Újszeged Medical Center

We are placing increasing emphasis on identifying and treating diabetes complications, as they significantly affect life expectancy. One reason for this is that, unfortunately, even today, diabetes is often only recognized once complications have developed, despite the fact that the metabolic disorder might have been present for decades. Another reason is that diabetes, thanks to advanced medical and insulin therapies aimed at reducing blood sugar levels, is now well-managed. Many patients have been receiving treatment for several decades, which gives them the chance to develop late-stage complications.

According to current scientific knowledge, near-normal blood glucose levels (a normoglycemic state) prevent or at least delay microangiopathic (small blood vessel-related) complications and inhibit their progression. This means that even the progression of complications detected in the later stages of diabetes can be slowed with proper metabolic control and targeted treatment. Preventing macroangiopathic (large blood vessel-related) complications, however, requires addressing the underlying causes through comprehensive treatment.

The narrowing of arteries is caused by calcification and constriction of arterial walls. These arteries supply blood throughout the body, so their damage not only leads to circulatory issues in the limbs but can also cause severe problems in the heart and brain. Factors such as lipid metabolism disorders and impaired uric acid metabolism increase this risk and can be detected through laboratory tests available at our center. An annual ECG is an essential part of the comprehensive complication screening package offered at the Újszeged Diabetes Center. If abnormalities are detected, our cardiologists perform a cardiac ultrasound during their specialist examination.

The most complex and prevalent complication is the development of diabetic foot. Symptoms result from circulatory disorders and nerve damage. Neuropathic symptoms often occur at rest, frequently at night, and are not caused by physical exertion. In contrast, circulatory problems due to oxygen deprivation manifest as calf pain during exertion, typically after walking a certain distance, which subsides with rest (claudication intermittens). Common symptoms include diminished or lost sensations (pain, heat, touch, and vibration), which can result in unsteady walking, numbness, and tingling in the feet. Many patients fail to notice small wounds (leg ulcers, or ulcus cruris in Latin) due to the absence of pain. Unfortunately, these patients often seek medical help only when they have large ulcers. In advanced cases, even the toes can become ulcerated, potentially leading to limb amputation, which is one of the most feared complications of diabetes.

Regular foot examinations, timely wound care, consistent monitoring of blood sugar, lipid levels, and blood pressure, managing obesity, and quitting smoking can prevent these complications. Rapid screening for this condition is also possible at the Újszeged Diabetes Center using Doppler ultrasound, which is highly recommended annually for all diabetic patients. If abnormalities are confirmed, vascular surgeons can recommend discounted medication if necessary.

In preventing arterial narrowing, we place special emphasis on nerve damage and its screening at our Diabetes Center. This focus is supported by recent scientific findings showing that patients with asymptomatic neuropathy are at increased risk of other cardiovascular complications. These results are backed by the internationally recognized scientific work of the clinical diabetologists at the Diabetes Center, who publish their findings in academic journals, conferences, and books. With this cutting-edge knowledge, patients identified through neuropathy screening can be referred more quickly to cardiology, neurology, or nephrology care, thereby avoiding fatal consequences.

The treatment of complications typically requires the collaboration of multiple medical specialties. At the Újszeged Diabetes Center, this interdisciplinary care is unique, supported by outstanding specialists in both scientific and clinical practice. Comprehensive complication screening tests recommended annually can be completed within a few hours after prior appointment at the Diabetes Center.

Comprehensive Complication Screening Package:

• Laboratory tests – Risk assessment: (blood lipids, uric acid, HgbA1c, body fat percentage, BMI, blood pressure)
• Urine test – Protein excretion screening
• Neurometer – Screening for nerve damage
• ECG – Coronary artery screening
• Doppler ultrasound – Examination of limb arterial narrowing