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Diabetes
Are You at Risk of Pre-Diabetes?
One in six Japanese adults is either diabetic or at risk of developing diabetes. Diabetes can damage blood vessels and, if left untreated, affect the eyes, heart, kidneys, and brain. The initial stage is referred to as pre-diabetes (or borderline diabetes). It progresses without noticeable symptoms in the early stages. Our clinic has specialists available to assist you. If you have been flagged during a health checkup, please consult us promptly.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, consult our Diabetology Department
Causes
Diabetes is a condition characterized by persistent high blood sugar levels due to insufficient insulin secretion or decreased insulin effectiveness. When carbohydrates from food are converted into glucose, blood sugar levels rise. Insulin helps regulate and lower these levels, and diabetes occurs when this regulation process is disrupted.
Consultations and Examinations
Treatment
Advancements in new medications and expanded treatment options have significantly improved diabetes management. Our clinic's specialists provide tailored advice and treatments to meet your needs.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
GERD is a condition where stomach acid or other contents flow back into the esophagus, causing inflammation of the lining. Symptoms include heartburn and regurgitation of sour-tasting liquid.
Causes
Causes include aging-related hunched back, obesity, pregnancy, eating too quickly or over eating, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and high-fat diets. Treatment primarily involves lifestyle and dietary changes, and medication may be prescribed if necessary.
Diagnosis
Diagnostic methods include barium swallow studies and endoscopy. Endoscopy is particularly effective in providing a detailed view of the esophageal lining, detecting hiatal hernias, and assessing inflammation, allowing for accurate diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
Esophageal Cancer
Esophageal cancer originates in the lining of the esophagus, with over 90% being squamous cell carcinoma in Japanese individuals. It most commonly affects people in their 60s and is about five times more prevalent in men than women. This cancer has a tendency to metastasize to lymph nodes and progress to nearby organs, resulting in a poor prognosis among gastrointestinal cancers.
Causes
The primary risk factors for esophageal cancer, particularly the common squamous cell carcinoma in Japanese individuals, are smoking and alcohol consumption. Furthermore, individuals whose bodies are less efficient at breaking down acetaldehyde, a carcinogen produced when drinking alcohol, have an elevated risk of developing this disease.
Diagnosis
Initial diagnosis is typically conducted through upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (gastroscopy). To further evaluate the extent and spread of the cancer, additional tests such as blood tests, barium swallow studies, and CT scans are performed.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the stage of the cancer and the patient’s overall health. Early detection is crucial; stage 0 cancers can often be treated with endoscopic resection. However, advanced stages may require more intensive treatments, such as surgery or chemotherapy, which can be physically demanding.
Gastric and Duodenal Ulcers
A gastric ulcer occurs when the stomach lining is deeply damaged due to inflammation, with causes including stress, gastric acid, and Helicobacter pylori infection. Similarly, duodenal ulcers are primarily caused by damage to the lining from gastric acid. Symptoms include upper abdominal pain and bleeding; severe cases may lead to duodenal perforation or peritonitis.
Causes
While stress, high stomach acid, and high salt were once thought to be the main causes of ulcers, Helicobacter pylori infection is now recognized as a major factor. Long-term use of painkillers or steroids can also lead to ulcer development.
Diagnosis
Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (gastroscopy) is used to confirm the presence, location, and severity of the ulcer and identify its cause.
Treatment
If stress or dietary habits like over eating are the cause, lifestyle improvements and medications are recommended. For Helicobacter pylori infection, eradication therapy is performed. In cases of bleeding, endoscopic hemostasis or hospitalization may be necessary.
Gastric Cancer
Gastric cancer originates from cells in the stomach lining, which grow uncontrollably. Left untreated, it can spread deeply and invade other organs.
Causes
Aging and Helicobacter pylori infection are key contributors, alongside potential genetic factors. Chronic inflammation from Helicobacter pylori infection can lead to mucosal atrophy, which increases the risk of cancer.
Diagnosis
Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (gastroscopy) is used to detect gastric cancer. The cancer's color, surface pattern, and tissue are examined through biopsy for diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatment options depend on the stage and nature of the cancer and the patient's overall health. Early-stage gastric cancer can often be treated with endoscopic resection. Advanced cancer requires surgery or chemotherapy, which can be more physically taxing.
Colonic Polyps and Colon Cancer
Colonic polyps are benign growths on the mucosa, some of which may become cancerous. Colon cancer, a malignant tumor originating in the mucosa, can develop from polyps. Early detection through endoscopy is crucial.
Causes
Age, genetics, and lifestyle factors such as smoking, drinking, and obesity are significant risk factors. Women should also be cautious about consuming processed or red meat. Those with a family history of familial adenomatous polyposis or Lynch syndrome have a higher risk and should undergo early screening.
Diagnosis
For early detection of colorectal cancer, lower gastrointestinal endoscopy (colonoscopy) is highly effective. It's important to know that even if your fecal occult blood test is negative, bleeding from polyps or early cancer can be overlooked. Furthermore, early-stage cancer often presents without any symptoms. Therefore, don't rely too heavily on FOBT; proactively undergoing colonoscopy is essential.
Treatment
For gastrointestinal tumors without symptoms or cancer risk are monitored. If symptoms or cancer risk exist, removal is the course. A cancer diagnosis leads to treatment based on stage (endoscopy, surgery, chemotherapy). Early-stage cancer may be treatable with endoscopic resection alone, while advanced stages require hospitalization for surgery and chemotherapy – a longer, more demanding process.
Dyslipidemia
Dyslipidemia is a condition characterized by abnormal levels of cholesterol and triglycerides (neutral fat) in the blood. This can accelerate arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and increase the risk of serious cardiovascular events like myocardial infarction and cerebral infarction.
Causes
In addition to obesity, lack of exercise, and smoking, causes include a high-fat, high-calorie diet, lack of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, and excessive alcohol consumption contribute to dyslipidemia. It is especially important to be careful about excessive intake of animal fats, oils, and sugar.
Diagnosis
Because fasting blood lipid levels are crucial, blood tests are conducted to measure LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels.
Treatment
Lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, are the first line of treatment. If these are insufficient, medications may be prescribed.
Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is characterized by visceral fat accumulation, high blood pressure, fasting hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia. It promotes atherosclerosis and increases the risk of cerebral infarction and myocardial infarction.
Causes
Lifestyle factors such as lack of exercise, an imbalanced diet, insufficient sleep, stress, and smoking contribute to metabolic syndrome. A diet high in calories, fats, sugars, and salt is particularly concerning.
Diagnosis
Abdominal circumference and blood pressure measurements are combined with blood tests for diagnosis. Additional tests, such as abdominal ultrasound or glucose tolerance testing, may be conducted if necessary.
Treatment
Reducing visceral fat through diet and exercise is the primary goal. Screening and treatment for coexisting lifestyle-related diseases are also performed.