Head of department

SHIBATA Hirotaka

Introduction of clinical department

Our expert physicians specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of lifestyle-related diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and metabolic and endocrine diseases. The Oita University Primary Aldosteronism Research Team (OPAT) performs extensive case detection tests to identify patients with curable secondary hypertension, such as primary aldosteronism. We are involved in the development of primary aldosteronism clinical practice guidelines in Japan as well as the USA. We also apply an unique behavioral therapy for the treatment of obesity. In particular, we have developed a good reputation for clinical practice in primary aldosteronism and obesity. Our medical team, including metabolic surgeons and dieticians, produces good results in the treatment of morbid obesity. Based on the conclusion of cooperation between Oita University, Oita Medical Association, and Oita Prefecture, we developed a Diabetic Nephropathy Aggravation Prevention Clinic as a part of the health-care services in Oita Prefecture to prevent diabetic nephropathy aggravation and reduce the number of patients needing dialysis introduction. We also try to give suggestions to several hospitals that have insufficient numbers of board-certified diabetologists and nephrologists.

Advanced treatments/ Specialized treatments

  1. Secondary hypertension, primary aldosteronism, adrenal diseases.
  2. Cognitive behavioral therapy for obesity.
  3. Collaboration with bariatric surgery for morbid obesity.

Specialized outpatient clinic

  • Diabetic Nephropathy Aggravation Prevention Clinic.

The newly developed team in the Oita University Hospital Diabetic Nephropathy Aggravation Prevention Clinic, which includes a board-certified diabetologist, a board-certified nephrologist, a nurse, and a dietician, cooperates in the medical treatment and education of patients. As treatment is often difficult in advanced cases, we would like to manage diabetic kidney disease from an early stage in collaboration with nephrologists, diabetic physicians, nurses, and nutritionists to control its progression to end-stage renal disease.