Type 2 Diabetes has been called one of the fastest growing diseases in Canada. For those who suffer from the disease it can mean a reduced quality of life, higher risk for other health complications and worst of all a shortened life expectancy. However, recent studies have shown that the significant weight loss most patients achieve through the Lap-Band Program can lead to improvements and in many cases remission of Type 2 Diabetes.
FACTS ABOUT TYPE 2 DIABETES
Diabetes is a chronic and progressive disease that can shorten life expectancy by 5 to 10 years. It is a factor in approximately 41,500 deaths in Canada each year. Those who suffer from Diabetes are also at a higher risk for other health complications such as heart disease, kidney failure, amputation, blindness and erectile dysfunction.
90% of people with diabetes have Type 2 Diabetes. In Canada alone, more than 2 million people have Type 2 Diabetes and that number is expected to reach 3 million in 2010. This makes it one of the fastest growing diseases in the country.
Unfortunately, the existing treatments for Type 2 Diabetes have only been moderately successful, and can result in out-of-pocket costs for the patient of $1,000 to $15,000 a year. Despite this cost, the fact is that only about 50% of people with the disease manage to control their blood sugar levels properly.
Another statistic you may not know, 80-90% of people living with Type 2 Diabetes are overweight or obese.
THERE COULD BE A SOLUTION
There is now some inspiring news for those who are obese (individuals with a BMI 35+) and suffer from Type 2 Diabetes. Studies have shown that the significant weight loss most patients experience with Gastric Banding procedures can resolve the issues of Type 2 Diabetes and in many cases even cause remission.
Gastric Banding has been a well-established option for significant and sustained weight loss in Canada for over 10 years. SWLC uses the Allergan Lap-Band device, which is the only gastric banding device that Health Canada has approved to be a source of improvement or remission of Type 2 Diabetes through weight-loss. That approval is based on a study that showed 73% remission of Type 2 Diabetes within 2 years in a group of Lap-Band patients with a BMI of 35+. That compared with only 13% remission in a similar group of patients receiving conventional diabetes medication and lifestyle approaches.
HOW CAN SWLC HELP?
SmartShape Weight Loss Centre is a Canadian leader in the medical treatment of obesity, specializing in Gastric Band procedure. Equally important to our experience are the personalized and ongoing comprehensive support programs that our clinic’s expert staff provides. These programs provide our patients with the tools they need to not only succeed in their weight loss, but also maintain it, a key in the remission of Type 2 Diabetes.
Now is the time to put your health first.
If you are suffering from Type 2 Diabetes and have a BMI of 35+, Gastric Banding could help. Call SWLC today to book your free consultation. Gone could be far more than pounds. Gone could be the fear of further health complications, the daily stress and concern of managing your blood sugar levels, the sense of loss around the foods you love and the social aspects that come with them and gone could be the out-of-pocket expense for you that comes with living with this disease.