, clinicians in North America are increasingly evaluating patient selection criteria, perioperative care, and post-surgical support to maximize outcomes. Decisions about bariatric surgery should be made through careful consultation with a multidisciplinary medical team, considering individual health status, weight history, and personal preferences. The Griffith University findings contribute to a growing understanding of how obesity-related metabolic disease can be addressed through effective weight-loss strategies, ultimately improving quality of life for many patients.
In summary, the study demonstrates that bariatric procedures such as gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy can produce meaningful weight loss and substantial metabolic benefits within a year for obese individuals with type 2 diabetes. The potential to reduce the need for diabetes medications, restore normal blood pressure in a notable subset of patients, and enhance kidney function highlights the broader clinical value of these operations. As health systems in North America continue to confront the burden of obesity and diabetes, this research supports ongoing evaluation of surgical options as part of comprehensive diabetes management.