HIQA reviewing metabolic surgery as treatment for Type 2 diabetes and obesity
The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has commenced work on a health technology assessment (HTA) of metabolic surgery for the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity.
Bariatric surgery involves modifying the stomach and intestines to treat obesity. The term metabolic surgery refers to the use of these surgical procedures in the treatment of metabolic diseases. Such as type 2 diabetes. A number of international diabetes associations, including the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), recommend inclusion of metabolic surgery in the clinical care pathway for type 2 diabetes.
The aim of the assessment is to establish the clinical- and cost-effectiveness of metabolic surgery. This will be used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity in Ireland. The assessment will also estimate the budget impact, organisational and resource implications associated with introducing a metabolic surgery programme. The outcome of this assessment will be provided as advice to the Minister for Health. It is to inform a decision on whether or not to introduce a metabolic surgery programme. In addition to existing bariatric surgery services in Ireland.
HIQA’s Chief Scientist spoke about the concern
Dr Conor Teljeur said: “Obesity and type 2 diabetes are significant public health concerns in Ireland and internationally. Obesity increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This can lead to long-term complications including damage to the heart, kidneys or eyes.”
Dr Teljeur continued: “It is important that effective treatment options are available for patients with both type 2 diabetes and obesity to reduce the burden of disease on the healthcare system. The benefits of metabolic surgery are not limited to weight-loss. Surgery may have additional benefits for people with type 2 diabetes such as improvements in blood sugar control. This assessment will consider whether or not metabolic surgery should be incorporated into the clinical care pathway for type 2 diabetes in Ireland.”
HIQA has established an expert advisory group comprising representatives from key stakeholder groups who will advise the HTA evaluation team during the course of this assessment.
The HTA is scheduled to be finalised in early 2022.
Therefore the protocol for the assessment will be published on our website.
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