In recent years, as the waistbands of Americans of all ages continue to stretch, there has been much written about the many health risks associated with obesity. The development of Type 2 diabetes is among one of those risks and affects more than 17 million Americans today. The health risks and potential side effects associated with diabetes increase the likelihood that an individual will experience a stroke, kidney failure and cardiac problems.
Both the prevalence and dire consequences related to obesity and diabetes, has prompted medical researchers to examine new treatment options. The results of one clinical trial were recently released and show that gastric bypass and other stomach reducing surgeries may help reduce the negative side effects or perhaps effectively cure diabetes.
For the study, medical researchers examined 150 people with severe diabetes who were also considered to be mildly obese. Some of the participants were prescribed medication, while others underwent some sort of stomach reducing surgery. Three years later, the blood sugar levels of those individuals who underwent surgery had significantly improved over that of those who only received medication.
Additionally, those who underwent surgery had lost an average of 23 percent body weight as compared to only 4 percent among the medication-only participants. Even more encouraging were reported blood sugar levels which were deemed normal in five percent of the medication-only participants and roughly 31 percent of those participants who underwent surgery. While researchers admit the results of this clinical trial are encouraging, they know that many individuals who undergo stomach-reducing surgeries eventually regain weight which may also trigger the return of diabetes.
Today, the millions of Americans who are living and suffering with the ill-effects of diabetes may qualify to receive social security disability benefits. The application process for securing SSD benefits can be complex and the determination period lengthy. For those planning to apply for SSD benefits or who have previously been denied benefits, an attorney can help improve the likelihood that an application or appeal will be successful.
