Comparative Effectiveness of Bariatric Surgery Versus Medical Management to Induce Diabetes Remission in Diabetic Patients With BMI 30-35

Specific Aims \& Hypothesis Primary Aim: To evaluate laparoscopic bariatric surgery versus intensive medical weight management on indices of insulin resistance and resolution of type 2 diabetes among patients with BMI 30-35. Hypothesis: Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment to induce diabetes remission in obese diabetic patients BMI 30-35. The primary outcomes will be assessed at 6 months: (1) within-patient change in insulin resistance after either bariatric surgery or initiation of intensive medical weight management, and (2) remission of diabetes, (i.e., fasting glucose \<126mg/dL and glucose \<200mg/dL two hours after a standard 75g oral glucose load without the use of anti-hyperglycemic medications). Insulin resistance will be assessed at randomization and at 6 months with the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA IR) based on insulin and fasting glucose, as well as oral glucose tolerance tests with area-under-the-curve (AUC) measurement for insulin values. Medication discontinuation will be derived from electronic health records and patient self-report at 6 months. Secondary outcomes will include changes in HBA1c, weight, blood pressure, waist circumference, and levels of fasting lipids.