Managing Weight and Blood Sugar: A Guide for Diabetic Patients
Inquiry about weight loss in diabetes? Hello, doctor. I have been managing gestational diabetes for 13 years with medication, but my blood sugar levels have not been ideal. My recent blood test showed a fasting glucose level of 172 mg/dL and a hemoglobin A1c of 8.5%. I am 163 cm ...
Dr. Liu Hongxiang reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Dong, I hope this message finds you well. After reading your letter several times, I can sense your efforts in managing your blood sugar levels; please continue to maintain this. If you want to achieve weight loss effectively, it is essential to focus primarily on dieta...[Read More] Managing Weight and Blood Sugar: A Guide for Diabetic Patients
Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Left lower abdominal pain, like being punched (the sensation is similar to overeating, but it feels like the distension is not in the stomach)? Two days ago, I stayed up late to finish work and went to sleep around 7 AM yesterday after drinking three bottles of beer and having a ...
Dr. Liu Hongxiang reply Family Medicine
Hello Mr. Li, Based on your letter, if you have no history of gastrointestinal diseases, it is possible that your discomfort is due to indigestion from eating a lot during gatherings and late-night snacks. If you are still experiencing abdominal discomfort, I recommend visiting ...[Read More] Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Left Lower Back Pain: Causes and Solutions
Lumbar issues Doctor, I would like to ask about some symptoms I'm experiencing. Sometimes I have pain in my left lower back, and when I stand, it feels particularly tight, as if there is something inside my lower back. Occasionally, I also feel a sensation of something forei...
Dr. Liu Hongxiang reply Family Medicine
Hello Mr. You: Regarding the issues near your lower back, if there are no visible signs, it is recommended to visit the clinic for a physician's examination. If there are concerns, non-invasive tests such as an ultrasound can be arranged for confirmation. Thank you for your ...[Read More] Understanding Left Lower Back Pain: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Factors Affecting Readings in Daily Life
Blood sugar issues 1. Consuming a bowl of beef noodles that was 70% full at around 8 PM, along with a few sips of sugary drinks and a small amount of fried food between 10 PM and 12 AM, combined with staying up until 5 AM, could indeed affect your fasting blood glucose levels. Th...
Dr. Liu Hongxiang reply Family Medicine
Hello Ms. Chou: Fasting for more than 8 hours is required to measure fasting blood glucose. If the fasting period is sufficient and the blood glucose level is 110 mg/dL, this single measurement indicates elevated blood sugar. It is recommended to conduct multiple tests to confi...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Factors Affecting Readings in Daily Life
Impact of Recent Blood Donation on HbA1c Test Accuracy
Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) Is it accurate to test glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) less than two weeks after donating 500 cc of blood?
Dr. Liu Hongxiang reply Family Medicine
Hello Mr. Louis: Glycated hemoglobin is a compound formed by the binding of hemoglobin in red blood cells to glucose, serving as a reference standard for the average plasma glucose concentration over a period of time (approximately 3 months). Therefore, conditions such as anemia ...[Read More] Impact of Recent Blood Donation on HbA1c Test Accuracy
Does Long-Term Herbal Supplementation Affect Fasting Blood Sugar Levels?
Blood glucose levels Does long-term consumption of blood-nourishing herbal powders affect fasting blood glucose levels? For breakfast, I eat large oatmeal with soy milk and one egg; for lunch, I have stir-fried vegetables, zucchini, carrots, and chicken breast; for dinner, I usua...
Dr. Liu Hongxiang reply Family Medicine
Hello Ms. Tong: If food or medication contains caloric substances (carbohydrates, proteins, or fats) that can be absorbed by the body, it can affect blood sugar levels. The type and quantity of food consumed can lead to fluctuations in blood sugar levels. From your message, it se...[Read More] Does Long-Term Herbal Supplementation Affect Fasting Blood Sugar Levels?
Understanding Normal Blood Count Values for High School Boys
Complete Blood Count (CBC) What are the normal blood count values for high school boys? Is a hematocrit level of 48.0 considered high? How can it be improved? Thank you.
Dr. Liu Hongxiang reply Family Medicine
Hello Jane, The normal ranges for male blood tests are as follows: hemoglobin is 13-17.5 g/dL, MCV (mean corpuscular volume) is 80-100 fL, and hematocrit is 39-48%. While there may be slight variations in the normal ranges among different medical institutions, they generally do...[Read More] Understanding Normal Blood Count Values for High School Boys
Understanding Persistent Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns Explained
Chest pain issues? Hello doctor, I started experiencing pain in the center of my chest around early June, which later became a mild ache. Sometimes I also feel pain on the left side of my chest, but most of the time, the pain is in the center. After feeling that it had persisted ...
Dr. Liu Hongxiang reply Family Medicine
Hello, Xin Xin: A CT scan can clearly reveal the presence or absence of aortic dissection. You have been experiencing chest pain for nearly a month, and since the cardiologist found no issues, it may be necessary to consider whether there are any musculoskeletal problems. At this...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns Explained
Persistent Neck Discomfort: Causes and Solutions for Swelling and Pain
Swelling in the front of the neck on both sides and centrally, near the clavicle, with discomfort, tenderness upon palpation, pain while swallowing, and a dry cough without sputum. Symptoms worsen from afternoon to evening? On May 1, I experienced discomfort on the right side of ...
Dr. Liu Hongxiang reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Fi, Thank you for your detailed account of your current health status. According to your letter, you have seen a physician three times, but your symptoms persist. I would recommend that you consult an otolaryngologist again to assess your condition and determine if furt...[Read More] Persistent Neck Discomfort: Causes and Solutions for Swelling and Pain
Which Specialist to Consult for Symmetrical Blue Veins on Face?
Which department to see? Hello doctor, I have recently noticed that there are prominent veins from the corners of my mouth to my chin. They are flat and not raised, but they are symmetrical on both sides. Which specialty should I consult, and what should I pay attention to?
Dr. Liu Hongxiang reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Wu, Hello. Regarding your recent observation of visible veins from the corners of your mouth to your chin, I recommend that you first consult a dermatologist to assess the situation and determine if any treatment is necessary. Wishing you good health. Sincerely, Dr...[Read More] Which Specialist to Consult for Symmetrical Blue Veins on Face?
Understanding Elevated Body Temperature: Possible Causes and Concerns
Elevated body temperature? I have been experiencing bloating, occasional loss of appetite, lower abdominal pain, and a tendency for my body temperature to be elevated, especially when lying down. I also have arrhythmia and have been in contact with two individuals who have overla...
Dr. Liu Hongxiang reply Family Medicine
Hello, J1080349: If the ear temperature is below 38°C, it is not considered a true fever. If there are no other severe symptoms, you can continue to monitor the situation. If you have been in contact with two individuals who have overlapping exposure with a confirmed case, you ca...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Body Temperature: Possible Causes and Concerns
Understanding Blood Pressure and Pulse: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Blood pressure, pulse? Hello doctor, last December, I had my blood pressure and pulse checked for a thyroid examination, and the results were within normal limits, around 120/70, with a heart rate in the 90s. The doctor advised me to keep an eye on it. In early September of this ...
Dr. Liu Hongxiang reply Family Medicine
Hello JJ: Due to factors such as exercise, speaking, or eating that can affect blood pressure, it is important to sit quietly for at least 10 to 15 minutes before measuring your blood pressure. Additionally, the best times to measure blood pressure are 30 to 60 minutes after waki...[Read More] Understanding Blood Pressure and Pulse: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Post-AZ Vaccine Side Effects: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Side effects of the AZ vaccine? Hello Doctor, I received the AZ vaccine on September 19. Today, my fever has subsided and I no longer have body aches, but I am still experiencing diarrhea and occasional stomach pain. These symptoms appeared after the vaccination. Should I seek me...
Dr. Liu Hongxiang reply Family Medicine
Hello, Kang Kang: The side effects of the AZ vaccine include nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. If the frequency and severity of these symptoms decrease daily, monitoring is sufficient. However, if they impact your daily life or work, it is recommended to seek medical attentio...[Read More] Post-AZ Vaccine Side Effects: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Understanding Dizziness, Shortness of Breath, and Palpitations in Seniors
Dizziness, shortness of breath, and palpitations? Hello doctor, I am asking on behalf of my mother. She is 63 years old and has recently been experiencing frequent dizziness, which is often accompanied by shortness of breath and palpitations occurring 2 to 3 times a day, lasting ...
Dr. Liu Hongxiang reply Family Medicine
Hello, Xiao Mei: Your mother does not have a history of heart disease, but she has recently been experiencing frequent dizziness, along with shortness of breath and palpitations, occurring 2 to 3 times a day and lasting from half an hour to several hours. She also has unexplained...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness, Shortness of Breath, and Palpitations in Seniors
Understanding Dental Crown Issues: When Your Prosthetics Feel Uncomfortable
Oral cavity, denture deformation? Hello Doctor, I had a car accident that caused cracks in my front teeth. Following the dentist's advice, I had two dental crowns placed. Initially, everything seemed fine, but after almost a year, I started to feel that these two crowns were...
Dr. Liu Hongxiang reply Family Medicine
Dear Miss Chia Lin, Hello. Your letter indicates that several dental examinations have shown no issues, yet you still experience discomfort. Based on my personal experience, I recommend consulting the dental department at a medical center to explore potential methods to alleviat...[Read More] Understanding Dental Crown Issues: When Your Prosthetics Feel Uncomfortable
Can I Safely Combine My Gastrointestinal and ENT Medications?
Medication consultation Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing difficulty swallowing and gastroesophageal reflux, for which I am taking medications from the gastroenterology department, specifically Aiwai Reverse Tablets, Shenda Ulcer Relief Capsules (Omeprazole), and Tongping Ta...
Dr. Liu Hongxiang reply Family Medicine
Hello, sir: Aiwai Reverse Tablets, Shenda Ulcer Relief Capsules (Omeprazole), and Tongping Tablets (Lisinopril) are all gastrointestinal medications. Aludene 2mg is also a gastrointestinal medication, so it can be omitted. Tonzouge (400) tablets are pain relievers and can be take...[Read More] Can I Safely Combine My Gastrointestinal and ENT Medications?
Understanding Left Chest Discomfort and Breathing Difficulties
Left chest discomfort and difficulty breathing? Hello Doctor: For the past few days, I have occasionally experienced discomfort in the area below my left chest, where it feels either like bone pain or a sensation of tightness. It doesn't hurt when I press on it, but it feels...
Dr. Liu Hongxiang reply Family Medicine
Hello Ms. Li: You are experiencing intermittent pain in the left chest and difficulty breathing. Since these symptoms may be related to various conditions or myositis, it is advisable to visit a hospital for a more definitive diagnosis and treatment. Thank you for your inquiry, a...[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Discomfort and Breathing Difficulties
Understanding Your Health Concerns While Living Abroad: A Guide
Recent discomforts in the body? Hello, doctor! I have been working in Japan for a long time and, due to the pandemic, I have been unable to return to Taiwan. Recently, I have been experiencing various discomforts and I am unsure whether they are psychological or physical issues. ...
Dr. Liu Hongxiang reply Family Medicine
Hello Mr. Shang-Chuan, Based on your height and weight, your BMI is 31.4, which falls into the category of moderate obesity. Your systolic blood pressure readings of 133 or 120 are within the normal range. It is recommended that in addition to dietary control, you incorporate e...[Read More] Understanding Your Health Concerns While Living Abroad: A Guide
Managing Weight Loss and Dizziness After Blood Pressure Medication
Weight is gradually decreasing? Hello Dr. Liu, about two years ago, my blood pressure suddenly spiked to nearly 200. Since then, I have started taking antihypertensive medications to control my blood pressure. Currently, I take one pill of Amlodipine and half a pill of Candesarta...
Dr. Liu Hongxiang reply Family Medicine
Hello A-Rong, According to your letter, avoiding high-calorie foods and not overeating during meals will help you approach your ideal weight after a period of persistence. Considering the average height of Taiwanese men is 173.5 cm, a weight of 78 kg results in a BMI of 25.9, wh...[Read More] Managing Weight Loss and Dizziness After Blood Pressure Medication
Understanding Dizziness, Nausea, Sweating, and Diarrhea Symptoms
Dizziness, nausea, cold sweats, and diarrhea? My father suddenly felt dizzy while changing his clothes, followed by nausea and cold sweats. After resting for a while, he experienced diarrhea.
Dr. Liu Hongxiang reply Family Medicine
Hello A-Jen, Severe dizziness can be accompanied by nausea, cold sweats, and diarrhea due to neurological reflexes. If the symptoms recur or if there is weakness or paralysis in the limbs, unstable blood pressure, or changes in hearing, please seek evaluation and treatment from...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness, Nausea, Sweating, and Diarrhea Symptoms