Understanding Your Glucose Tolerance Test Results: Are You Prediabetic?
Fasting blood glucose is 105 mg/dL, and the oral glucose tolerance test (75g) results are: fasting blood glucose 92 mg/dL, 2-hour blood glucose 89 mg/dL? On March 25, my fasting blood glucose was 105. On April 10, I went to a large hospital for an oral glucose tolerance test (75g...
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
An oral glucose tolerance test is normal; however, if one is in a high-risk group, such as being overweight or having a family history of diabetes, it is recommended to follow up annually.[Read More] Understanding Your Glucose Tolerance Test Results: Are You Prediabetic?
Understanding Thyroid Nodules: What You Need to Know About Your Ultrasound Results
Thyroid nodule Hello Doctor, I participated in a company health check in May this year. During the examination, the physician noted that my right neck felt swollen and recommended a thyroid ultrasound. Recently, I received the report indicating a hypoechoic nodule on the right si...
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
Hypoechoic thyroid nodules require regular monitoring, with ultrasound examinations typically performed once a year. During the ultrasound, the physician will determine whether a fine-needle aspiration biopsy is necessary. In most cases, these nodules are benign, and thyroid canc...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Nodules: What You Need to Know About Your Ultrasound Results
Managing Kidney Health: Concerns About Sports Drinks and Weight Loss
Kidney issues, diabetes, and constitutional problems? Hello Dr. Lee, I would like to ask you: 1. For the past two years, I have been drinking sports drinks mixed with some water from morning till night. I have developed a habit of drinking sports drinks, and drinking plain water ...
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
Drinking plain water may cause nausea; it is advisable to consult a gastroenterologist. Long-term consumption of sugary beverages can increase the risk of developing fatty liver disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. If there has been a significant recent weight loss, i...[Read More] Managing Kidney Health: Concerns About Sports Drinks and Weight Loss
Understanding Water Intoxication: Symptoms, Risks, and Recovery Tips
Concern about water intoxication? A week ago, I had a mild cold and saw a doctor. The doctor advised me to drink plenty of water, so I forced myself to drink about 5000 milliliters daily for around 5-6 days. Sometimes, I accidentally consumed over 1000 milliliters within an hour,...
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
For information related to water intoxication, you can consult the nephrology outpatient clinic.[Read More] Understanding Water Intoxication: Symptoms, Risks, and Recovery Tips
Adjusting Insulin for Diabetes Management: A Guide for Caregivers
Diabetes management Hello Dr. Lee, I have been taking care of my father who has had diabetes for over 20 years. During this time, due to dietary control, his HbA1c has decreased from 10 to 6.8. I would like to ask if the insulin he takes daily can be adjusted based on his blood g...
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
Adjusting insulin involves many factors, including the type of insulin used, accompanying oral medications, daily blood sugar fluctuations, renal function, and more. Please discuss this with the prescribing physician.[Read More] Adjusting Insulin for Diabetes Management: A Guide for Caregivers
Understanding Blood Pressure and HbA1c Levels: Key Insights for Patients
Issues related to blood pressure and glycated hemoglobin? 1. My father is 71 years old. During his health check-up, his hemoglobin A1c level was 6.1. The criteria for passing at the clinic is below 6. The physician there mentioned that levels below 6.7 do not qualify as diabetes....
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
A hemoglobin A1c level of 6.5 or higher can diagnose diabetes. If the hemoglobin A1c continues to rise, early intervention with glucose-lowering medications may be considered to prevent the onset of diabetes; however, these medications may require out-of-pocket expenses. For low ...[Read More] Understanding Blood Pressure and HbA1c Levels: Key Insights for Patients
Is My Doctor's Approach to Diabetes Management Correct?
Could you please clarify if the management of diabetes is appropriate? I have been regularly visiting a urologist, and recently the doctor mentioned that my urine glucose levels are too high. I also tested my blood sugar at home using a glucometer about five hours after a meal, a...
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
A postprandial blood glucose level of over 200 may indicate diabetes. Please visit the endocrinology department for a thorough examination.[Read More] Is My Doctor's Approach to Diabetes Management Correct?
Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns
Left lower abdominal pain? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing a dull pain in my lower left abdomen for several consecutive days, approximately near the waist area on the left side. I also had a pain in my upper left abdomen once. The pain is not severe and does not persist; i...
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
Local heat application can be used to control symptoms and dietary adjustments should be made. If necessary, medical treatment with medication may be required.[Read More] Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns
Does Adding Salt and Soy Sauce Affect Rice Digestion Time?
Digestion of Rice I would like to ask the doctor, if I eat only rice, it takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to empty my stomach. If I add a little salt and soy sauce for flavor, could this potentially delay gastric emptying? Or does it not have a significant effect? Additionally, if I on...
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
Salt and soy sauce do not affect gastric emptying; fats are more likely to influence the emptying time. Each person's digestion time varies, and gastric emptying time differs from individual to individual.[Read More] Does Adding Salt and Soy Sauce Affect Rice Digestion Time?
Understanding Urine Ketones and Bilirubin: Diabetes or Hyperthyroidism?
Urine ketones 3+ Hello Doctor, during my health check in November last year, my urine ketones were (+/-), urine bilirubin was (-), T4 levels were normal, and TSH was slightly low. In late February this year, I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. In early April, during my health c...
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
An increase in urine ketones may be caused by fasting or starvation. If it persists, you can consult a metabolic specialist. An increase in urine bilirubin can be evaluated by a hepatobiliary specialist for further investigation and monitoring.[Read More] Understanding Urine Ketones and Bilirubin: Diabetes or Hyperthyroidism?
Understanding Thyroid Disorders: Managing Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism
Thyroid issues? The patient has been receiving treatment for hyperthyroidism (without exophthalmos) for many years and is taking medication for both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Recently, he has experienced increased shortness of breath. The original physician believes thi...
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
Some physicians may allow patients with thyroid autoimmunity to take both antithyroid medications and thyroid hormone replacement therapy simultaneously. This approach varies from person to person. If respiratory symptoms are present but cardiology evaluations show no significant...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Disorders: Managing Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism
Ants Near the Toilet: Could It Indicate Diabetes Symptoms?
There are ants near the toilet? Hello doctor, my grandmother, her mother, and her brother all have diabetes, but my mother does not. Recently, I noticed a few ants (about 3 or 4) on the floor next to the toilet and on the toilet lid; it’s not a large number and they haven't ...
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
If there is a family history of diabetes and there are ants around the toilet, it is advisable to visit a metabolic specialist to check fasting blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin to rule out the possibility of diabetes.[Read More] Ants Near the Toilet: Could It Indicate Diabetes Symptoms?
Understanding Height and Weight Changes in Aging: A Guide for Families
Mother's height and weight issues? Hello, doctor. My mother is 58 years old, and I would like to ask about her health check-up report. The report shows that her height and weight are normal, but she has been losing a few millimeters in height each year, totaling a decrease o...
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
If you experience a decrease in height, you can visit an orthopedic clinic to check for osteoporosis. If you have experienced weight loss, you can go to a metabolic clinic to check for diabetes or thyroid dysfunction.[Read More] Understanding Height and Weight Changes in Aging: A Guide for Families
Understanding Unintentional Weight Loss and Blood Pressure Concerns
Weight gradually decreases year by year? Hello, doctor. I apologize for asking you this question. I'm not sure if this is something for an internist. My mother is 58 years old. Although her weight is normal according to her health check report, it has decreased by 2 kilogram...
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
Weight loss can be evaluated at a metabolism clinic to check for thyroid antibodies or diabetes. A systolic blood pressure below 130 is preferable; it is advisable to reduce sodium intake and then monitor changes in blood pressure.[Read More] Understanding Unintentional Weight Loss and Blood Pressure Concerns
Understanding Heart Palpitations: When to Seek Medical Advice
Cardiac issues Hello, doctor. A few days ago, I experienced symptoms of chest tightness. After searching online, I found that palpitations can be felt as a noticeable heartbeat. However, for several years, I have been able to feel my heartbeat almost all the time when I am still ...
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
Hello: The sensation of feeling one's heartbeat is referred to as palpitations. There are many situations that can cause palpitations, commonly including life stress, tobacco and alcohol use, and even changes in temperature. Certain medical conditions are also associated wit...[Read More] Understanding Heart Palpitations: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Are You at Risk for Prediabetes?
Blood glucose level is 102, but glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is normal? Hello doctor, my height is 176 cm and my weight is 77 kg. My fasting blood glucose level is 102 mg/dL, but my hemoglobin A1c is 5.5%. Am I considered to be in the prediabetic range, or do I need to retest my f...
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
Fasting blood glucose levels exceeding 100 mg/dL raise concerns for prediabetes, and regular monitoring is necessary. Both hemoglobin A1c and fasting blood glucose have their respective reference values; no single number can provide complete assurance, so both should be considere...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Are You at Risk for Prediabetes?
What is the Normal Range for Hemoglobin A1c Levels?
What is the normal range for hemoglobin A1c? The normal range for hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels can vary slightly depending on the guidelines used. Generally, an HbA1c level of less than 5.7% is considered normal, while levels between 5.7% and 6.4% indicate prediabetes. A level o...
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
Both the American Diabetes Association and the Taiwan Diabetes Association define a normal fasting blood glucose level as below 5.6 mmol/L.[Read More] What is the Normal Range for Hemoglobin A1c Levels?
Managing Thyroid Nodules: When to Pause Medication for Gastrointestinal Issues
Thyroid nodule During a physical examination, a thyroid ultrasound revealed a 1.8 cm nodule on the right side and a 0.4 cm nodule on the left side. A fine needle aspiration biopsy indicated that the nodules are cysts (fluid-filled). The physician has prescribed Eltroxin (levothyr...
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
You may consider having a blood test in advance to check for thyroid antibodies. If thyroid antibodies are present, it is advisable to discontinue medication. As for whether the use of thyroid hormone can inhibit the enlargement of thyroid cysts/nodules, this remains uncertain.[Read More] Managing Thyroid Nodules: When to Pause Medication for Gastrointestinal Issues
Can Symptoms of Hypothyroidism from Hyperthyroidism Treatment Return to Normal?
Can symptoms of hypothyroidism that occur during the treatment of hyperthyroidism return to normal? I have had hyperthyroidism for over ten years, during which I did not actively seek treatment and did not restrict my diet, resulting in consistently high levels (TSH undetectable,...
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
It is important to lower thyroid antibodies, as this can reduce the risk of developing heart disease or osteoporosis in the future. As for symptoms such as difficulty concentrating and poor mental clarity, a consultation with a neurologist may be advisable.[Read More] Can Symptoms of Hypothyroidism from Hyperthyroidism Treatment Return to Normal?
Can You Take Supplements While on Hyperthyroid Medication?
Hyperthyroidism medication issues? Hello Dr. Lee: I would like to ask if I can take dietary supplements while currently on medication for hyperthyroidism. Will there be any interactions? If there are no interactions, how long should I wait between taking the two? Thank you, Dr. L...
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
Please take dietary supplements at least two hours apart from antithyroid medications.[Read More] Can You Take Supplements While on Hyperthyroid Medication?