Managing Diarrhea in Diabetic Patients: Causes and Solutions
Diarrhea in diabetic patients? My father has been a diabetic patient for 30 years and is now 77 years old. He controls his blood sugar with insulin injections. His HbA1c levels have been normal during his quarterly check-ups. However, since early March, he has suddenly started ex...
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
If diarrhea persists, please visit a gastroenterology department at a medical center. Thank you.[Read More] Managing Diarrhea in Diabetic Patients: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Acanthosis Nigricans and Blood Sugar Levels: A Guide
Blood sugar exceeds? Hello, doctor. I am currently 176 cm tall and at my heaviest, I weighed 103 kg. I have now reduced my weight to 89 kg and am continuing to lose weight. My body fat percentage is 23% (down from 32% at my heaviest) and my visceral fat is 12 (down from 16 at my ...
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
Hello: If you have acanthosis nigricans, it is recommended to test for hemoglobin A1c. If the result is between 5.7 and 6.4, it indicates prediabetes.[Read More] Understanding Acanthosis Nigricans and Blood Sugar Levels: A Guide
Managing Diarrhea in Diabetic Patients: Causes and Solutions
Diarrhea in diabetic patients My father has been a diabetic patient for 30 years and is now 77 years old. He controls his blood sugar with insulin injections. His hemoglobin A1c levels have been normal during his quarterly check-ups. However, since the beginning of March, he has ...
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
If diarrhea persists, please visit the gastroenterology department at a medical center. Thank you.[Read More] Managing Diarrhea in Diabetic Patients: Causes and Solutions
Managing Diarrhea in Long-Term Diabetes Patients: A Guide for Caregivers
Diarrhea in diabetic patients? My father has been a diabetes patient for 30 years and is now 77 years old. He controls his blood sugar with insulin injections, and his hemoglobin A1c levels have been normal during his quarterly check-ups. However, since the beginning of March, he...
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
The blood sugar medications that are more likely to cause diarrhea are metformin and acarbose. If the diarrhea is not caused by these medications, further follow-up with a gastroenterologist is still necessary.[Read More] Managing Diarrhea in Long-Term Diabetes Patients: A Guide for Caregivers
Understanding Pituitary Gland Abnormalities: MRI Insights and Implications
Pituitary gland Hello Doctor: Previously, an endocrinologist discovered that I have an endocrine disorder and suspected an issue with my pituitary gland. Therefore, I underwent an MRI, and the report is as follows: MRI for Sella with and without contrast medium images: Findings: ...
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
The report indicates that everything is normal.[Read More] Understanding Pituitary Gland Abnormalities: MRI Insights and Implications
Understanding Blood Sugar, HbA1c, and Their Impact on Thalassemia
Blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, and Mediterranean anemia? Hello, I had a company health check before the New Year, and my hemoglobin A1c was 5.6 and my blood glucose was 86. At the end of March, due to feeling unwell, I tested my postprandial blood glucose and it was 155. The...
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
If there are concerns that hemoglobin A1c levels may be affected by anemia, glycated albumin can be tested; the impact of anemia on hemoglobin A1c levels is difficult to estimate.[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar, HbA1c, and Their Impact on Thalassemia
Where to Find Hormone Therapy for MTF Patients in Taichung?
For MTF hormone therapy, it is best to consult with an endocrinologist or a healthcare provider specializing in transgender health? I recently moved back to Taichung and have visited several hospitals, but none of the doctors are able to prescribe hormone therapy medications. The...
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
Large hospitals should have it. It may be that the time period has not yet arrived, hence it cannot be prescribed.[Read More] Where to Find Hormone Therapy for MTF Patients in Taichung?
Understanding Rising Cholesterol Levels: Key Factors and Next Steps
Elevated total cholesterol? Hello, doctor. Recently, during my follow-up visit for my thyroid condition, the hospital conducted blood tests that included cholesterol and triglyceride levels. I have previously done blood tests myself and noticed that my total cholesterol has been ...
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
Currently, the levels do not appear to be high, so there is no need for excessive concern. Triglycerides may be influenced by recent dietary intake, leading to fluctuations. Some medicinal fish oils can help lower triglyceride levels.[Read More] Understanding Rising Cholesterol Levels: Key Factors and Next Steps
Should Stable Type 2 Diabetes Patients Continue Visiting Medical Centers?
Do patients with stable type 2 diabetes still need to continue follow-up visits at a medical center? Hello Doctor, I apologize for the interruption! I would like to ask you a question. I have been living with type 2 diabetes for over seven years. After discovering this issue duri...
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
If blood sugar levels can be consistently controlled, it is recommended that you transfer to a primary care medical facility for management. It is best to choose a facility that has a physician specializing in metabolic disorders or one that is part of a diabetes collaborative ca...[Read More] Should Stable Type 2 Diabetes Patients Continue Visiting Medical Centers?
Understanding Anti-TPO Antibodies: Impact on Fertility and Thyroid Health
Thyroid Anti-TPO antibodies Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you about my report which shows a positive result for anti-TPO antibodies (348 IU/mL), but both TSH and T4 levels are normal. The rheumatologist mentioned that I currently do not have thyroid disease. Since I am prepar...
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
The prevalence of TPO antibodies is approximately 11%, which may be related to genetics. Women who test positive for these antibodies may have a higher likelihood of experiencing infertility or preterm birth; however, current research findings are inconsistent. It is recommended ...[Read More] Understanding Anti-TPO Antibodies: Impact on Fertility and Thyroid Health
Understanding Blood Sugar Fluctuations: Dawn Phenomenon or Poor Sleep?
Diabetes issues Hello Doctor, I was diagnosed with diabetes in early February. I would like to ask you about my blood sugar levels. On the evening of February 23rd, after taking my blood sugar medication following dinner, my blood sugar was 94 two hours post-meal. However, my fas...
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
This is typically referred to as the dawn phenomenon, which is commonly observed in patients with diabetes.[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Fluctuations: Dawn Phenomenon or Poor Sleep?
Understanding Hypothyroidism: Key Questions and Management Strategies
Hypothyroidism Hello, here are some test results: Anti-TPO Ab: 428 (8/26), 242.7 (9/17); TSH: 0.01, Free T4: 0.63, Free T3: 1.6 (9/16); TSH: 8.611, Free T4: 0.67, T3: 0.51 (10/7); TSH: 4.881, Free T4: 0.75 (11/4); TSH: 1.317, Free T4: 1.12 (12/2); TSH: 0.791, Free T4: 1.05 (2/12)...
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
Thyroid function should be maintained within the normal range, which may vary slightly among different medical institutions. A positive TPO antibody indicates the possibility of Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Currently, cholesterol levels are slightly elevated and dietary control ...[Read More] Understanding Hypothyroidism: Key Questions and Management Strategies
Should You Worry About Your Blood Sugar Levels? A Guide for Young Adults
Excessive worrying? Hello Doctor, my fasting blood glucose this year was 97 mg/dL (measured in the morning, last year it was 93 mg/dL). I usually control my intake of sugary drinks, having a hand-shaken beverage at most once a week. My BMI is 18. I went to the lab for an HbA1c te...
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
Current test results are all within normal ranges, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle does not warrant excessive concern.[Read More] Should You Worry About Your Blood Sugar Levels? A Guide for Young Adults
Understanding Elevated Urea Nitrogen Levels: Causes and Implications
Elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels? Hello Doctor: I recently had a blood test, and my blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level was 21.2, creatinine was 0.9, with the BUN highlighted in red (two months ago, it was 18.4 and creatinine was 0.95). About a week ago, I underwent dental i...
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
A hemoglobin A1c of 5.9 is consistent with a diagnosis of prediabetes, requiring regular follow-up every three months. Currently, kidney function is considered normal, but ongoing monitoring of future changes is necessary.[Read More] Understanding Elevated Urea Nitrogen Levels: Causes and Implications
Impact of Stopping Thyroid Medication for Two Weeks After Surgery
Hypothyroidism medication was stopped for two weeks? Hello, doctor. I originally had hyperthyroidism and my levels decreased after surgery. However, I forgot to pick up my prescription and now I don't have enough medication. There are still three weeks until my next appointm...
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
The drug's half-life is approximately one week, so stopping the medication for three weeks may have an impact. It is recommended that you consider visiting another hospital to obtain your prescription.[Read More] Impact of Stopping Thyroid Medication for Two Weeks After Surgery
Understanding Thyroid Issues: When to Seek Medical Attention
Thyroid issues Hello Doctor, I recently noticed something moving up and down under my Adam's apple when I swallow while looking in the mirror. After some research, I found out that it is the thyroid gland. I have only seen examinations done while tilting the head back. I can...
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
You can visit a hospital to see an endocrinologist for thyroid function tests and a thyroid ultrasound examination to determine if there are any abnormalities.[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Issues: When to Seek Medical Attention
Concerns About Excess Growth Hormone in a Rapidly Growing Child
Suspected excessive secretion of growth hormone? Hello, my child is 7 years old and is almost 150 cm tall. We have seen a pediatric endocrinologist twice, and they said there is no precocious puberty, but her bone age is advanced by 1 to 2 years. We did a blood test once, and the...
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
Since your child is only seven years old, it is recommended that you consult a pediatric endocrinologist. Thank you.[Read More] Concerns About Excess Growth Hormone in a Rapidly Growing Child
Understanding Frequent Urination and Dry Mouth: Possible Causes and Solutions
Medical consultation Recently, I've been experiencing sudden dry mouth and frequent urination. Chewing gum helps a bit. What could be the issue? (I haven't been eating much, and my weight is normal.)
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
Symptoms of excessive thirst and frequent urination may warrant a visit to the endocrinology department to check for elevated blood glucose levels.[Read More] Understanding Frequent Urination and Dry Mouth: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Thyroid Index: When to Seek Medical Advice?
Thyroid index The laboratory tests showed a TSH level of 1.90 (normal reference range: 0.27–4.20) and a Free T4 level of 1.73 (normal reference range: 0.93–1.70). You mentioned experiencing insomnia the day before the blood draw and having poor sleep quality throughout the week. ...
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
Currently, the index does not require treatment; follow-up can be done in about three to six months.[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Index: When to Seek Medical Advice?
Am I at Risk for Prediabetes? Understanding Blood Sugar Levels
Is it prediabetes? Hello Doctor, I am 25 years old, 174 cm tall, and weigh 63 kg. The night before, I consumed about two bowls of rice, two bowls of noodles, and lamb hot pot. After fasting for eight hours, I measured my blood glucose level using a glucometer and found it to be 1...
Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
Another test is needed for confirmation. Please include a hemoglobin A1c test in the next blood draw for reference.[Read More] Am I at Risk for Prediabetes? Understanding Blood Sugar Levels