At Metropolitan General, a Diabetology Outpatient Clinic, and an Internal Medicine - Diabetology Clinic operate, staffed by specialized medical and nursing personnel, in collaboration with physicians of all specialties, for the effective prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment of diabetes, as well as for the hospitalization of patients with diabetes.
Within the Internal Medicine - Diabetology Clinic operate the following units:
• Diabetes Prevention Unit
A comprehensive and individualized check-up is performed, along with follow-up by specialized physicians for early diagnosis and proper management of diabetes.
The check-up assesses the risk of developing diabetes, both type 1 (juvenile) and type 2 (adult). Prevention of type 2 diabetes is possible at the prediabetes stage. In type 1 diabetes, prevention refers to early diagnosis and protection from complications, as onset is often sudden and severe. A specialized nurse provides education on nutrition and injection techniques, particularly for patients with type 1 diabetes.
The check-up can be completed within approximately 45 minutes prior to consultation and includes basic hematological and cardiological evaluation. Treatment is decided in a rational and individualized manner by the Diabetologist. Medical history, test results, and medication are recorded electronically, allowing patients to keep daily communication for any concerns.
- Diabetology Outpatient Unit:
Management of the condition is comprehensive, and the goal is not simply to reduce glucose levels. Proper diabetes control means preventing complications. This requires not only the best regulation of all risk factors (e.g., cholesterol, hypertension) but also risk assessment for complications and individualized treatment based on age, lifestyle, occupation, and educational level. Patient education is the cornerstone, enabling individuals with diabetes to effectively self-manage their condition. - Diabetic Foot Unit: Under the supervision of a podiatrist and by appointment, care is provided for all types of lower limb conditions (calluses, hyperkeratosis, ingrown toenails-managed conservatively without total nail removal, ulcers and infections, fungal conditions, trimming of difficult nails, etc.). With proper education and care, as well as the potential use of orthotic or therapeutic footwear, serious foot complications can be prevented.
- Diabetic Neuropathy - Pain Unit:
Preventive screening for diabetic neuropathy (Neuropad test, monofilaments) is performed, and conditions related to diabetes and the nervous system are managed (e.g., cognitive impairment, instability, tremor).
Collaboration with Other Departments
The Diabetology Outpatient Clinic and the Internal Medicine - Diabetology Clinic work closely with other departments of Metropolitan General to ensure that each patient with diabetes has access to a comprehensive, cost-effective, and efficient system of treatment and follow-up. Indicatively:
- The Department of Medical Imaging is equipped with Ultrasound, Triplex, and a new-generation CT scanner, while the Hemodynamic Laboratory, with digital angiography, enables rapid, non-invasive evaluation of all vessels in the body.
- The Department of Interventional Radiology can effectively manage, in most cases with minimally invasive techniques, nearly all vascular complications associated with diabetes.
- The Ophthalmology Department, by appointment, performs eye examinations, particularly fundus evaluation, with a preventive approach by specialized ophthalmologists, and provides all modern treatments when required (laser therapy, injections, etc.).
- The Cardiology Department, with a specialized team of cardiologists, has extensive experience in diabetes. Stress testing, echocardiography (triplex), rhythm and blood pressure Holter monitoring, CT coronary angiography, and conventional coronary angiography are part of its routine diagnostic and therapeutic tools. When hospitalization is required, the department works closely with the diabetologist, as glycemic control in acute cardiac conditions is critical, and appropriate insulin therapy is administered when necessary.