Diabetes Surgery Turkey. Type 2 Diabetes is often viewed as a chronic, progressive sentence a condition managed but never cured, slowly taking a toll on the kidneys, eyes and heart. For millions, life is a cycle of medication, insulin injections and dietary restrictions. But what if diabetes wasn’t your destiny? What if you could hit “reset” on your body’s metabolic system? This is the promise of Metabolic Surgery. Unlike standard weight loss procedures, this advanced field of medicine targets the hormonal roots of the disease. Turkey has emerged as a global center of excellence for these sophisticated surgeries, offering hope and remission to patients who thought they would be diabetic forever.
Metabolic Surgery Explained
It is crucial to distinguish between simple obesity surgery and metabolic surgery. While both lead to weight loss, the primary goal of metabolic surgery is to treat metabolic syndrome and Type 2 Diabetes. The mechanism goes beyond a smaller stomach. By rearranging the intestines, surgeons manipulate the body’s hormonal signals. Specifically, the procedure aims to stimulate the release of GLP-1 hormone (Glucagon-like Peptide-1) from the small intestine. This powerful hormone increases insulin production, reduces insulin resistance and signals satiety to the brain. Essentially, the surgery wakes up a sluggish metabolism, allowing the body to regulate blood sugar naturally again.
Ileal Interposition Surgery
One of the most effective and complex procedures in this field is Ileal Interposition. This surgery involves a “swap.” The surgeon takes a segment of the ileum (the last part of the small intestine) and interposes it closer to the stomach exit or moves it upwards. This ensures that food reaches the ileum much faster than normal. When undigested food hits this segment early, it triggers an immediate and massive release of GLP-1 and other incretin hormones. This hormonal surge shuts down glucose production in the liver and boosts pancreatic function, often leading to rapid normalization of blood sugar levels even before significant weight loss occurs.
Transit Bipartition Surgery
Transit Bipartition is another advanced technique gaining popularity due to its physiological benefits. In this procedure, a connection (anastomosis) is made between the stomach and the lower intestine, but the natural path through the duodenum is also kept open. This creates two routes for food: one “fast track” to stimulate hormones and one “normal track” for nutrient absorption. Because the natural pathway is preserved, patients have a much lower risk of vitamin and mineral deficiencies compared to bypass surgeries, making it a safer long-term option for metabolic control.
Who Can Have Diabetes Surgery?
Not every diabetic is a candidate. The success of the surgery relies on the pancreas still having the ability to produce insulin. Therefore, the most critical criterion is a sufficient pancreatic reserve, measured by a C-Peptide test. Ideal candidates are patients with Type 2 Diabetes (typically diagnosed for less than 10-15 years) who have adequate insulin production but suffer from insulin resistance. They generally have a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 30, though new guidelines sometimes consider lower BMIs in uncontrolled cases. It is vital to note that this surgery is not for Type 1 Diabetics, as their pancreas does not produce insulin.
As Dr. Hakan from International Plus states: ‘Metabolic surgery is not just about stomach reduction; it is a complex rearrangement of the digestive system to trigger hormonal healing. We meticulously evaluate the pancreatic reserve of every patient to ensure they are the right candidate for this life changing procedure.’
Success Rates Of Metabolic Surgery
The word “cure” is used cautiously in medicine, so we speak of “remission” the state of having normal blood sugar levels without medication. The success rates for metabolic surgery are compelling. In well-selected candidates, long-term remission rates can reach 85-90%. Beyond blood sugar, these surgeries have a profound effect on the entire metabolic syndrome, often resolving or significantly improving high blood pressure, high cholesterol and sleep apnea, thereby extending both the quality and length of life.
Insulin Freedom
For many patients, the daily burden of insulin injections is the hardest part of diabetes. The most celebrated outcome of metabolic surgery is insulin freedom. Because the hormonal shift is immediate, many patients leave the hospital without needing their insulin pump or injections. For others, the dosage is drastically reduced within weeks.
One of our patients, Robert from the UK (diabetic for 15 years), shares: ‘I was taking 4 insulin shots a day and my kidneys were failing. Two days after my surgery at International Plus, my sugar levels normalized. I haven’t touched insulin since. It gave me my life back.’
Type 2 Diabetes Surgery Cost 2026
Metabolic surgeries like Ileal Interposition and Transit Bipartition are technically demanding procedures requiring high-level surgical skills and longer operating times than a standard gastric sleeve. Consequently, they are priced higher. However, the Type 2 diabetes surgery cost 2026 in Turkey remains significantly lower often 60% less than in the US or Europe. When weighed against the lifetime cost of insulin, medications and diabetes complications, the surgery is a financially sound investment in your future health.
Life After Diabetes Surgery
Surgery is a powerful tool, but it is not a license to eat recklessly. Life after diabetes surgery requires a commitment to healthy living. However, unlike the strict, deprivation-based diets of the past, post-surgery nutrition is about balance and quality. You will be able to enjoy a varied diet, but your reduced appetite and improved metabolism will make healthy choices easier. Regular follow-ups and blood tests are essential to monitor your new, healthy status.
Complications of Diabetes Surgery
As with any major abdominal surgery, there are risks, including bleeding, infection or leakage at the connection points (anastomosis). There is also a small risk of nutritional deficiencies if supplements are not taken. However, at International Plus, we minimize these risks through rigorous pre-operative screening, the use of advanced stapling technology and the expertise of surgeons who specialize exclusively in metabolic procedures.
Wondering if your pancreas is still producing enough insulin for surgery? Get a comprehensive metabolic assessment from our experts at International Plus Metabolic Surgery Center today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is diabetes surgery the same as gastric sleeve?
No. A gastric sleeve only reduces the stomach volume. While it helps with weight loss and offers some metabolic benefit, dedicated diabetes surgeries (like Transit Bipartition) involve intestinal rearrangement to specifically target the hormones responsible for insulin resistance.
Will I stop taking insulin immediately after surgery?
Many patients stop insulin immediately after surgery as their blood sugar levels drop rapidly. Others may need a tapering dose for a few weeks or months. Your endocrinologist will guide this process based on your daily measurements.
Can Type 1 diabetics have metabolic surgery?
No. Metabolic surgery works by optimizing the body’s use of its own insulin. Since Type 1 diabetics do not produce insulin, this surgery cannot cure their condition, though it may help with weight management in obese Type 1 patients.
What is the success rate of diabetes surgery in Turkey?
Turkey has very high success rates due to the high volume of cases and experienced surgeons. Generally, 80-90% of Type 2 diabetes patients achieve remission or significant improvement, meaning they can stop or drastically reduce medication.
Conclusion
Diabetes is a thief that steals your health, your energy and your future. Metabolic surgery offers a way to stop the theft. It is a scientifically proven, life-altering intervention that addresses the root cause of the disease. At International Plus, we are dedicated to guiding you toward a life free from the constraints of diabetes.
Don’t let diabetes control your future. Discover the path to remission and health. Explore our specialized Diabetes Surgery packages and book your consultation now.
At International Plus, we are dedicated to making your transformation as smooth as possible. We organize the entire process for you, including your appointments, VIP transfers, medical treatment and luxury accommodation. The only thing you need to arrange is your flight ticket.
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International Plus was established from scratch in 2014 with the sole purpose of providing a world class center for plastic and cosmetic surgery by SAMİLSAN SAĞLIK HİZMETLERİ TURİZM DANIŞMANLIK TİCARET LİMİTED ŞİRKETİ International Plus has developed a worldwide reputation for its unique treatments and techniques. With over 10 years of experience, our talented medical experts are among the best in their respective fields. You are our priority. We are convinced that good communication between you and your surgeon is essential when planning your treatments. We offer realistic advice and the most suitable treatments for you.
