Managing High Cholesterol and Lipid Levels: A Patient's Guide
High cholesterol and elevated blood lipids? Hello Doctor, I have a question to ask. I recently received my health check report: weight 45 kg, height 164 cm, fasting blood sugar 102 mg/dL, hemoglobin A1c 5.3%, HDL 83 mg/dL, LDL 207 mg/dL, triglycerides 94 mg/dL, and total cholest...
Dr. Lin Jianliang reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Although you have previously used statin medications for lowering cholesterol, you stopped due to muscle cramping side effects. Currently, dietary control has not effectively reduced your cholesterol levels. You may want to discuss different types of cholesterol-lowering m...[Read More] Managing High Cholesterol and Lipid Levels: A Patient's Guide
Understanding Your Blood Sugar Levels: Are You at Risk for Prediabetes?
Both pre-meal and post-meal blood glucose levels are at the threshold? Doctor, my hemoglobin A1c is 5.2, my fasting blood sugar is 99, and my postprandial blood sugar is 140. Since both values are at the borderline, am I considered to have prediabetes? Also, how much should I eat...
Dr. Lin Jianliang reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Based on the data you provided, a glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level of 5.2% falls within the normal range (generally, the normal range is less than 5.7%). The normal range for fasting blood glucose is 70-99 mg/dL, while the normal range for postprandial blood glucose (two ...[Read More] Understanding Your Blood Sugar Levels: Are You at Risk for Prediabetes?
Does Drinking Sugary Beverages All Day Cause Insulin Resistance?
Insulin resistance Hello, Doctor: If I drink a cup of sugary bubble tea throughout the day (taking a few sips intermittently), will this cause my blood sugar levels to fluctuate continuously and potentially lead to insulin resistance?
Dr. Lin Jianliang reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Consuming a large amount of sugary beverages at once or intermittently can lead to fluctuations in blood glucose levels, which may result in insulin resistance. To maintain health, it is recommended to reduce the intake of sugary drinks.[Read More] Does Drinking Sugary Beverages All Day Cause Insulin Resistance?
Can Short-Term High Protein Diet Raise Cholesterol Levels?
High cholesterol Hello Doctor, I had a health check in early December, and my cholesterol was 200 with high-density lipoprotein (HDL) around 55. Recently, in early April, my test results showed cholesterol at 244 with HDL around 75. My body fat and weight have not changed. I woul...
Dr. Lin Jianliang reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Cholesterol levels can be influenced by diet, which may include short-term high-fat diets.[Read More] Can Short-Term High Protein Diet Raise Cholesterol Levels?
How to Properly Take Euthyrox for Hypothyroidism Management?
How should Sotalol be taken correctly? Hello Dr. Lin, TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone): 6.6 T3 (Triiodothyronine): 101 Free T4 (Free Thyroxine): 1.03 Thyroglobulin Antibody (Anti-Thyroglobulin Ab) level: 145 [<40.00] Thyroid Peroxidase Antibody (Anti-TPO) level: 710 ...
Dr. Lin Jianliang reply Internal Medicine
Hello: 1. Dizziness caused by Staletrex is not common. Other potential causes should be ruled out first. 2. You can give it a try and then follow up.[Read More] How to Properly Take Euthyrox for Hypothyroidism Management?
Can Magnetic Necklaces Affect Thyroid Nodules?
Can individuals with thyroid nodules wear magnetic necklaces? Hello doctor, I recently purchased a magnetic necklace with a magnetic field strength of 65 mT (650 gauss). Since it is worn around the neck, I would like to know if it could affect thyroid diseases. Thank you.
Dr. Lin Jianliang reply Internal Medicine
Hello, there is currently not enough scientific evidence to demonstrate the effects of magnetic bracelets on thyroid diseases. Therefore, I cannot provide you with advice on this matter.[Read More] Can Magnetic Necklaces Affect Thyroid Nodules?
Understanding Autoimmune Thyroid Disease: Key Questions and Insights
Please provide guidance on the administration method for Suotexin? Hello Doctor: The results of the thyroid ultrasound are as follows: Examination report: Findings: The thyroid measures 5.29 x 1.69 x 1.98 cm in the right lobe and 3.09 x 1.43 x 1.91 cm in the left lobe. The overal...
Dr. Lin Jianliang reply Internal Medicine
Hello Eason: 1. The antibodies representing the thyroid are the cause of your autoimmune thyroid disease; there are many causes of cancer, and one cannot rely solely on certain data. 2. The ultrasound images of the thyroid are consistent with autoimmune thyroid disease. 3. The ca...[Read More] Understanding Autoimmune Thyroid Disease: Key Questions and Insights
Understanding Hypoglycemia: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Hypoglycemia Report [Radioimmunoassay Nuclear Medicine Test] Hypoglycemia Report Date: 01/08/2021 [Thyroglobulin] 25.51 ng/ml [hGH] 11.13 ng/ml [C-Peptide] 1.01 ng/ml [Insulin] 2.52 uIU/ml [Cortisol] 15.35 (17:39) µg/dl [Free T4] 1.06 ng/ml [TSH] 2.44 uIU/ml [Ab-T...
Dr. Lin Jianliang reply Internal Medicine
Hello: 1. The above report cannot determine whether it is hypoglycemia or type 1 diabetes; it seems to be looking for causes of hypoglycemia. 2. In the early or pre-stage of diabetes, due to abnormal insulin secretion in the body, postprandial hypoglycemia may occur. The assessme...[Read More] Understanding Hypoglycemia: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding T3, T4, TSH Tests and Thyroid Ultrasound Results
T3, T4, and TSH tests along with thyroid ultrasound? Hello Doctor, The results of the T3, T4, and TSH tests are as follows: TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone): 7.4, T3 (Triiodothyronine): 101, Free T4: 0.88. The thyroid ultrasound results are as follows: Examination Report: F...
Dr. Lin Jianliang reply Internal Medicine
Hello Eason: The current report indicates two main issues: 1. Thyroid disease caused by immune factors: further blood tests, physical examinations, and medical history inquiries are required in the outpatient clinic. 2. Thyroid nodules: a follow-up visit is needed to assess the c...[Read More] Understanding T3, T4, TSH Tests and Thyroid Ultrasound Results
Is Rapid Weight Loss Normal? Understanding Healthy Weight Fluctuations
Weight loss On December 25, 2023, my weight was 134 pounds, and by January 7, 2024, it had dropped to 129 pounds. Is this rapid weight loss? I started exercising to lose weight on December 25, and initially, the weight dropped quickly. After that, I was losing about 1-2 kilograms...
Dr. Lin Jianliang reply Internal Medicine
Hello: If you are eating normally without any special restrictions, losing 1-3 kilograms in a week is not very common. However, it does not necessarily indicate a problem. It is still advisable to consult a physician, especially since you have noticed blood in your stool. Please ...[Read More] Is Rapid Weight Loss Normal? Understanding Healthy Weight Fluctuations
Can Weight Training Cause Gynecomastia in Young Men?
Can weight training cause gynecomastia in women? Hello, doctor. I started weight training at the age of 19, and after six months of training, I began to notice a lump-like formation in my breast at the age of 20, which was painful to touch. I went to a local clinic, where the doc...
Dr. Lin Jianliang reply Internal Medicine
Hello, it's rare to hear that weight training can cause gynecomastia in men. At least in my understanding, I haven't seen it. I suggest consulting a breast surgeon.[Read More] Can Weight Training Cause Gynecomastia in Young Men?
Is Rapid Weight Loss Normal? Understanding Healthy Weight Fluctuations
Weight loss On December 25, 2023, my weight was 134 pounds, and by January 7, 2024, it had dropped to 129 pounds. Is this rapid weight loss? I started exercising to lose weight on December 25, and initially, the weight dropped quickly. After that, I was losing about 1-2 kilograms...
Dr. Lin Jianliang reply Internal Medicine
Hello: If you are eating normally without any special restrictions, losing 1-3 kilograms in a week is not very common. However, it doesn't necessarily indicate a problem. It is still advisable to consult a physician, especially since you have noticed blood in your stool. Ple...[Read More] Is Rapid Weight Loss Normal? Understanding Healthy Weight Fluctuations
Understanding Hemoglobin A1c: Concerns About Blood Sugar and Anemia
Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) Hello Doctor, I have some questions I would like to ask you: I had a blood test done in December. Since both of my parents have diabetes and my weight has decreased from 64 kg in mid-August to only 59 kg recently, I am very anxious about my blood sugar...
Dr. Lin Jianliang reply Internal Medicine
Hello, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is an indicator of the average blood glucose levels over the past three months. The most significant factor affecting it is the blood glucose level itself. The primary influences on blood glucose are diet and lifestyle. Mild anemia does not have...[Read More] Understanding Hemoglobin A1c: Concerns About Blood Sugar and Anemia
Understanding High Cholesterol: When to See a Specialist
High cholesterol Total cholesterol 235, triglycerides 128, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) 40, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) 169.4, has hypertension, and occasionally experiences a strong heartbeat. Which specialty should I consult, and what kind of issue is this?
Dr. Lin Jianliang reply Internal Medicine
Hello: You can first see a cardiologist. There is an issue with high cholesterol. You also have a sensation of a strong heartbeat, so it would be advisable to consult a cardiologist to check for any abnormalities.[Read More] Understanding High Cholesterol: When to See a Specialist
Understanding High Insulin Resistance and Blood Insulin Levels: A Guide
High blood insulin levels and high insulin resistance? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about my recent self-paid blood tests. My insulin resistance index is 7.1 (normal range: 1.4-2.0), and my blood insulin concentration is 28.65 uU/mL (normal range: 2.6-24.9), which is higher...
Dr. Lin Jianliang reply Internal Medicine
Hello, a fasting blood glucose level of 100 mg/dL is classified as impaired fasting glucose (IFG), which is a form of prediabetes. The diagnosis of prediabetes does not rely on the insulin resistance index or blood insulin levels. There are many reasons for a high insulin resista...[Read More] Understanding High Insulin Resistance and Blood Insulin Levels: A Guide
Cholesterol Levels: Understanding Medication Impact and Testing Accuracy
Cholesterol levels were high before medication, but normalized after treatment? Hello Doctor, last month I had a non-fasting blood test at a general clinic, and the results showed total cholesterol 395, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) 312, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) 70. Lat...
Dr. Lin Jianliang reply Internal Medicine
Hello, a total cholesterol level of 395 and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) of 312 is quite uncommon. After three weeks of medication, your total cholesterol dropped to 185, LDL to 112, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) to 64, which is also an unusual decrease. Other values are no...[Read More] Cholesterol Levels: Understanding Medication Impact and Testing Accuracy
Understanding Prediabetes: Key Questions and Concerns Explained
Hello doctor, I would like to ask some questions about diabetes? I had a health check-up two weeks ago. My fasting blood sugar was 116 mg/dL and my hemoglobin A1c was 5.7%. Does this mean I am in the prediabetic stage or have I already developed diabetes? In the morning, my fasti...
Dr. Lin Jianliang reply Internal Medicine
Hello Mr. Kuo: Your fasting blood glucose is 116, and your hemoglobin A1c is 5.7, which indicates impaired fasting glucose, but it is not diabetes yet. Your blood glucose before lunch is also abnormal, ranging from 117 to 12X. It is recommended that you consult a metabolic specia...[Read More] Understanding Prediabetes: Key Questions and Concerns Explained
Understanding Elevated Creatinine and Triglycerides: Key Insights for Patients
Both creatinine and triglycerides are elevated? Question: I visited my family medicine doctor on Sunday because I previously had high cholesterol issues (last year it was 236). The doctor asked if I could have blood drawn to track my levels today. I replied that I had just gone h...
Dr. Lin Jianliang reply Internal Medicine
Hello, Xiaohua: To measure triglycerides, you should fast for 8-10 hours. The values can be affected by diet, so it is recommended to fast for 8-10 hours and avoid vigorous exercise before the test.[Read More] Understanding Elevated Creatinine and Triglycerides: Key Insights for Patients
Do You Need Medication for Fatty Liver and High Cholesterol? What Specialist to See?
Mild to moderate fatty liver, elevated cholesterol levels, and low thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels may require medical evaluation and treatment. It is advisable to consult a physician, specifically an endocrinologist for thyroid issues and a hepatologist or a gastroenter...
Dr. Lin Jianliang reply Internal Medicine
Hello Edward: It is recommended to see a metabolic specialist. If necessary, the physician will prescribe medication for treatment.[Read More] Do You Need Medication for Fatty Liver and High Cholesterol? What Specialist to See?
Traveling with Diabetes: Essential Tips for Your Trip to Vietnam
Traveling Abroad with Diabetes Hello Dr. Lin: My father has type 2 diabetes, diagnosed for a year and a half, with his HbA1c maintained between 5.8 and 6. He is currently controlling it with medication. Next month, he will be going on a 5-day trip to Vietnam with friends. The med...
Dr. Lin Jianliang reply Internal Medicine
Hello Ms. Yang: Each country has its own regulations, so please consult the local customs regarding this issue.[Read More] Traveling with Diabetes: Essential Tips for Your Trip to Vietnam