Can Chamomile Tea and Pumpkin Powder Help Lower Blood Sugar?
Regarding chamomile tea and pumpkin powder? Hello, I have some questions regarding my father's current health situation. He has elevated blood sugar levels but has not yet developed diabetes. He is currently taking medication to lower his blood sugar and regularly visits a n...
Dr. Shi Guangzhong reply Internal Medicine
Your father has already been treated at the clinic and is taking medication for lowering blood sugar; he is a diabetic patient, not just someone with elevated blood sugar levels. The best methods for controlling blood sugar are regular exercise and dietary management, which inclu...[Read More] Can Chamomile Tea and Pumpkin Powder Help Lower Blood Sugar?
Understanding Sleep Disorders in Type 1 Diabetes: Causes and Diagnosis
Are these symptoms caused by diabetes? Hello, I would like to ask about a 25-year-old female with insulin-dependent diabetes who frequently experiences recurring sleep disturbances, night sweats, and often has unpleasant dreams that feel very vivid. I would like to understand the...
Dr. Shi Guangzhong reply Internal Medicine
Recurrent sleep disturbances, night sweats, and unpleasant dreams may indicate that the woman is experiencing nocturnal hypoglycemia. It is recommended to measure blood glucose levels between 2-3 AM to determine if hypoglycemia is occurring. If hypoglycemia is confirmed, a reduct...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Disorders in Type 1 Diabetes: Causes and Diagnosis
Is Blurry Vision a Serious Sign of Diabetes? Understanding Your Symptoms
Is having blurred vision already considered a severe case of diabetes? Three days ago, I suddenly experienced extreme thirst and a bitter taste in my mouth, and no amount of water could quench my thirst. I have also been urinating frequently. Two days ago, I noticed that I was fe...
Dr. Shi Guangzhong reply Internal Medicine
From your letter, I understand that you are experiencing the three P's: polyuria (excessive urination), polydipsia (excessive thirst), and polyphagia (excessive hunger), along with general weakness and blurred vision. These are symptoms of hyperglycemia, and you likely have ...[Read More] Is Blurry Vision a Serious Sign of Diabetes? Understanding Your Symptoms
Diabetes and Erectile Dysfunction: Impact on Fertility and Treatment Options
Diabetes can lead to erectile dysfunction, which may affect fertility? A few years ago, my husband was diagnosed with high blood sugar, with fasting levels reaching around 200. He initially managed it with traditional Chinese medicine but eventually stopped and has been relying o...
Dr. Shi Guangzhong reply Internal Medicine
According to the American Diabetes Association's recommendations, diabetes patients should aim for a fasting blood glucose level below 120 mg/dL and a postprandial blood glucose level below 140 mg/dL two hours after eating. From your letter, it is evident that your husband...[Read More] Diabetes and Erectile Dysfunction: Impact on Fertility and Treatment Options
Understanding Diabetic Neuropathy: Concerns and Management Strategies
Diabetic neuropathy issues? Hello Dr. Shi: My mother is a diabetic and she is 65 years old. Last year, she underwent surgery for cervical spondylosis (she initially went for surgery due to numbness in her left hand), but unexpectedly, after the surgery, she experienced weakness i...
Dr. Shi Guangzhong reply Internal Medicine
From your letter, it is evident that your mother has been struggling with weakness in her limbs for quite some time. There are many potential causes for limb weakness, including blood sugar control issues and cervical spondylosis. It appears that your mother's weakness has s...[Read More] Understanding Diabetic Neuropathy: Concerns and Management Strategies
Effective Dietary Strategies for Managing Diabetes
How to manage diabetes through diet? I have a family history of diabetes and have been on medication for 5 years, but my condition is not very stable. I exercise by playing table tennis at least 4 days a week. My recent check-up showed a hemoglobin A1c level of 7, which I believe...
Dr. Shi Guangzhong reply Internal Medicine
How should diabetic patients choose their food? The following suggestions may serve as a reference: General Principles: - Remember the portion sizes for each meal and consume food at regular intervals. - Pay attention to both the quality and quantity of food to ensure balanced n...[Read More] Effective Dietary Strategies for Managing Diabetes
Managing Diabetes Complications: Addressing Appetite Loss and Care Strategies
How to manage and care for diabetes? Dear Dr. Shih, My brother, who is approximately 165 cm tall, has been suffering from diabetes for over ten years and currently has tuberculosis. He is receiving treatment at Chiayi Christian Hospital in the Family Medicine department. He used...
Dr. Shi Guangzhong reply Internal Medicine
Your brother currently weighs 48 kilograms, which is indeed underweight. However, it is difficult to understand the true reason behind his inability to eat and subsequent vomiting from your letter. It is possible that this could be due to diabetes with neuropathy. Your brother ha...[Read More] Managing Diabetes Complications: Addressing Appetite Loss and Care Strategies
Exploring Non-Amputation Treatments for Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Diabetic foot Hello, Doctor. My mother is 87 years old and has diabetes. She previously had a heel injury that improved with hyperbaric oxygen therapy. In February of this year, her heel cracked again, and she has also developed wounds on her toes. We have conducted cardiovascula...
Dr. Shi Guangzhong reply Internal Medicine
The causes of amputation are often not due to a single factor, but rather the combined effects of multiple factors, including neuropathy, ischemic disease, ulcers, poor wound healing, and infections. Your mother has already undergone cardiovascular examinations; I am unsure of th...[Read More] Exploring Non-Amputation Treatments for Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Post-Amputation Concerns for Diabetic Patients: A Guide
What are some issues after amputation due to diabetes? Hello, Dr. Shi. My mother is 66 years old and has a history of diabetes for 30 years. Six months ago, she accidentally fell and had both of her lower legs amputated. Currently, her wounds have healed, and we are considering p...
Dr. Shi Guangzhong reply Internal Medicine
Dear Ms. Huang, I apologize for the delayed response as I was abroad. If the wound has healed for more than six months, you may consider getting a prosthesis. If you are experiencing symptoms such as tingling and bouncing in both legs, these are primarily chronic complications of...[Read More] Post-Amputation Concerns for Diabetic Patients: A Guide
Essential Diabetes Care Tips for Seniors: What to Know
What should people with diabetes pay attention to? Hello Dr. Shi: My father is 66 years old and was diagnosed with diabetes after surgery. Since he doesn't like going to the hospital, what should he pay attention to regarding diabetes management?
Dr. Shi Guangzhong reply Internal Medicine
Diabetes is a chronic condition that requires regular monitoring, so it is recommended that your father continue to visit the hospital for check-ups. The management of diabetes varies from person to person; some patients can stabilize their blood sugar levels through dietary cont...[Read More] Essential Diabetes Care Tips for Seniors: What to Know
Should You Take Blood Sugar Medication Before Fasting Blood Tests?
Questions about fasting blood tests? Hello, doctor: If I need to fast for a blood test on the same day, should I fast for more than 8 hours? Should I take my blood sugar-lowering medication before the meal? Thank you for your response!
Dr. Shi Guangzhong reply Internal Medicine
Dear: Fasting blood tests should be done after fasting for at least eight hours. Blood should be drawn first, followed by taking blood sugar-lowering medication, and then eating.[Read More] Should You Take Blood Sugar Medication Before Fasting Blood Tests?
Understanding Normal Blood Sugar Reduction Rates in Diabetes Management
What is the normal rate of decline in blood glucose levels during the early stages? My older brother, who is 44 years old, was diagnosed with diabetes on November 21, with a fasting blood sugar level of 365. He started medication and dietary control on November 23, and his fastin...
Dr. Shi Guangzhong reply Internal Medicine
The rate of blood sugar decline does not have a specific standard; it is only important whether it is maintained within a good range. Your brother has already started medication and dietary control, and his blood sugar will gradually decrease. It has dropped from over 300 to over...[Read More] Understanding Normal Blood Sugar Reduction Rates in Diabetes Management
Is Weight Loss a Key Indicator of Diabetes Symptoms?
Symptoms of diabetes? Hello doctor, is weight loss an important indicator of diabetes? My friend noticed that I have increased thirst, excessive eating, and frequent urination (especially noticeable). One day, I recorded that I go to the bathroom every class (about once an hour),...
Dr. Shi Guangzhong reply Internal Medicine
There are many reasons for abnormal weight loss. In addition to diabetes, conditions such as hyperthyroidism and malignant tumors should also be considered. You are 18 years old, and your body mass index (BMI) is 26.8 kg/m², which classifies you as overweight but not yet obese (B...[Read More] Is Weight Loss a Key Indicator of Diabetes Symptoms?
Managing Complications of Diabetes: Addressing Nerve Pain and Fatigue
What are some complications associated with diabetes? Hello Dr. Shi, I would like to ask about my mother, who is 68 years old and has a hereditary form of diabetes. She has been diagnosed for over 30 years. Previously, she managed her condition with oral medications, but two year...
Dr. Shi Guangzhong reply Internal Medicine
Regarding your mother's condition, the main concern is complications. Your mother has had diabetes for 30 years, which can lead to various complications. Numbness in the hands and feet is a common neuropathic complication related to past blood sugar control and the duration ...[Read More] Managing Complications of Diabetes: Addressing Nerve Pain and Fatigue
Managing Diabetes and Preventing Skin Infections: Essential Tips
What should I do? Hello: My brother is 28 years old and has been diagnosed with diabetes for 2 to 3 years. Recently, he developed cellulitis due to a wound and was hospitalized for surgery, after which he started taking medication to control his blood sugar. However, since that s...
Dr. Shi Guangzhong reply Internal Medicine
Although your brother has diabetes, he is prone to developing pustules and infections due to acne, and he has even undergone two incision and drainage surgeries. Such cases are not common. The main reasons are: 1. The facial blood circulation is very good, making it less suscepti...[Read More] Managing Diabetes and Preventing Skin Infections: Essential Tips
Am I Diabetic? Understanding Your Blood Sugar Test Results
Could you please let me know if my condition is diabetes? Hello Doctor: I just had a blood test, and the results show that my blood sugar level two hours after eating is 129 mg/dL, which exceeds 120. Should I be concerned about having diabetes? Thank you.
Dr. Shi Guangzhong reply Internal Medicine
Dear A-Zhi: The diagnostic criteria for diabetes are as follows: fasting blood glucose ≥ 126 mg/dL, 2 hours postprandial blood glucose ≥ 200 mg/dL, and random blood glucose ≥ 200 mg/dL. Therefore, based on your test result of 129 mg/dL, it does not indicate diabetes. However, a s...[Read More] Am I Diabetic? Understanding Your Blood Sugar Test Results
Which Medical Specialty Should You Consult for Diabetic Foot Issues?
Which department should be consulted for a diabetic foot examination? Hello Doctor: Diabetes can lead to foot complications, and which department should one consult for a foot examination? Should it be the Department of Metabolism, Internal Medicine, Surgery, Neurosurgery, Dermat...
Dr. Shi Guangzhong reply Internal Medicine
1. Regarding which department to consult for foot examinations: Foot lesions can be identified through some simple assessments. Medical institutions within the diabetes care network typically include foot examinations as part of their services. The assessment of small nerve funct...[Read More] Which Medical Specialty Should You Consult for Diabetic Foot Issues?
Navigating Diabetes: How to Seek Medical Help for Your Loved Ones
Route I have seen some medical literature and I feel that a family member at home might really have diabetes. My relative should see a doctor. How should I follow up on this? Where can I find resources for seeking medical help?
Dr. Shi Guangzhong reply Internal Medicine
1. You can visit the metabolism or endocrinology department at various hospitals. 2. Once diabetes is confirmed, the physician may ask you to join a diabetes care network, which will include not only the physician but also nurses, dietitians, and health educators who will teach y...[Read More] Navigating Diabetes: How to Seek Medical Help for Your Loved Ones
How to Diagnose and Manage Suspected Diabetes in Family Members
Diabetes mellitus I have read books about diabetes and noticed that a family member may have symptoms of diabetes. Where should I go for a consultation to confirm this? If they are indeed diagnosed with diabetes, how should I proceed with follow-up care?
Dr. Shi Guangzhong reply Internal Medicine
1. You can visit the Metabolism or Endocrinology departments at various hospitals. 2. If diabetes is confirmed, the physician may ask you to join a diabetes care network, which will include not only the physician but also nurses, dietitians, and health educators who will teach yo...[Read More] How to Diagnose and Manage Suspected Diabetes in Family Members
Managing Low Insulin Levels: Dietary Tips for Better Health
What dietary considerations should be taken into account for low insulin levels? This year, my health check-up results were mostly normal, but my insulin levels were below the normal range (I don't remember the exact value). My doctor told me that this is not a concern and t...
Dr. Shi Guangzhong reply Internal Medicine
A low insulin level indicates that your insulin sensitivity is good, and generally, individuals with this condition are less likely to develop diabetes. However, diagnosing diabetes still requires blood glucose testing; insulin concentration alone cannot be used for diagnosis. Fo...[Read More] Managing Low Insulin Levels: Dietary Tips for Better Health