Portugal’s Middle Tagus Region Launches Integrated Center to Combat Obesity and diabetes Epidemic

The Middle Tagus local Health Unit (ULS) in Portugal is taking a proactive step to address the growing concerns of obesity and diabetes with the establishment of a new Integrated Responsibility Center (CRI). Announced today, this specialized center, coupled with a Morbid Obesity Treatment Center, aims to provide comprehensive care, from diagnosis to prevention and treatment, for individuals grappling with these chronic conditions.

The council of Administration of ULS Tagus, headquartered in Torres Novas, Santarém district, emphasized that the creation of the obesity and diabetes CRI is designed to “obtain health gains, placing the user in the centrality of comprehensive care.” This patient-centered approach reflects a growing trend in healthcare towards integrated and personalized treatment plans.

The project, primarily based at the Tomar hospital unit, extends its reach through external consultations at all three ULS hospitals in Abrantes, Tomar, and Torres Novas, starting today. Recognizing the potential of technology, the CRI will also leverage telemedicine to enhance patient access and monitoring. Moreover, the initiative includes a “significant increase in the placement of continuous insulin perfusion systems (‘insulin bombs’ of state-of-the-art),” offering advanced treatment options for diabetes management.

The Rising Tide of Obesity and diabetes: A Public Health Crisis

Portugal, like the United States, is facing a concerning rise in obesity rates. The ULS notes that the prevalence of obesity is “constantly increasing,” with a “growing number of adults and children to be affected.” This trend, combined with an aging population, is contributing to a parallel increase in the prevalence of diabetes.This mirrors the situation in the U.S., where the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that over 40% of adults are obese, and more then 37 million americans have diabetes. These conditions not only impact individual health but also place a significant strain on the healthcare system.

The ULS Medium Tagus recognizes that addressing these public health challenges “requires an integrated approach, which includes prevention, early diagnosis, effective treatment and continuous follow-up.” This holistic strategy is crucial for managing the complex interplay of factors that contribute to obesity and diabetes.

A Multidisciplinary Approach to Comprehensive care

The new CRI represents an “vital step in this direction,” according to ULS Medium Tagus. It brings together a dedicated team of healthcare professionals, including specialists in Internal Medicine, General Surgery, and Nephrology. This core team will work in “close collaboration” with experts in psychiatry, ophthalmology, and physiatry, ensuring that patients receive comprehensive care addressing all aspects of their health.

The team also includes nurses specializing in diabetes, nutritionists, psychologists, and podiatrists, reflecting the understanding that managing obesity and diabetes requires a multifaceted approach that addresses not only medical needs but also lifestyle factors, mental health, and foot care.

cristina Gonçalves, director of the CRI, stated that “With this multidisciplinary team and integrated approach, we can offer more effective, complete care and in equity conditions for patients with diabetes and obesity in our region.” She emphasized that the CRI “represents an critically important step to improve the health and well-being” of the community.

This multidisciplinary approach aligns with best practices in diabetes and obesity management, as recommended by organizations like the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the Obesity Society in the U.S.

Integrated Responsibility Centers: A Model for Healthcare Delivery

The ULS Tagus has already established four distinct CRIs, each focusing on a specific area of healthcare. These include orthopedics (established in October 2023), mental health (July 2024), outpatient surgery (October 2024), and now obesity and diabetes. this model of care delivery, centered around Integrated Responsibility Centers, allows for a more coordinated and specialized approach to healthcare.

This approach could offer valuable lessons for healthcare systems in the U.S., where fragmentation of care is a common challenge. By creating integrated centers focused on specific conditions, healthcare providers can improve coordination, reduce duplication of services, and ultimately provide better patient outcomes.

Serving the Community: A wide Reach

ULS Tagus provides direct healthcare services to approximately 169,270 residents across several municipalities in the Santarém and Castelo branco districts. With three hospitals located in Abrantes, Tomar, and Torres Novas, the ULS is strategically positioned to serve a broad geographic area.

Potential Counterarguments and Considerations

While the establishment of the CRI is a positive step, it’s critically important to acknowledge potential challenges. These may include:

funding and resources: ensuring adequate funding and resources for the CRI will be crucial for its long-term success.
Staffing: Attracting and retaining qualified healthcare professionals, especially in specialized areas like diabetes education and nutrition counseling, may be challenging.
Patient engagement: Effectively engaging patients in their own care and promoting adherence to treatment plans will be essential for achieving positive outcomes.
Accessibility: Ensuring that the CRI’s services are accessible to all residents, regardless of their socioeconomic status or geographic location, will be critical for promoting health equity.

Looking Ahead: A Healthier Future

The creation of the Integrated Responsibility Center for obesity and diabetes in the Middle Tagus region of Portugal represents a significant investment in the health and well-being of the community. By adopting a multidisciplinary, patient-centered approach, the CRI has the potential to make a real difference in the lives of individuals affected by these chronic conditions. As the CRI begins its work, it will be important to monitor its progress, address any challenges that arise, and share lessons learned with other healthcare providers both in portugal and around the world. This proactive approach to combating obesity and diabetes offers a model for other regions facing similar public health challenges, including communities across the United States.