Újszeged Medical Center

We are increasingly focusing on the recognition and treatment of diabetes complications, as they significantly affect life expectancy. One reason for this is that, unfortunately, diabetes is often only diagnosed when complications have already appeared, even though the metabolic disorder may have been present for decades. Another reason is that diabetes, thanks to advanced medical and insulin treatments aimed at reducing blood sugar, is now well-managed. Many patients have been receiving treatment for decades, which increases the chance of developing late-stage complications.

According to current scientific understanding, near-normal blood glucose levels (a normoglycemic state) prevent or at least delay microangiopathic (small vessel-related) complications and inhibit their progression. This means that even the worsening of complications discovered at late stages of diabetes can be slowed down with proper metabolic control and targeted treatment. Preventing macroangiopathic (large vessel-related) complications, however, is only possible with a comprehensive approach to treating the underlying causes.

The narrowing of arteries is caused by the hardening and constriction of their walls. These arteries are found throughout the body, so their damage not only leads to circulatory issues in the limbs but also causes serious problems in the heart (angina pectoris) and brain. This risk is increased by lipid metabolism disorders and impaired uric acid metabolism, which can be detected through laboratory tests available at our center.

Myocardial infarction (heart attack or AMI) is the most severe form of coronary artery disease and unfortunately poses an immediate threat to life in most cases. It occurs when the coronary arteries become calcified, narrowed, and blocked due to atherosclerosis. The blood supply is cut off in the blocked artery, and without oxygen, the heart muscle dies. Where the heart muscle dies, scar tissue forms, which cannot participate in the heart’s pumping function. The larger the scar tissue, the weaker the pumping function becomes, eventually leading to congestive heart failure. If intervention is done within the first few hours of a heart attack, blood flow can be restored, minimizing or even preventing scar tissue formation. This is why early recognition and immediate hospital treatment of heart attacks are crucial, but preventing the narrowing of coronary arteries is the most beneficial.

In diabetic patients, "silent heart attacks" are also common, meaning the process occurs without pain, mainly due to nerve damage. It is often only discovered incidentally during an ECG or other cardiological examination. By this stage, the process is irreversible, and the scar tissue remains, which weakens the heart's pumping function. Unfortunately, it's common for even routine tasks to cause significant shortness of breath. The patient continues to live with the consequences of the heart attack, and the risk of another coronary artery blockage is increased. In this case, our goal is to ensure the proper functioning of the heart and prevent another heart attack. In addition to proper medication, a complete lifestyle change (diet, exercise, stress management) is essential. The Újszeged Diabetes Center, with its experienced clinical specialists, dietitian, and diabetes educator, offers comprehensive support in this regard.

The recommended annual ECG examination is part of the comprehensive complication screening package at the Újszeged Diabetes Center. If any abnormalities are detected, our cardiologists will perform a cardiac ultrasound during their specialist examination.

In preventing coronary artery narrowing, the Diabetes Center places special emphasis on nerve damage and its screening. This is increasingly important because recent scientific findings show that patients with even asymptomatic neuropathy are at an increased risk for other cardiovascular complications. These findings are supported by the internationally recognized scientific work of the clinical diabetologists at the Diabetes Center, who publish in academic journals and at conferences, and even have their work published in books. With this modern knowledge, those identified through neuropathy screening can be referred more quickly for cardiological, neurological, and nephrological care, thereby avoiding fatal consequences.

The treatment of complications generally requires the collaboration of several medical specialties. At the Újszeged Diabetes Center, this interdisciplinary care is unique, with outstanding specialists available in both scientific and clinical practice. At the Diabetes Center, after prior consultation, the recommended comprehensive complication screening tests can be completed within a few hours.

Comprehensive Complication Screening Package:

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