Újszeged Medical Center

We are placing increasing emphasis on identifying and treating the complications of diabetes, as they significantly influence life expectancy.

One of the reasons for this is that, unfortunately, diabetes is still often only diagnosed when complications have already developed, even though glucose metabolism disorders may have existed for decades. Another reason is that, thanks to advanced medication and insulin therapies aimed at lowering blood sugar, diabetes is now well-managed. As a result, we care for many patients who have been treated for several decades and are at risk of developing late complications.

According to current scientific knowledge, maintaining near-normal blood sugar levels (normoglycemia) prevents or at least delays microangiopathic (small vessel-related) complications and inhibits their progression. This means that even complications detected in the late stages of diabetes can worsen more slowly with proper metabolic control and targeted treatment. Preventing macroangiopathic (large vessel-related) complications, however, requires the comprehensive treatment of underlying causes.

Kidney Damage (Nephropathy): A Common Complication

Kidney damage is a frequent complication, often accompanying patients with high blood pressure. The earliest symptom of kidney damage is protein excretion in the urine (proteinuria). At the Újszeged Diabetes Center, this can be quickly screened using a Minilab that analyzes 12 parameters. Annual testing is recommended to detect kidney damage at the earliest stages, allowing nephrological care to slow its progression. This is crucial to avoid dialysis treatment for kidney failure.

Diabetic kidney complications are classified into five stages. The first two stages are asymptomatic, which is why regular screenings are particularly important for early detection.

• Stage 1: Both the kidneys and the amount of filtrate processed increase in size.
• Stage 2: Structural damage to the kidneys occurs, but there are no clinical symptoms.
• Stage 3: Slightly elevated blood pressure and the presence of protein in the urine appear.
• Stage 4: Kidney function declines, and symptoms such as fatigue, poor general well-being, weight loss, and weakness may occur due to the accumulation of toxins in the blood. These symptoms are nonspecific and may also be characteristic of other conditions. At this stage, significant kidney damage has already occurred, and blood pressure is typically very high. This process is irreversible, making early detection essential.
• Stage 5: Severe structural damage to the kidneys leads to end-stage kidney failure. In addition to the above symptoms, high blood pressure and anemia may develop, and dialysis is often required. Symptoms such as nausea, neurological signs (restlessness, irritability, confusion), and pale skin may also appear.

Preventing Kidney Vessel Narrowing and the Importance of Nerve Damage Screening

At our Diabetes Center, we focus on screening for nerve damage (neuropathy) to help prevent vascular narrowing in the kidneys. This focus has grown because recent scientific findings show that patients with even asymptomatic neuropathy are at a significantly higher risk of developing other cardiovascular complications.

These findings are supported by the internationally recognized scientific work of the clinical diabetologists at our Diabetes Center, which has been published in journals, presented at conferences, and compiled into books. With this cutting-edge knowledge, patients identified through neuropathy screening can be referred earlier to cardiological, neurological, or nephrological care, reducing the likelihood of fatal outcomes.

Managing Diabetes Complications: A Multidisciplinary Approach

The treatment of diabetes complications typically requires collaboration across multiple medical specialties. At the Újszeged Diabetes Center, this interdisciplinary care is unique, provided by specialists who excel in both scientific research and clinical practice. The annual comprehensive screening for complications can be completed within a few hours by prior appointment.

Comprehensive Complication Screening Package

• Laboratory Testing – Risk Assessment: Includes testing for blood lipids, uric acid, HgbA1c, body fat, BMI, and blood pressure.
• Urine Testing – Protein Screening: Detects protein excretion.
• Neurometer – Nerve Damage Screening
• EKG – Coronary Artery Screening
• Doppler Examination – Assessing Narrowing of Peripheral Arteries