The Diabetology Unit of Metropolitan General provides comprehensive and modern management of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and its complications. This includes effective prevention, early diagnosis, individualized treatment, and management of potential complications, applying the most advanced and up-to-date therapeutic approaches.
The Unit is staffed by specialized and experienced internists-Diabetologists, specialized podiatrists, and highly trained nursing personnel.
It collaborates closely with physicians from other specialties whenever complications arise, in order to design the most appropriate therapeutic management plan for each patient.
The Unit is continuously supported by all diagnostic laboratories of Metropolitan General.
The medical team of the Diabetology Unit believes that:
“People with diabetes can live a normal life without limitations, as long as they are committed to doing so. Diabetes treatment is a dynamic and lifelong process that patients should integrate into their daily routine and make an inseparable part of their lives.”
Services Provided
The Diabetes Prevention Unit offers comprehensive and individualized check-up programs, as well as continuous monitoring by specialized physicians, accompanied by personalized prevention guidance.
The check-up can reliably assess the risk of developing both juvenile diabetes (Type 1) and adult-onset diabetes (Type 2). Prevention of Type 2 diabetes is fully achievable during the prediabetes stage. In Type 1 diabetes, however, “prevention” refers mainly to early diagnosis and optimal glycemic control, as disease onset is usually sudden.
The check-up, offered at a preferential rate, can be completed within approximately 45 minutes prior to the clinical examination and includes all essential hematological and cardiological investigations. Based on the results, treatment is then planned rationally and individually by the Diabetologist.
Medical history, laboratory results, and prescribed treatments are stored electronically, allowing patients with diabetes to communicate daily by telephone regarding any issue or concern.
Diabetes Management Unit
Diabetes management is approached holistically and does not focus solely on reducing blood glucose levels.
Services include:
- Proper regulation and regular monitoring of all cardiovascular risk factors (e.g. cholesterol levels, hypertension)
- Prediction and assessment of complication risks
- Comprehensive medical follow-up in close collaboration with physicians of multiple specialties and Units of Metropolitan General experienced in diabetes management, including the Medical Imaging Unit, Hemodynamics Laboratory, Ophthalmology Unit, and Cardiology Unit
- Effective management of vascular complications through the Interventional Radiology Unit
- Individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s age, lifestyle, profession, and educational background
- Education on injection techniques and proper nutrition by specialized nurses and dietitians
- Psychological support and counseling for both patients and their families
Diabetic Neuropathy (Pain) Unit
The Diabetic Neuropathy Unit provides preventive screening for diabetic neuropathy using Neuropad and monofilament testing, while also treating diabetes-related neurological complications such as neuropathic pain, numbness, and related disorders.
Diabetic Foot Unit
Under the supervision of a Diabetologist and in collaboration with a specialized podiatrist and specially trained nursing staff, the Diabetic Foot Unit provides comprehensive care for all lower limb complications associated with diabetes, including:
- Foot ulcers and infected ulcers
- Calluses and hyperkeratosis
- Ingrown toenails (managed conservatively without total nail removal)
- Fungal infections
- Difficult nail care and trimming
Through proper education, specialized care, and the possible use of orthotic and therapeutic footwear, severe foot complications can be effectively prevented or treated.
Podiatry Unit
Within the framework of the Diabetology Unit and the Diabetic Foot Unit, the Podiatry Unit operates with a focus not only on diabetic foot care but also on a broader range of podiatric conditions.
The Unit offers preventive and therapeutic services at preferential rates including:
- Examination and diagnosis of diabetic neuropathy
- Diabetic foot risk assessment
- Podiatric care
- Nail disorders (onychomycosis, ingrown toenails, etc.)
- Skin conditions (hyperkeratosis, calluses, corns)
- Biomechanical disorders (flat feet, cavus foot, forefoot and rearfoot disorders)
- Preventive diabetic foot examinations
The Unit is supervised by a specialized Podiatrist-Podiatry Therapist and Professor of Podiatry, in collaboration with the Director of the Diabetology Unit, Dr. Lepouras Antonios.
Hyperlipidemia & Diabetic Vascular Disease Unit
In collaboration with the Interventional Radiology Unit, as well as specialized cardiologists and vascular surgeons, the Unit provides comprehensive management of complex hyperlipidemia cases and advanced treatment of vascular stenoses involving the coronary arteries, carotid arteries, and lower extremity vessels.
Education
At the Diabetology Unit of Metropolitan General, particular emphasis is placed on proper patient education and awareness, enabling individuals with diabetes to become “the physician of themselves,” while also educating family members so they can provide both practical and psychological support.
For this reason, systematic education is provided by specialists in diabetes management, while educational programs are regularly organized regarding the latest developments in diabetes prevention and treatment, including new therapies and pharmaceutical approaches.
Director: Lepouras Antonios, Internist specialized in Diabetology