Medication Safety for Kidney Disease Patients with Diabetes
Kidney issues, medication safety? Hello doctor, I have diabetes and a kidney disease known as Fanconi syndrome. I have regular check-ups, and my kidney function is about half that of a normal person. I am planning to travel to Xiao Liuqiu and will need to take a boat, but I tend ...
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
Fanconi syndrome is a rare kidney disorder, and only a few physicians have experience in treating it. It is advisable to consult your original nephrologist for appropriate guidance. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Medication Safety for Kidney Disease Patients with Diabetes
Understanding Your Blood Test Results: Are You at Risk for Diabetes?
Three high issues (referring to high blood pressure, high Hello Doctor: I recently had a basic blood test, and here are the results: eGFR: 80 (Is this low?), ALT: 12 (Does this indicate that my liver is healthy?), Uric Acid: 5.1 (Is this high?), TG (Triglycerides): 63 (I previous...
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
A hemoglobin A1c level of 6 indicates prediabetes, and regular monitoring is necessary. Currently, dietary control is recommended. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Your Blood Test Results: Are You at Risk for Diabetes?
Understanding Accurate Diabetes Testing: Insights on HbA1c and Blood Sugar Levels
What are the more accurate methods for measuring blood glucose levels? Hello, doctor. I recently received my health check report, and the results showed that my fasting blood sugar appears normal, but my glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is at 6.0. In the past, my HbA1c levels were bet...
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
If you are concerned that anemia may affect the accuracy of hemoglobin A1c, you can test for glycated albumin.[Read More] Understanding Accurate Diabetes Testing: Insights on HbA1c and Blood Sugar Levels
Managing Diabetic Gangrene: Options Beyond Natural Detachment
Management of diabetic foot and hand gangrene? Hello Doctor: My family member is 58 years old and previously experienced septic shock, which resulted in the necrosis of the toes on one hand and one foot. The doctor mentioned that the circulation in the feet is very poor. At that ...
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
For the management of limb gangrene in diabetic patients, it is necessary to consult with a plastic surgeon or orthopedic specialist. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Managing Diabetic Gangrene: Options Beyond Natural Detachment
Is an HbA1c of 8 and Random Blood Sugar of 146 a Diabetes Diagnosis?
Glycated hemoglobin This year, the company checked the hemoglobin A1c level, which was as high as 8, and the random blood glucose was 146. Does this confirm a diagnosis of diabetes?
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
A hemoglobin A1c level of 6.5% or higher, or a fasting blood glucose level of 126 mg/dL or higher, is considered indicative of diabetes.[Read More] Is an HbA1c of 8 and Random Blood Sugar of 146 a Diabetes Diagnosis?
Post-Meal Blood Sugar Measurement: Timing with Liquid vs. Solid Foods
Postprandial blood glucose measurement inquiry? Hello Dr. Li, I hope you are well. I have a question regarding blood sugar measurement after meals. Generally, the information available indicates that blood sugar should be measured two hours after the first bite of food. However...
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
As soon as you take the first bite of a caloric food, you should start timing.[Read More] Post-Meal Blood Sugar Measurement: Timing with Liquid vs. Solid Foods
Managing Thyroid Issues After Total Thyroidectomy: A Patient's Journey
Thyroid issues The family member is 63 years old, has undergone total thyroidectomy over a year ago, and has completed radioactive iodine therapy, with no other chronic illnesses. Initially, they were supplementing with 50 mg of Levothyroxine, but after a follow-up visit, the doc...
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
In addition to T3, it is also important to consider TSH and free T4 levels to determine their status. If there are concerns about excessive supplementation leading to hyperthyroidism, an electrocardiogram (ECG) and a bone density test can be performed to check for any arrhythmias...[Read More] Managing Thyroid Issues After Total Thyroidectomy: A Patient's Journey
Understanding Variations in Posterior Tibial Artery Pulsation: When to Seek Help
Inquiry Consultation Dear Dr. Lee, I hope this message finds you well. I am unsure which specialty to consult regarding my issue, so I am starting with internal medicine. If this is not your area of expertise, I would appreciate your guidance on which specialty I should consult....
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
Dear Dr. Huang and Dr. Hsiang, The posterior tibial artery is located more superficially near the skin at the ankle, and in thinner individuals, it may be possible to see its pulsation. Generally, it is not easy to "see" it, and quantifying blood flow status visually i...[Read More] Understanding Variations in Posterior Tibial Artery Pulsation: When to Seek Help
Understanding Your Urine Test Results: Key Insights for Diabetics
Examination Report Doctor, my urine screening report shows a microalbumin level of 30.4 and a urine creatinine level of 270.8. I have diabetes with a hemoglobin A1c of 10.1. Should I be concerned about this? Should I exercise more and control my diet? Thank you.
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
Currently, there is no microalbuminuria; however, it is still important to manage blood sugar levels effectively, aiming to keep the hemoglobin A1c below seven to reduce the risk of complications in the future.[Read More] Understanding Your Urine Test Results: Key Insights for Diabetics
Understanding Thyroid Function and Hair Loss: Key Insights for Patients
Thyroid blood test value consultation? In recent years, I have been troubled by hair loss and have noticed that the new hair growth is finer and not as strong as my original hair. Despite visiting several dermatologists, I have not been able to find the cause of my hair loss (all...
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
Short-term use of high doses of steroids may affect thyroid function. Currently, your blood test results do not indicate any significant thyroid dysfunction. If you believe that steroids are contributing to hair loss, it is advisable to discuss this with your rheumatologist.[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Function and Hair Loss: Key Insights for Patients
Managing Blood Sugar and Pressure: Addressing Unusual Voice Changes
Medication issues Hello, doctor... My husband recently discovered that his blood sugar and blood pressure are too high, so he started using medications to lower his blood sugar and blood pressure. His job requires physical labor and exposure to the sun (farming and formwork). Whe...
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
If you experience abnormal voice changes, you can first consult an otolaryngologist (ENT specialist).[Read More] Managing Blood Sugar and Pressure: Addressing Unusual Voice Changes
Understanding Abdominal Obesity: Which Specialist to Consult?
Abdominal obesity I would like to address this issue and ask if I should consult a metabolic specialist, or how to proceed, as I am concerned about choosing the wrong department. Can a physician also explain how to eliminate abdominal obesity?
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
You can schedule a consultation with a metabolic specialist. To prevent an increase in abdominal fat, it is important to reduce carbohydrate intake. Intermittent fasting, such as the 16:8 method, can also help with fat burning.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Obesity: Which Specialist to Consult?
Understanding Glycated Hemoglobin: Why My Levels Increased Despite Healthy Eating
Issues related to glycated hemoglobin? Hello, Doctor. I am currently 35 years old, 168 cm tall, and weigh 56 kg. I usually exercise regularly. In the past, my meal times were irregular, and my portion sizes varied greatly. Last year, during a health check, I found out that my fas...
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
When it comes to carbohydrates, try to choose those with a low glycemic index, such as whole grain rice or brown rice. Additionally, fruit intake should not be excessive. You may also consider the 16:8 intermittent fasting method, and then monitor for any changes afterward.[Read More] Understanding Glycated Hemoglobin: Why My Levels Increased Despite Healthy Eating
Managing Weight Loss and Health for Night Shift Nurses
Moderately obese night shift nurse? Hello, doctor. I am a nurse who has been working night shifts for a long time. Over the past three years, I have gained 30 kilograms (currently classified as moderately obese, with a history of polycystic ovary syndrome). Since last year, I hav...
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
Drink water at your convenience, while always being attentive to any urinary tract symptoms.[Read More] Managing Weight Loss and Health for Night Shift Nurses
Understanding the Connection Between Hyperthyroidism and Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
Hyperthyroidism and Hashimoto's Thyroiditis? Doctor, I have been suffering from Hashimoto's thyroiditis for six or seven years, and it has been quite stable until this year when I discovered that the tumor has grown larger and the markers have increased. I didn't h...
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
Patients with thyroiditis may sometimes experience hyperthyroid symptoms due to antibodies attacking the thyroid gland, leading to the release of thyroid hormones. Patients with hyperthyroidism may experience itching or rashes on the skin. In cases of hyperthyroidism, ultrasound ...[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Hyperthyroidism and Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
Understanding Your Thyroid Levels: TSH Results and Breastfeeding Concerns
Thyroid values Hello: Due to adenomyosis, my obstetrician arranged for a blood test and also conducted a thyroid examination. Today, I checked my health record and found my TSH level is 0.0234 uIU/mL. What does this mean? Additionally, if I require medication, can I still breastf...
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
Please visit the Metabolism Department for further examination to determine whether medication treatment is necessary. The main tests include TSH receptor antibody and free T4.[Read More] Understanding Your Thyroid Levels: TSH Results and Breastfeeding Concerns
Excessive Sweating and Fatigue: Understanding Possible Causes
Symptoms such as sweating and weakness? Hello Doctor, I would like to inquire about my mother. Sometimes when she works at the market in the morning, she sweats excessively, and even after changing into a fresh outfit, she returns home completely damp. Today, after coming home, s...
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
You can go to the hospital to check your thyroid function. If thyroid antibodies are elevated, symptoms such as sweating and palpitations may occur.[Read More] Excessive Sweating and Fatigue: Understanding Possible Causes
Impact of Hypothyroidism on Immunity After Hyperthyroidism Treatment
Hypothyroidism I would like to ask the doctor, if hyperthyroidism has turned into hypothyroidism after iodine treatment and I am regularly taking thyroid hormone, will my immune system be significantly different from that of a person with normal thyroid function? Or as long as th...
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
As long as the thyroid indices are normal, there is no difference in immunity compared to healthy individuals.[Read More] Impact of Hypothyroidism on Immunity After Hyperthyroidism Treatment
Understanding Abdominal Obesity: Causes and Solutions for Men
Abdominal obesity I have been overweight since I was 23, often having a large belly that looks like I am pregnant, but I am a man. I am currently 41 years old, with my highest weight being 114 kg and my lowest being 93 kg, but that was two years ago. Could this be related to meta...
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
Hello: If you suspect a metabolic issue, you can have your thyroid function tested at the hospital. In daily life, you can practice the 16:8 intermittent fasting method to help burn fat. If you wish to lose weight through medication, you can seek assistance at a metabolic clinic.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Obesity: Causes and Solutions for Men
Unexplained Weight Loss with Normal Thyroid Levels: Possible Causes
Significant weight loss with normal thyroid function tests? Hello Dr. Lee, In early November last year, during my health check-up, my height and weight were 181 cm and 58.7 kg, respectively. Aside from being underweight, all other indices were normal (including CEA and fecal occ...
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
If thyroid function is normal, it may be advisable to consult a gastroenterologist to investigate whether the weight loss is related to chronic diarrhea.[Read More] Unexplained Weight Loss with Normal Thyroid Levels: Possible Causes