Diabetes -- Dallas Weight Loss Surgeon at Kim Bariatric Institute Discusses an Alarming New Study

DALLAS, TX--(Marketwired - Mar 3, 2015) - It's known as the "Silent Killer," because it often starts in the body without overt symptoms that let one know something is wrong. Recent statistics from the Centers for Disease Control estimate that more than 29 million people in the U.S. have it. It can lead to stroke, heart disease, blindness, and other debilitating, and even deadly, complications -- yet, many do not even know they have it until serious health conditions arise. Diabetes is widespread and a major threat to one's life and health, and a new study reported by Laura Tedesco in Yahoo! Health suggests that 30% of Americans who have the condition are unaware they are suffering from it. Dr. David D. Kim, a Dallas weight loss surgeon and founder of Kim Bariatric Institute, says the study is very revealing, and demonstrates the importance of regular testing, particularly for those at high risk.

The study was spearheaded by researchers at Emory University and published in the Annals of Internal Medicine. It did not distinguish between individuals with type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes (the most common type). Dr. Kim says the number of people in America who have undiagnosed cases of diabetes, estimated at around eight million, is an alarming statistic and underscores the importance of knowing the risk factors, talking with your doctor, and getting (and staying) on a treatment plan as early as possible.

In addition to a family history of the condition, diabetes has been linked to obesity. In fact, Dr. Kim notes, it's one of the most common co-morbidities (health conditions related to morbid obesity). He sees many patients at his practice who have diabetes that has likely developed, at least in part, because of obesity; but, the surgeon says surgical weight loss treatments such as gastric sleeve surgery and other options are often able to reduce the severity -- and even totally cure diabetes -- in many patients.

Not everyone at risk for diabetes suffers from obesity; however, Dr. Kim says, those who do have obesity are often at greater risk for the condition, and weight loss surgery may be a good option to help them reduce serious health risks, improve their dietary and lifestyle habits, and start living healthier and happier lives. Dr. Kim says the study should ultimately serve as a wake-up call for people all across America and from every walk of life. He says everyone -- young and old, those who have the risk factors as well as those who do not -- should have regular testing for the condition. Dr. Kim notes that it's often just a very fast, simple blood test, and the sooner individuals take steps to control diabetes, the better chances they have of being able to lead an active, normal life.

About David D. Kim, MD
Dr. Kim has been designated a "Surgeon of Excellence" by The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (formerly known as the American Society for Bariatric Surgery). He is a Fellow of the ASMBS as well as the American College of Surgeons, and a member of many respected medical organizations. Dr. Kim is the creator of The David Kim Inverted Gastric Sleeve™ -- a procedure designed to enhance the benefits of standard gastric sleeve surgery. Dr. Kim has performed thousands of bariatric surgery procedures and has twice been named a "Top Doctor" in the United States in Castle Connolly Medical Ltd.'s annual list. Dr. Kim is available for interview upon request.

For more information about Kim Bariatric Institute, visit drdkim.net and facebook.com/kimbariatrics.

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