The role of bariatric surgery in the treatment of type 2 diabetes: current evidence and clinical guidelines.

The incidence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) continues to rise worldwide. The management of T2D is challenging and therefore amenable to multimodality treatment options. Many published observations of obese individuals with T2D that have undergone bariatric surgery consistently demonstrate remarkable improvement and short-term remission of T2D. Recently published randomized trials confirm these findings and demonstrate significantly improved glycemic control following bariatric procedures, especially Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. However, the question of long-term remission remains uncertain. Clinicians may consider the use of bariatric surgery as a treatment option for certain obese patients with T2D who have failed intensive lifestyle intervention and conventional pharmacotherapy.