Do Diabetic Patients with LDL Cholesterol of 113 Need Medication?
Should a diabetic patient with a low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol level of 113 be treated with medication? During my health check-up, I found that my glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was 6.7, total cholesterol was 185, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol was 123. Af...
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
If a diagnosis of diabetes is confirmed, according to international large-scale studies, lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol to below 100 mg/dL can reduce the incidence of cardiovascular diseases. This is why the National Health Insurance Administration provides co...[Read More] Do Diabetic Patients with LDL Cholesterol of 113 Need Medication?
Managing Significant Weight Loss: When to Seek Medical Advice?
Please consult the outpatient clinic for significant weight loss evaluation? Hello, doctor. In February of this year, I weighed 116 kg, and I currently weigh 87 kg (I have lost 30 kg over 8 months). My current BMI is 25.9. During my weight loss journey, I have made the following ...
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
1. It is better to reduce the BMI to below 24 and the waist circumference to below 90 centimeters. 2. Rapid weight loss may lead to decreased thyroid function.[Read More] Managing Significant Weight Loss: When to Seek Medical Advice?
Understanding Prediabetes Diagnosis After Post-Meal Blood Sugar Test
Regarding the postprandial blood glucose test results in the United States indicating prediabetes? Hello Dr. Lee, I am approximately 169 cm tall and weighed 67.5 kg at the time of my examination on July 28. I have a history of ankylosing spondylitis (diagnosed in 2008) and am a ...
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c): A level of 5.8% is sufficient to diagnose prediabetes. HbA1c can be tested after meals, and a follow-up test can be conducted in three months.[Read More] Understanding Prediabetes Diagnosis After Post-Meal Blood Sugar Test
Can Oral Medications for Weight Loss Trigger Diabetes After Pregnancy?
Oral Fosfomycin Hello doctor, I would like to ask about gestational diabetes during pregnancy. My blood sugar was well controlled throughout, and even a year after giving birth, my blood sugar remains well controlled. Recently, I have been taking Orlistat 10 mg for weight loss fo...
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
Currently, there are no reported blood sugar medications that cause diabetes.[Read More] Can Oral Medications for Weight Loss Trigger Diabetes After Pregnancy?
Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Symptoms, Risks, and Diagnosis
Hyperthyroidism I have been sweating excessively for no apparent reason; as soon as I move my body, I sweat profusely. I have been unable to find the cause and discovered symptoms of hyperthyroidism online (heat intolerance, increased appetite but weight loss, excessive sweating,...
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
Please go to the hospital to check if there are any abnormalities in your thyroid levels. Currently, medication treatments are advanced, and it is rare for conditions to progress to a thyroid storm.[Read More] Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Symptoms, Risks, and Diagnosis
Understanding Unexplained Symptoms: Which Specialist Should You See?
My mother is 52 years old and has various health issues. Which specialty should she see? Symptoms: I often smell irritating odors (such as sewage, chili pepper, and a cool scent) and sometimes cough due to these irritating smells. Occasionally, it feels like I am being burned by ...
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
If there are abnormal skin sensations, one can consult a neurologist. If there are abnormalities in the sense of smell, one can see an otolaryngologist.[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Symptoms: Which Specialist Should You See?
Can Hashimoto's Thyroiditis Trigger Folliculitis and Eczema?
Does Hashimoto's thyroiditis trigger folliculitis? Hello, doctor. I have a question regarding the topic. I have always had poor skin condition, which is dry and prone to itching. Before my thyroid issues were diagnosed, I was already prone to eczema, and I have been on thyro...
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
Hyperthyroidism may be associated with dermatitis, and antithyroid medications themselves can also induce dermatitis.[Read More] Can Hashimoto's Thyroiditis Trigger Folliculitis and Eczema?
Understanding Fasting Blood Sugar Levels: What’s Normal?
Fasting blood glucose issues? Hello, Dr. Lee. I would like to ask if a normal person’s blood sugar level tends to be slightly elevated after fasting for more than 15 hours. If dinner is finished around 5:30 PM and no food is consumed afterward, and there is no feeling of hunger, ...
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
After fasting for eight hours, blood glucose levels should drop to below 100 mg/dL.[Read More] Understanding Fasting Blood Sugar Levels: What’s Normal?
Understanding Thyroid Medication Effects on Weight Fluctuations
Thyroid-related weight issues? Hello doctor, I have been taking medication for my thyroid, and my levels have been fluctuating between 2 and 3. In June, my doctor changed my dosage from two pills to one pill. During my follow-up in August, my levels increased, and now I'm ta...
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
Weight changes vary from person to person. To reduce weight gain, it is advisable to limit the intake of carbohydrates in the diet.[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Medication Effects on Weight Fluctuations
Understanding Metformin Dosage and Its Impact on Blood Sugar Control
Effectiveness of Oral Hypoglycemic Agents Hello Dr. Lee, I would like to understand the long-term medication for my retired father, specifically regarding Metformin 500 mg. How does taking one pill compare to the effect of a certain number of units of insulin? It is said that med...
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
Metformin rarely causes hypoglycemia when used alone, and it is advisable to continue its use as long as there are no contraindications.[Read More] Understanding Metformin Dosage and Its Impact on Blood Sugar Control
Why Do Sweets Trigger Stomach Acid Production?
Why do sweets stimulate gastric acid? I recall that carbohydrates are digested and absorbed by saliva and the intestines, with no relation to the stomach. So why do sweet foods easily stimulate gastric acid? Sweet foods should also be considered carbohydrates, right? Thank you.
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
In clinical practice, patients who consume a lot of sweets are more prone to experiencing reflux phenomena. There are various possible reasons for this, such as high carbohydrate/sugar intake leading to feedback to the central nervous system, which inhibits gastric motility and r...[Read More] Why Do Sweets Trigger Stomach Acid Production?
Understanding Persistent Throat Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Oral issues Hello Doctor, I would like to consult you. I have had a sensation of a foreign body and severe pain in my throat for over three months (it was slightly milder three months ago). Currently, the symptoms are located at the left base of my tongue and deep in my throat, w...
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
For issues related to deep throat, abnormalities in the pharyngeal wall, or oral problems, it is important to follow up with an otolaryngology department at a medical center for further evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Persistent Throat Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Fast Heart Rate: When to Seek Further Metabolic Testing
Tachycardia Hello doctor, I was previously informed that I have a fast heartbeat (for 2-3 years). Recently, I visited a cardiologist, and the test results were normal. The doctor also checked my thyroid and said the values were normal (TSH - 3.120, Free T4 - 1.36, T3 was not test...
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
If thyroid function is normal, there is no need to visit the endocrinology department for an examination.[Read More] Understanding Fast Heart Rate: When to Seek Further Metabolic Testing
Postpartum Weight Loss: Understanding Health Concerns After Pregnancy
Significant weight loss after childbirth? Hello Doctor, before my pregnancy, my weight was approximately 65 kg (height 159 cm, BMI was overweight). During my pregnancy, I had gestational diabetes and used short-acting insulin (once in the morning). At the time of delivery, I weig...
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
Postpartum weight loss can also be evaluated by checking thyroid function, as thyroid dysfunction can affect weight.[Read More] Postpartum Weight Loss: Understanding Health Concerns After Pregnancy
Managing Hyperthyroidism Medications: Concerns About Side Effects and Alternatives
Side effects of hyperthyroidism medications? I have Graves' disease and have been taking PTU for 14 years. In March of this year, I was diagnosed with P-ANCA vasculitis. I stopped taking PTU due to concerns about its side effects. I have previously taken methimazole and carb...
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
Vasculitis caused by methimazole is less common than that caused by PTU. If radioactive iodine treatment is not acceptable, the only option is to try using methimazole in combination with antihistamines.[Read More] Managing Hyperthyroidism Medications: Concerns About Side Effects and Alternatives
Understanding Excessive Sweating in the T-Zone: Causes and Solutions
The T-zone of the face is prone to excessive sweating? Areas prone to sweating: forehead, nose, sides of the nose, philtrum, chin. Hello, doctor. In the past, during winter, my hands and feet would be cold, and I tend to feel cold, so I generally do not use air conditioning. I us...
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
The T-zone is prone to sweating; it is advisable to consult a dermatologist. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Excessive Sweating in the T-Zone: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Foul Odor from the Belly Button: Causes and When to Seek Help
The belly button often has an unpleasant odor? Hello Doctor, my BMI is normal, I have no history of diabetes or any other chronic diseases. My navel is usually quite clean (not excessively cleaned) and I maintain a normal diet with a regular exercise routine. However, for the pas...
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
There may be an infection; it is advisable to seek treatment from a clinic or a surgeon as soon as possible.[Read More] Understanding Foul Odor from the Belly Button: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Dizziness After Masturbation: Causes and Solutions
Males may experience dizziness after masturbation? I am a male student, and I have had a habit of masturbation since middle school, although I am not sure when it started. I have noticed that after masturbating, my thinking becomes very sluggish, my memory worsens, and I often fe...
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Currently, there is no research indicating that masturbation affects memory. However, based on your personal experience, you mentioned a temporary change in memory. If there is a long-term decline in memory, it may be due to structural changes in the brain, but short-term ...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness After Masturbation: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Foul Odor from the Belly Button: Causes and When to Seek Help
The belly button often has a foul odor? Hello Doctor, my BMI is normal, I have no history of diabetes or any other chronic diseases. My navel is usually quite clean (not overly cleaned), and I maintain a normal diet with a regular exercise routine. However, for the past month, I ...
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
There may be an infection; it is advisable to seek treatment from a clinic or a surgeon as soon as possible.[Read More] Understanding Foul Odor from the Belly Button: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Foul Odor from the Belly Button: Causes and When to Seek Help
The belly button often has an unpleasant odor? Hello Doctor, my BMI is normal, I have no history of diabetes or any other chronic diseases. My navel is usually quite clean (not excessively cleaned) and I maintain a normal diet with a regular exercise routine. However, for the pas...
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
There may be an infection; it is advisable to seek treatment from a clinic or a surgeon as soon as possible.[Read More] Understanding Foul Odor from the Belly Button: Causes and When to Seek Help