Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGPClinical Lead • iatroX
Consider referring a patient with metabolic syndrome to a specialist when they have significant comorbidities or complex needs related to overweight or obesity, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, or other cardiovascular risk factors that are difficult to manage in primary care.
Specifically, referral is appropriate if the patient has:
- Severe obesity with associated comorbidities requiring specialist assessment and management NICE NG246.
- Markedly abnormal lipid profiles suggestive of familial lipid disorders or triglyceride levels above 10 mmol/L after excluding secondary causes, warranting specialist lipid assessment NICE NG238.
- Complications such as poorly controlled blood glucose or hypertension despite initial management, or other metabolic complications that need specialist input NICE NG246,NICE NG238.
- Complex needs including physical disabilities, learning disabilities, or other special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) that complicate management NICE NG246.
Referral should also be considered when lifestyle and behavioural interventions in primary care have been insufficient, and higher-level interventions or multidisciplinary input are needed NICE NG246.