Bariatric surgery as an adjuvant treatment in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is considered a chronic disease with high prevalence. Poor glycemic control is directly associated with the development of renal, cardiovascular, ocular, and neuropathic complications. One third of this population is affected by obesity, a condition that significantly hinders diabetes management and worsens its complications. This limits the long-term effectiveness of conventional treatment, highlighting the need for alternative approaches such as bariatric surgery. To evaluate the effect of bariatric surgery as an adjuvant treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus, a literature review was conducted using original articles from primary and secondary sources in English and Spanish, retrieved from PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase databases, published between 2019 and 2025. Bariatric surgery has gained an important role in diabetes treatment by promoting metabolic control of glucose through systemic changes that enhance both insulin sensitivity and secretion, along with significant weight loss. Its introduction as a therapeutic option in patients with obesity and uncontrolled diabetes may lead to remission of type 2 diabetes mellitus.