Complications of Diabetes Mellitus - Systemic Effects to Remember with "Shimeji" and "Enoki".

Diabetes is a disease in which blood glucose levels remain high for a long time.
Since there are almost no subjective symptoms in the early stages, it is easy to think that the patient is still fine, but if left untreated, it can damage blood vessels and nerves throughout the body and cause a variety ofcomplications (in an illness)causes the

Because many complications are difficult to treat once they have progressed,Early detection and preventionis very important.
This article organizes the complications of diabetes using the easy-to-remember words "shimeji" and "enoki".

How to remember: 1: "Shimeji" - three major complications

Shimeji" is a diabetic'smicroangiopathy(a complication caused by damage to small blood vessels).

Shi: Neuropathy

• Numbness, pain, and decreased sensation in feet and hands
• Autonomic nervous system disorders can cause dizziness and abnormal sweating.
• Leg wounds and burns can go unnoticed and become severe, leading to amputation in the worst case scenario.

Eye: Eye (diabetic retinopathy)

• Damage to blood vessels in the retina, causing vision loss or blindness
• No symptoms in the early stage, "blurred vision" and "lack of vision" as the disease progresses
• Top causes of blindness in adults

J: Kidney (diabetic nephropathy)

• The kidney's filtration function declines, and eventually dialysis may be required.
• Number one cause of dialysis induction in Japan
• No symptoms in early stages, detectable only by urinalysis
  

How to remember 2: "Enoki" - macrovascular disease and other serious complications

Enoki" is,macrovascular diseaseand other serious complications to remember.

Eh: necrosis (e.g., foot gangrene)

• Necrosis of foot tissue due to a combination of blood flow and nerve damage
• Severe cases may require amputation of the leg.

of: Stroke

• Arteriosclerosis increases the risk of cerebral infarction and cerebral hemorrhage.
• May leave residual effects such as paralysis and speech impairment

(2) Angina pectoris, myocardial infarction

• Narrowing or clogging of blood vessels in the heart, causing chest pain and pressure
• Can cause sudden death.
  

Why complications are so scary

• Symptoms are difficult to detect in the early stages.The disease progresses without subjective symptoms, and by the time it is noticed, the disease has become severe.
• Greatly reduces quality of life.Significant limitations in daily life, such as: blindness, dialysis, difficulty walking, etc.
• It can be life-threatening.: Myocardial infarction or stroke is a risk of sudden death.
  

Important to prevent complications

1. periodic inspections

• Blood and urine tests(blood glucose, HbA1c, renal function)
• fundus examination(Early detection of retinopathy)
• neurological function tests(Sensory and vibration evaluation)
• EKG and arteriosclerosis test(Early detection of macrovascular disease)

At Ikejiri-Ohashi Sera Clinic,Comprehensive examination by a diabetologistIn addition to theHigh-precision fundus cameraThe hospital has introduced the Eye examinations can be performed on the same day as routine medical examinations.

2. lifestyle improvement

• Diet: proper management of carbohydrates, balance of vegetables, protein, and good fats
• Exercise therapy: aerobic exercise + muscle training to improve blood sugar and blood flow
  Our medical staff proposes exercise programs that can be performed safely.
• No smoking: Prevents progression of arteriosclerosis
• Weight control: Obesity worsens glycemic control
  

3. triple management of blood sugar, blood pressure, and lipids

• HbA1c: Target value is less than 71 TP3T (for complication prevention purposes)
• Blood pressure: less than 130/80 mmHg
• LDL cholesterol: <120 mg/dL (more stringent in case of complications)
  

Summary - Remember and prevent with "shimeji" and "enoki".

Complications of diabetes are,Shimeji (nerves, eyes, kidneys) and enoki (necrosis, stroke, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction)It is easier to organize the whole picture if you remember it by
Because none of the progression is irreversible,Regular checkups and lifestyle improvement even without symptomsis essential.

We work with our patients to maintain long-term health by providing medical care by a diabetes specialist, comprehensive in-office testing for complications, and support for exercise therapy.
Don't think, "I don't have any symptoms yet..." Check early to prevent complications.

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Diabetes Series - Related Article List

1. Know the basics of diabetes

• What is Diabetes - Why does blood sugar rise? Causes and Mechanisms Explained
   　Introduces the root causes of diabetes, including "insulin resistance," "heredity," and "lifestyle," which are all related to the development of diabetes, in an easy-to-understand manner.
• Early Symptoms of Diabetes - Don't Miss the Early Detection Signs
   　Early signs that are difficult to recognize, such as thirst, polyuria, and weight loss, are carefully explained.
• Diagnostic criteria for diabetes - Difference between HbA1c, blood glucose and OGTT and latest criteria
   　It summarizes the numerical values used for diagnosis and the key points of the recently revised diagnostic criteria.
• Diabetes Testing - Comprehensive evaluation of blood, urine, and even complications
   　Introduction to the comprehensive examination system available at the Ikejiri-Ohashi Sera Clinic, including fundus examination, ABI, and carotid artery echocardiography.

2. Treatment and lifestyle modification

• Diabetes Treatment - Protecting Blood Sugar and Blood Vessels with Diet, Exercise, and Medication
   　Explains treatment strategies to "prevent complications" rather than "lower the numbers.
• Diabetes Diet - Control Blood Sugar Effortlessly with Locavore
   　A practical diet that emphasizes how to eat, not what not to eat.
• Diabetes and Exercise - Muscle is Medicine! The Science of Aerobic x Muscle Training
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• Drug Therapy for Diabetes Mellitus - Latest Treatment Policies and Multi-Drug Approaches
   　The characteristics of DPP-4 inhibitors, SGLT2 inhibitors, and GLP-1 agonists are compared, and the latest treatment trends are presented.

3. To prevent complications

• Complications of diabetes - Complication measures to remember with "shimeji" and "enoki" mushrooms
   　The six major complications of neuropathy, retinopathy, nephropathy, gangrene, stroke, and cardiac disease are explained together.
• Neuropathy due to diabetes - Mechanisms and countermeasures for numbness and pain in hands and feet
   　Early signs of peripheral neuropathy and ways to improve life that should be done early.
• Diabetes and Renal Dysfunction - Importance of Urine Albumin Testing and Habits to Protect
   　Practical approaches to reduce the burden on the kidneys and prevent dialysis.
• Diabetes and Eye Disease - Causes of Blurred Vision and Early Detection of Retinopathy
   　Explains how fundus camera examinations work and the risks of neglect.

4. Prevention and early intervention

• Prevention of Diabetes - Reduce blood sugar waves and make your body less prone to diabetes.
   　Introduces diet, exercise, and sleep regimens to "get in shape before it happens," rather than "fix it after it happens.
• Characteristics and constitution of people prone to diabetes - Self-check that you can do now
   　Early intervention is recommended by sorting out the risk of developing the disease, including heredity, fatty liver, and lack of exercise.

5. Our features and support system

• Lifestyle-related disease treatment at Ikejiri-Ohashi Sera Clinic - Cross-cutting management of diabetes, MASLD, hypertension and dyslipidemia
   　Includes a comprehensive evaluation system including physician supervised exercise therapy, locavore diet support, fundus, ABI, and carotid artery echocardiography.