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NH Nonghyup Tower, 2F near Starbucks

Please call us if you need help finding the clinic. 02.738.7555
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02-738-7555
02
738
7555
Naver Booking
Naver Booking
Kakao Consultation
Kakao Consultation
Directions
Directions

Chronic Disease & General Internal Medicine

Steady Care for Everyday and Long-Term Health From chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia
to everyday concerns like a cold or digestive symptoms, The Heart Clinic pairs precise diagnosis with structured,
ongoing management to support your health at every stage.

Diabetes and diagnostic criteria based on fasting plasma glucose, a two-hour oral glucose tolerance test, and HbA1c. Diabetes requires management of cardiovascular and kidney risk as well as blood sugar. When to get screened for diabetes: a parent or sibling with diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol, age 45 or older without a recent screening, fasting blood sugar of 100 mg/dL or higher or an A1c of 5.7% or higher, excess abdominal fat, or a history of gestational diabetes. Blood glucose targets and diabetes treatment principles: individualized goals, lifestyle modification, and medication selected to protect the heart and kidneys.

Types of Diabetes Complications

Diabetic kidney disease develops gradually,
with declining kidney function or protein appearing in the urine.
If it progresses, it can lead to end-stage kidney failure —
which is why annual testing for kidney function and albuminuria is recommended.

Catching Diabetes Complications Before They Take Hold

Diabetes complications can begin damaging your kidneys, eyes, nerves, heart, and blood vessels well before any symptoms appear. Even without noticeable discomfort, regular testing is what allows these complications to be caught early and their progression stopped.

Diabetic retinopathy occurs when damage to the blood vessels
in the retina leads to vision loss, and in severe cases, blindness. Symptoms are often minimal in the early stages, which is why
an annual eye exam is important for early detection.

Catching Diabetes Complications Before They Take Hold

Diabetes complications can begin damaging your kidneys, eyes, nerves, heart, and blood vessels well before any symptoms appear. Even without noticeable discomfort, regular testing is what allows these complications to be caught early and their progression stopped.

Diabetic neuropathy can cause numbness, tingling, pain, or reduced sensation in the feet, and in more advanced cases, raises the risk
of foot ulcers and amputation. Regular nerve function testing
is recommended.

Catching Diabetes Complications Before They Take Hold

Diabetes complications can begin damaging your kidneys, eyes, nerves, heart, and blood vessels well before any symptoms appear. Even without noticeable discomfort, regular testing is what allows these complications to be caught early and their progression stopped.

Diabetes raises the risk of both heart attack and stroke — which is why managing your blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight matters just
as much as your blood sugar, alongside regular assessment of your overall cardiovascular risk.

Catching Diabetes Complications Before They Take Hold

Diabetes complications can begin damaging your kidneys, eyes, nerves, heart, and blood vessels well before any symptoms appear. Even without noticeable discomfort, regular testing is what allows these complications to be caught early and their progression stopped.

Diagram of diabetes complications shown on a body outline: kidney disease, retinopathy, neuropathy, and cardiovascular disease

Diagnostic Process

Diabetes requires long-term management that protects the heart, kidneys, and blood vessels—not just blood sugar control.
The Heart Clinic integrates blood sugar and cardiovascular risk management from a cardiology perspective,
aiming to maintain a healthy life free of heart attack, stroke, or renal failure.

Glucose Targets
Targets are tailored to age,
coexisting conditions,
kidney function, and
hypoglycemia risk.
CV Risk Assessment
Cardiovascular risks
such as hypertension and
dyslipidemia are assessed
and managed together.
Medication Selection
Medication is selected based on
heart failure, kidney disease,
atherosclerosis, and
overall health.
Complication Screening
Kidney, retinal, and
nerve tests help detect
complications early and
prevent progression.
Lifestyle Guidance
Practical guidance on diet,
exercise, and weight management
is provided along with
diabetes education.

Frequently Asked
Questions

A few things worth knowing before your visit.

Is lowering my blood sugar enough on its own?
No. Diabetes isn't simply a matter of elevated blood sugar — it's a systemic
condition that can affect the heart, kidneys, blood vessels, eyes, and nerves.
That's why managing blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, and lifestyle
alongside your blood sugar is what actually lowers your risk of complications
like heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure.
Is the A1c target the same for everyone?
The general target is an A1c under 6.5%, but it isn't applied uniformly to every patient.
Your individual target is set based on your age, how long you've had diabetes,
coexisting conditions, kidney function, and hypoglycemia risk. Maintaining a target
that's appropriate for you can be safer and more effective than pursuing strict control
across the board.
How is my diabetes medication chosen?
Medication is no longer selected based on blood sugar numbers alone. The presence
of heart failure, chronic kidney disease, or cardiovascular disease is factored in
to determine what's most appropriate for you. Certain newer medications have also
been shown to protect the heart and kidneys, and may be prioritized depending on
your overall condition.
Do I need complication screening even without symptoms?
Yes, absolutely. Most diabetes complications progress gradually before symptoms ever
appear. Declining kidney function, retinopathy, neuropathy, and cardiovascular
disease often cause no noticeable symptoms in their early stages, which is why
regular screening is what catches them early. Catching a complication early
allows treatment to slow its progression and helps prevent it from becoming serious.

Information

134 Tongil-ro,
Jongno-gu, Seoul
NH Nonghyup Tower, 2F

Please use elevator No. 13 or 14,
then follow the signs toward Starbucks on the 2nd floor.

※ One hour of free parking is available
in the building during clinic hours.

Clinic Hours

  • Mon - Fri 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
  • Lunch Break 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
  • Closed on Saturdays, Sundays
    and Public Holidays
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