Hypertension & Diabetes Management in Tokyo

Hypertension & Diabetes Management in Tokyo — English-Speaking Doctor

Managing chronic conditions like hypertension (high blood pressure) and diabetes requires consistent, long-term medical care — a challenge that becomes significantly more complex when you are living abroad. At Tokyo Hub Clinic, located inside Hotel New Otani Garden Court 2F, Dr. Ichiro Kamoshita, M.D., Ph.D. provides ongoing management of chronic metabolic and cardiovascular conditions in full English. As a board-certified internist, Dr. Kamoshita specializes in exactly these conditions, bringing both academic depth and practical clinical expertise to every consultation.

Last updated: March 2026. Content supervised by medical professionals at Tokyo Hub Clinic.

Whether you were diagnosed with hypertension or diabetes in your home country and need to continue treatment in Japan, or you have recently discovered elevated blood pressure or blood sugar during a health checkup, our clinic provides the continuity of care that chronic disease management demands. We work with you to optimize your medications, monitor your progress with regular blood tests, and support the lifestyle modifications that are essential for long-term health.

Conditions We Manage

Our chronic disease management services cover a broad range of metabolic and cardiovascular conditions:

  • Hypertension (high blood pressure): essential hypertension, resistant hypertension, white coat hypertension, and secondary causes of elevated blood pressure
  • Type 2 diabetes mellitus: blood sugar control, HbA1c monitoring, medication management (oral medications and insulin), and prevention of complications
  • Pre-diabetes and metabolic syndrome: impaired fasting glucose, impaired glucose tolerance, and the cluster of risk factors including central obesity, high triglycerides, and low HDL cholesterol
  • Dyslipidemia (high cholesterol): elevated LDL cholesterol, high triglycerides, and overall cardiovascular risk assessment
  • Hyperuricemia and gout: elevated uric acid levels, acute gout attacks, and long-term uric acid management
  • Thyroid disorders: hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism — conditions that can affect blood pressure, metabolism, and overall well-being
  • Obesity-related health risks: medical evaluation and monitoring for patients with BMI-related health concerns
  • Cardiovascular risk assessment: comprehensive evaluation of your risk factors for heart disease and stroke, with individualized prevention strategies

These conditions are often silent — hypertension and diabetes can progress for years without noticeable symptoms. Regular monitoring with a consistent physician is the most effective way to prevent complications such as heart attack, stroke, kidney damage, and vision loss.

Our Approach to Chronic Disease Management

Dr. Kamoshita’s approach to chronic conditions reflects the standard of care expected from an internal medicine specialist with advanced training:

  1. Comprehensive initial assessment: We begin with a detailed review of your medical history, current medications, previous test results, and family history. If you have medical records from your home country, please bring them — they provide invaluable baseline data.
  2. Baseline and ongoing laboratory testing: Blood tests include fasting glucose, HbA1c (for diabetes), lipid panel (total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides), kidney function (creatinine, eGFR), liver function, uric acid, thyroid function, and urinalysis. These are typically repeated every 3–6 months to track your progress.
  3. Blood pressure monitoring: In-clinic blood pressure measurement is standard at every visit. We may recommend home blood pressure monitoring with specific guidance on timing and technique — home readings are often more reliable than clinic readings for long-term management.
  4. Medication optimization: Japan offers a comprehensive range of antihypertensive medications (ACE inhibitors, ARBs, calcium channel blockers, diuretics, beta-blockers), oral diabetes medications (metformin, SGLT2 inhibitors, DPP-4 inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor agonists), and cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins, ezetimibe). Dr. Kamoshita will prescribe the most appropriate combination based on current guidelines and your individual profile.
  5. Lifestyle counseling: Medication alone is not enough for optimal chronic disease management. We provide practical advice on diet (including navigating the Japanese food landscape), exercise, stress management, alcohol consumption, and smoking cessation.
  6. Complication screening: Regular screening for complications of hypertension and diabetes — including kidney function, eye health referrals, and cardiovascular risk assessment — is built into your ongoing care plan.

What to Expect at Your Visit

  1. Book your appointment: Call 03-6261-7070 or book online. For an initial chronic disease consultation, please mention your conditions when booking so we can allocate adequate time.
  2. Bring your records: Current medication list, recent blood test results, and any medical records from your previous doctor are extremely helpful.
  3. Initial consultation (20–30 minutes): Dr. Kamoshita will review your history, perform a physical examination (including blood pressure, heart auscultation, and body measurements), and order baseline blood tests.
  4. Blood draw: Fasting blood tests are preferred for accurate glucose and lipid measurements. We recommend morning appointments with fasting (water is fine).
  5. Follow-up (typically every 1–3 months): Regular visits to review results, adjust medications, and monitor progress. Follow-up consultations are typically shorter (10–15 minutes) and focused on tracking your numbers and adjusting the treatment plan.
  6. Prescription refills: For stable, well-controlled conditions, prescription refills can be handled efficiently at regular follow-up visits.

Information for Expatriates and International Residents

Continuity of care is the biggest challenge for expatriates managing chronic conditions. Here is how we help:

  • Seamless transition of care: If you were previously treated for hypertension, diabetes, or high cholesterol in your home country, Dr. Kamoshita can continue your treatment in Japan. We can often prescribe the same medications or identify the closest Japanese equivalents.
  • Medication availability: Most major classes of antihypertensive, antidiabetic, and cholesterol-lowering drugs are available in Japan. Some brand names differ, but the active ingredients are the same. We will explain any changes clearly.
  • Japanese diet considerations: Japanese cuisine is generally heart-healthy, but it is high in sodium (soy sauce, miso, pickled foods) — a concern for hypertension patients. We provide specific dietary guidance tailored to living in Japan.
  • Health checkup integration: Japan’s annual health checkup (kenkou shindan) often reveals previously undiagnosed hypertension, diabetes, or dyslipidemia. If your company health checkup flagged abnormal results, we can evaluate and initiate treatment.
  • Complete English documentation: Medical reports, blood test results, and treatment summaries are provided in English — useful for communicating with doctors in your home country or for insurance purposes.

Insurance and Fees

  • Japan NHI / Shakai Hoken: Standard copay (typically 30%). Chronic disease management, regular blood tests, and prescriptions are covered. This makes long-term care affordable.
  • International travel insurance: May cover acute consultations but often does not cover ongoing chronic disease management. We provide documentation for any reimbursable portions.
  • Self-pay: First visit approximately ¥10,000–¥15,000; follow-up visits approximately ¥5,000–¥8,000. Blood test panels typically add ¥3,000–¥8,000.

Cash and major credit cards accepted. Itemized receipts provided for every visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I continue taking the same blood pressure or diabetes medication I took in my home country?

In most cases, yes. The same active ingredients used worldwide are available in Japan, though brand names may differ. Bring your current medication list (or the medication itself) to your first appointment, and Dr. Kamoshita will prescribe the equivalent. In rare cases where a specific drug is unavailable in Japan, we will suggest a suitable alternative.

How often do I need to come in for follow-up?

Typically every one to three months, depending on how well your condition is controlled. Newly diagnosed patients or those adjusting medications may need monthly visits initially. Once your numbers are stable, visits can be spaced to every two to three months. Japanese insurance requires periodic consultations for ongoing prescriptions.

My company health checkup showed high blood pressure. What should I do?

A single high reading does not necessarily mean you have hypertension — white coat effect, stress, and timing can all influence results. However, it is important to have follow-up measurements. We recommend booking an appointment for a proper evaluation, which includes repeated blood pressure readings, lifestyle assessment, and blood tests to check for related risk factors.

Do I need to fast before my blood test?

Yes, fasting for 8–12 hours is recommended before blood tests that include glucose and lipid panels. You may drink water. We recommend booking a morning appointment and having breakfast afterward.

Take Control of Your Health

03-6261-7070 · Hotel New Otani Garden Court 2F · Akasaka-mitsuke / Nagatacho Station
Appointment only · All consultations in English

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