A Michigan Medicine research estimated that for more than 100 million obese Americans, bariatric surgery might correct diabetic problems such as nerve regeneration.

Findings of a recent study published in Diabetologia studies more than 120 individuals who had bariatric surgery for obesity. They investigated two critical markers for peripheral neuropathy in obese patients by obtaining skin biopsies demonstrating the density of nerve fibers in the thigh and leg. Two years following bariatric surgery, nerve fiber density in the thigh improved while remaining steady in the leg.

Results showed that all metabolic risk factors for developing diabetes, such as excessive glucose and lipid levels, improved apart from blood pressure and total cholesterol. They found that patients after two years of bariatric surgery improved peripheral neuropathy, a disorder characterized by nerve damage extending from the spinal cord to the hands and feet.

Experts stated that the studys findings of stable nerve fiber density in the leg and improvement in nerve fiber density in the thigh suggest that bariatric surgery may be an effective therapy for individuals with long-term metabolic impairment to alleviate or reverse peripheral neuropathy.

The current peripheral neuropathy treatment emphasizes pain management, which includes oral drugs such as gabapentin and sodium channel blockers, topical analgesics, and non-medical therapies such as exercise and cognitive behavioral therapy.

 (Source: https://www.news-medical.net/news/20230410/Bariatric-surgery-may-be-an-effective-treatment-for-obese-people-at-risk-of-diabetes-peripheral-neuropathy.aspx)