Type 2 Diabetes - Is Brain Surgery Effective in Lowering Blood Sugar Levels?

Type 2 diabetics can be helped by surgery! Firstly bariatric bypass surgery has been spoken of as an aid in weight loss for Type 2 diabetics and now new research has suggested there is a type of brain surgery which may decrease the onset and progression of Type 2 diabetes. Although improvements, and remission of diabetes often follows on from bariatric surgery, these are not seen in all diabetics.

Brain Surgery: According to a study published in the journal Surgical Neurology International, July 2010, surgery on a structure called the medulla oblongata could offer hope to at least some Type 2 diabetics. The medulla oblongata is the lower part of the brainstem, a collection of nerve tissue that controls your breathing, heart rate, blood pressure and digestive functions. It also has much to do with the pancreas and its secretion of insulin. Part of the medulla oblongata can become compressed when an artery expands with every heartbeat. When that happens it can lead to insulin resistance, which is the hallmark of Type 2 diabetes.

Research Findings: Researchers in the Department of Neurosurgery, Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, United States, operated on 10 diabetics. Compression caused by blood vessels in the medulla oblongata was relieved. Over the following 12 months, 7 of the people operated on showed improvement in their blood sugar control and were able to decrease their anti-diabetes medications. One diabetic was able to discontinue medication entirely while maintaining normal blood sugar levels. Three diabetics whose blood sugar was not improved were obese with an average BMI of 34.4, while those who improved averaged a BMI of 27.9, which is considered overweight but not obese.

The results were consistent with another study published by the same group in 2004. At that time surgery was carried out on 15 people who suffered from nerve problems stemming from compression by blood vessels of the medulla oblongata, and from Type 2 diabetes. This was the outcome:

10 of the patients showed improvement in their blood sugar control after the procedure4 diabetics were able to discontinue their anti-diabetes medication altogether. and1 diabetic was able to achieve good control with less medication normally prescribed

These results are preliminary, and many more studies would have to be carried out before the procedure is proclaimed to be a safe and effective way of treating Type 2 diabetes.

Risk of Surgery Generally: Surgery always carries with it the risks of bleeding, infection, and untoward effects of anesthetic. When the central nervous system is involved, special consideration must be given as to whether the possible benefits of surgery outweigh the risks.

Type 2 Diabetes, High Blood Sugar Levels and High Blood Pressure - What Do They Do To Your Brain?

Keeping your blood sugar levels and your blood pressure under control, could be the way to keep your brain in good condition when you have Type 2 diabetes. This was shown to be the case in research results published in the Journal of Neurological Science, September 2010.

Both high blood sugar levels and elevated blood pressure are known for damaging blood vessels, and that includes those carrying oxygen and energy to your brain. Middle-aged women were studied to discover whether having both Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, or hypertension, could contribute to the decline in the workings of the brain.

Tests of brain function:

One hundred and thirteen women ranging in age between 49 and 63 with a diagnosis of both Type 2 diabetes and hypertension, were comparedWith 27 women aged 46 to 60 years with Type 2 diabetes but without hypertension

Eighty-seven per cent of the ladies with both diabetes and hypertension showed a definite decline in their mental function. Only 70% of these volunteers with diabetes, but with normal blood pressure, showed signs of mental decline. It was therefore concluded that having both Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure was associated with more mental decline than just having diabetes alone.

Type 2 diabetes and hypertension often coexist: The lesson from this study is that controlling both conditions is important to prevent mental decline.

Treat high blood pressure: Your blood pressure deserves every bit as much attention as your blood sugar if you have Type 2 diabetes, even if you have pre-diabetes. Actually high blood pressure may even be a bigger issue than your blood sugar level. Hypertension increases the risk of blocked arteries not just to the brain, but to the heart, lower extremities and is a major contributor to kidney disease and eye disease in people with both Type 2 and pre-diabetes.

When diet and physical activity are not enough, medications can be lifesaving.

High blood sugar levels: High blood sugars are also known to impair concentration and memory. It can make your thinking 'foggy' and make it difficult for you to think quickly. Recent studies have also shown that compared to non-diabetics of a similar age, diabetics are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer's disease. It is thought the combination of high blood sugar and blood vessel damage contributes to dementia.

Also, most people with Type 2 diabetes have high insulin levels. Too much insulin in the body leads to excessive inflammation which also contributes to brain damage.

Prevention is better than cure: The risk factors for both high blood pressure and high blood sugar levels relate in one way or another to being overweight. So the good news is... this is in your control. Control your weight and you will find both your blood sugar levels and your blood pressure will be lower, along with your risk of developing any type of brain dysfunction.

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