Obesity, in and of itself, is a physical and emotional challenge. But what many people don’t remember is that obesity is also connected to an extensive range of conditions including high blood pressure, heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes, just to name a few. Those who make the decision to have weight loss surgery often do so – not just because of the weight itself – but because of a condition that they have developed because of the weight. When weighing the decision to undergo a surgery – not a small thing – against the risk of living with a potentially damaging and life-threatening condition, many people find that surgery is the right decision. Diabetes is a common condition associated with obesity and can leave sufferers with a host of problems. And as the epidemic of obesity continues to rise in this country, the cases of diabetes grows right beside it. In fact, out of the millions of people diagnosed with type II diabetes – the most common form of diabetes that is defined by high levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood – approximately 80% to 90% of those people are also considered obese.

Carrying extra weight puts stress on the body; stress that our bodies are not meant to manage. This includes regulating our blood glucose level. When our body becomes unable to do this, diabetes can develop. Weight loss takes this stress off the body and allows for blood sugar to settle into a normal range which may allow you to reduce and even eliminate medications under the supervision of your doctor.

Left unchecked, however, diabetes can affect eyesight and damage vital organs such as your heart and kidneys.

If you’re dealing with diabetes or any other weight-related condition, consider talking with your doctor about your candidacy for weight loss surgery. By taking the steps to lose weight and live a healthier lifestyle, you can potentially eliminate a variety of life-changing and even life-threatening conditions.