Diabetes doctor in Seoul, for the long run

What a diabetes doctor in Seoul does at VEI Clinic

Type 2 diabetes develops when the body becomes resistant to insulin and the pancreas can no longer keep up, so blood sugar stays high. Over time, high glucose damages blood vessels and nerves, which is why diabetes care is about protecting the heart, kidneys, eyes and feet as much as lowering sugar.

As your diabetes doctor in Seoul, Dr. HyunSung Park, a board-certified internal medicine specialist, looks after adults with type 2 diabetes in English. He reviews your history, medicines, home glucose readings and earlier labs, then builds a plan with clear targets and a follow-up schedule. If your results are in the prediabetes range rather than diabetes, our separate prediabetes and insulin resistance services are a better fit.

Diagnosis and regular checks

Diabetes is diagnosed with an HbA1c of 6.5% or higher, a fasting glucose of 126 mg/dL or higher, a two-hour glucose tolerance result of 200 mg/dL or higher, or a random glucose of 200 mg/dL or higher with classic symptoms. Results usually need confirming on a second test unless symptoms are clear.

• HbA1c every three months until stable, then every six months
• Kidney function and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio at least yearly
• Cholesterol panel and blood pressure at every review
• Foot exam, including sensation testing, at least yearly
• Dilated eye exam, arranged with an ophthalmologist, usually every one to two years
• Vaccines such as flu, pneumococcal, hepatitis B and shingles, according to age and risk

Targets and treatment

For many adults, an HbA1c below 7% is a reasonable goal, with tighter or looser targets depending on age, other conditions and the risk of low blood sugar. Blood pressure is usually aimed below 130/80, and LDL cholesterol targets are set by overall heart risk.

Lifestyle changes are the foundation: regular meals with plenty of vegetables and protein, fewer refined carbohydrates and sugary drinks, about 150 minutes a week of activity plus strength training, good sleep and not smoking. Modest weight loss can improve control substantially and, for some people, can bring glucose back into the non-diabetic range.

Metformin is often the starting medicine. SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists are now preferred early for people with heart disease, kidney disease or heart failure, because they protect those organs beyond lowering sugar. GLP-1 and dual GIP/GLP-1 medicines also help with weight. Insulin is started when needed and is nothing to fear. Each option has side effects and costs that Dr. Park explains before you decide.

Who this suits, and who needs specialist care

This service suits adults with type 2 diabetes, newly diagnosed or long-standing, including expats who need ongoing care and prescriptions in English. It also suits visitors who need a medication review or supplies while in Korea.

Many people with diabetes also have high blood pressure, raised cholesterol or fatty liver. Dr. Park looks after these together in the same visit, so you are not juggling separate plans, and he reviews every medicine you take, including supplements, for interactions and unnecessary overlap.

Type 1 diabetes, insulin pumps, diabetes in pregnancy and advanced complications are usually managed with an endocrinologist or specialist hospital team. We can provide interim support and arrange that referral.

Sick days, travel and emergencies

Illness and travel can upset glucose control. We give you written sick-day rules: keep drinking fluids, check glucose more often, and know when to pause certain medicines such as metformin and SGLT2 inhibitors if you are vomiting or dehydrated. For travel, we prepare a medication letter and help adjust timing across time zones.

Call 119 or go to an emergency room if you have very high glucose with vomiting, abdominal pain, deep or rapid breathing, fruity-smelling breath or drowsiness, which can signal diabetic ketoacidosis. Also seek emergency care for low blood sugar that does not improve with fast-acting sugar, confusion or loss of consciousness, chest pain, stroke symptoms, or a rapidly spreading foot infection.