Am I Diabetic? Understanding Symptoms and Health Benefits of Running
Do I have diabetes? I have graduated from high school for over two years, and my weight is approaching 56 kg. No matter how I try to lose weight, I can't seem to drop any. I often feel dry mouth and thirst. After going to the hospital for a urine test, I was diagnosed with a...
Dr. Shi Guangzhong reply Internal Medicine
1. It is common for weight to increase with age, which is related to the decline in our metabolic rate as we get older. This is why you may have noticed that you could eat anything without gaining weight in the past, but now even a slight increase in food intake leads to weight g...[Read More] Am I Diabetic? Understanding Symptoms and Health Benefits of Running
Why Is Fasting Blood Sugar Higher Than Bedtime Levels?
Why is fasting blood glucose higher than pre-bedtime levels? I went to bed with a blood sugar level of 150, and when I woke up in the morning, my fasting blood sugar was 170. Throughout the night, I didn't eat anything except for sleeping. Why did my blood sugar increase? Wh...
Dr. Shi Guangzhong reply Internal Medicine
Waking up in the morning with elevated fasting blood glucose can be attributed to two phenomena: the Somogyi effect (rebound phenomenon) and the dawn phenomenon. The Somogyi effect occurs in diabetic patients who inject insulin before bedtime or dinner and experience hypoglycemia...[Read More] Why Is Fasting Blood Sugar Higher Than Bedtime Levels?
Does Hypertension Medication Increase Diabetes Risk in Seniors?
Do antihypertensive medications cause diabetes? Hello! I am 72 years old and have been on antihypertensive medication for over a decade. Recently, I had a check-up, and my blood sugar was 198, with the presence of glucose in my urine. Is this diabetes caused by high blood pressur...
Dr. Shi Guangzhong reply Internal Medicine
There are many causes of diabetes, and it cannot be definitively determined whether hypertension or medication is the cause. In any case, a blood sugar level of 198 needs to be controlled. Regarding whether dental inflammation on the day of testing affects blood sugar levels, for...[Read More] Does Hypertension Medication Increase Diabetes Risk in Seniors?
Understanding High Blood Sugar in Diabetes: Causes and Dietary Solutions
Diabetes Care and Nutrition Hello Dr. Shi: My father is 62 years old and has a history of diabetes for ten years. Recently, for more than three months, his postprandial blood sugar levels have been high, reaching 280 and 300. It is puzzling because he does not eat snacks, has nor...
Dr. Shi Guangzhong reply Internal Medicine
The target for good blood sugar control should be maintained at 80-120 mg/dL before meals and less than 160 mg/dL two hours after meals. Your father's blood sugar levels of 280 and 300 mg/dL are too high. If he is already managing his diet and exercising but his blood sugar ...[Read More] Understanding High Blood Sugar in Diabetes: Causes and Dietary Solutions
Managing Blood Sugar and Hypertension: Diet, Exercise, and Medication Side Effects
Will there be any symptoms triggered? Hello Doctor: My mother is 60 years old and currently has a blood sugar level of 180. She also has hypertension. May I ask if it is possible to control her condition with diet and exercise first (without medication)? If medication is necessar...
Dr. Shi Guangzhong reply Internal Medicine
According to the American Diabetes Association, the blood sugar control standards for diabetes patients are 90-130 mg/dL before meals and below 180 mg/dL two hours after meals. Therefore, if your mother's blood sugar is 180 mg/dL, it is important to first confirm whether it ...[Read More] Managing Blood Sugar and Hypertension: Diet, Exercise, and Medication Side Effects
Frequent Urination with Low Volume: Understanding Possible Causes
Frequent urination with low urine volume? Hello, doctor. My mother was diagnosed with diabetes earlier this year. She exercises regularly, and her blood sugar levels are well-controlled, typically ranging from 80 to 120 mg/dL (she measures her blood sugar after exercising). Howev...
Dr. Shi Guangzhong reply Internal Medicine
Your mother has recently been diagnosed with diabetes, and exercise can be very helpful in controlling blood sugar levels. If her fasting blood glucose level is between 80-120 mg/dL, that is acceptable; however, it is also recommended that she monitor her postprandial blood gluco...[Read More] Frequent Urination with Low Volume: Understanding Possible Causes
Understanding Diabetes Complications: Symptoms and Management Tips
Complications of diabetes mellitus? Hello Dr. Shi: My father is currently 60 years old and has been diagnosed with diabetes for nearly 20 years. He has been managing his blood sugar levels with insulin injections. Recently, we have noticed that his feet are swollen and his vision...
Dr. Shi Guangzhong reply Internal Medicine
Your father has been suffering from diabetes for 20 years, and symptoms like edema and blurred vision are typically among the complications of diabetes. He should pay attention to potential issues such as nephropathy, retinopathy, and cardiovascular complications. Regarding the w...[Read More] Understanding Diabetes Complications: Symptoms and Management Tips
Understanding Unexplained Pain in Diabetic Patients: A Case Study
Inquiry about unknown ailments? Hello, I would like to inquire about some unexplained pain. Thank you. Patient: Father, male, 68 years old, has been a diabetic for 15 years with blood sugar levels generally controlled around 130, but postprandial levels can rise to about 200. Med...
Dr. Shi Guangzhong reply Internal Medicine
Your father should not have a potassium level of 102; after hospitalization and receiving saline, it has risen to 127. It should be sodium that is low. Hypokalemia can cause weakness in the legs, but hyponatremia can also lead to leg weakness, as well as low blood pressure, which...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Pain in Diabetic Patients: A Case Study
Managing Diabetic Neuropathy: Solutions for Numbness in Hands and Feet
Diabetes-related peripheral neuropathy issues? Hello Dr. Shih, thank you very much for your detailed response last time. I have another question I would like to ask you again. My mother (63 years old) has been suffering from diabetes for thirty years. She has previously controlle...
Dr. Shi Guangzhong reply Internal Medicine
The most concerning aspect of diabetes is its chronic complications. Your mother's numbness in her hands and feet is a symptom of neuropathy and is not caused by insulin injections. Insulin is a hormone used to lower blood sugar levels and is not harmful to the body. Therefo...[Read More] Managing Diabetic Neuropathy: Solutions for Numbness in Hands and Feet
Understanding Asymptomatic Diabetes: Risks and Management in Older Adults
There are no noticeable symptoms of diabetes? My father is 74 years old. Six years ago, he underwent surgery due to an accident and was found to have high blood sugar levels. He started taking antidiabetic medications. Initially, he was taking one pill, but now he has increased t...
Dr. Shi Guangzhong reply Internal Medicine
The symptoms of diabetes are often subtle, so many people with diabetes are unaware of their condition, just like your father who discovered his diabetes by chance. High or low blood sugar levels are not the main concern; what is critical are the chronic complications that arise ...[Read More] Understanding Asymptomatic Diabetes: Risks and Management in Older Adults
Understanding Insulin Use in Diabetes: Risks, Concerns, and Alternatives
What are the potential issues that diabetic patients may encounter when administering insulin? Hello Dr. Shi, my mother (63 years old) has been suffering from diabetes for nearly 30 years (family history). She has been controlling her blood sugar with oral medications, but since ...
Dr. Shi Guangzhong reply Internal Medicine
Miss Huang: I apologize for the delayed response due to a computer malfunction. Your questions are very professional. 1. There are many causes of diarrhea, and certain oral antidiabetic medications can indeed cause diarrhea (such as Glucobay and Glucophage). You should consult ...[Read More] Understanding Insulin Use in Diabetes: Risks, Concerns, and Alternatives
Understanding Hypokalemia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
What is hypokalemia? What is hypokalemia?
Dr. Shi Guangzhong reply Internal Medicine
Dear Sir, I apologize for the delayed response due to a recent computer malfunction. Potassium is the most important cation within human cells, directly influencing muscle contraction and nerve conduction functions. Its concentration in plasma is regulated by renal excretion. ...[Read More] Understanding Hypokalemia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Could I Have Diabetes? Understanding Symptoms and Concerns
Do I have diabetes? Hello Doctor: Sometimes I forget to flush the toilet after urinating, and after a few hours, I find that the toilet is crawling with ants. Occasionally, I also notice ants crawling on me while I sleep (even after showering). I went to the hospital for blood te...
Dr. Shi Guangzhong reply Internal Medicine
Dear Yu-Feng: 1. The presence of ants in the toilet does not necessarily indicate diabetes, especially considering your fasting blood glucose level is 101 mg/dL. According to standard criteria, your current situation does not classify as diabetes. Further testing of your postpra...[Read More] Could I Have Diabetes? Understanding Symptoms and Concerns
Do Diabetic Patients Need Circumcision Even with Controlled Blood Sugar?
Diabetes mellitus Hello, my boyfriend was diagnosed with diabetes a few months ago. After medication, dietary adjustments, and exercise, his blood sugar is now under control. However, due to diabetes making it harder for wounds to heal, the doctor has recommended that my boyfrien...
Dr. Shi Guangzhong reply Internal Medicine
Dear: Although your boyfriend has diabetes, it is fortunate that his blood sugar is well-controlled through medication, dietary adjustments, and exercise. This indicates that both of you take diabetes seriously, and it is believed that the impact of any complications arising from...[Read More] Do Diabetic Patients Need Circumcision Even with Controlled Blood Sugar?
Weight Management for Diabetes Patients: Understanding Normal Ranges
Weight management for patients with diabetes? Hello Dr. Shi, I have a question I would like to ask. My father recently had his blood sugar tested at a clinic near our home, and it was found to be over 300, confirming a diagnosis of diabetes. After a few days of treatment with me...
Dr. Shi Guangzhong reply Internal Medicine
There are two common causes of type 2 diabetes: (1) Insulin resistance: Most individuals with this condition are typically overweight. The reason for elevated blood sugar levels is due to the poor quality of insulin secreted in their bodies, which fails to lower blood sugar level...[Read More] Weight Management for Diabetes Patients: Understanding Normal Ranges
Managing Diabetes: Beyond Insulin Injections and Treatment Options
What are the treatment options for diabetes? Hello, doctor! I would like to ask you a question. Is diabetes caused by diet and lifestyle referred to as type 2 diabetes? Is the treatment method limited to injections (insulin injections), or are there other non-injection methods to...
Dr. Shi Guangzhong reply Internal Medicine
Dear: The classification of diabetes does not include a category for acquired diabetes. Diabetes can be simply divided into two main types: Type 1 Diabetes: This is commonly seen in children or young adults. Currently, the most recognized pathogenic cause, aside from genetic fa...[Read More] Managing Diabetes: Beyond Insulin Injections and Treatment Options
Essential Dietary Guidelines for Managing Diabetes in Young Adults
Dietary Management for Diabetes Patients My boyfriend is 26 years old, approximately 185 cm tall, and weighs between 80 to 90 kg. Since this summer, he has experienced symptoms of thirst, increased fluid intake, and frequent urination. Today, due to persistent nausea and dizzines...
Dr. Shi Guangzhong reply Internal Medicine
1. As long as blood sugar is well controlled, it may not be necessary to change jobs. 2. A diet low in fat, sugar, and salt should be adopted; a nutritionist can help create a meal plan that includes calorie control. 3. If managed properly, there is still a chance for complete re...[Read More] Essential Dietary Guidelines for Managing Diabetes in Young Adults
Understanding Diabetes Management: Key Insights for Better Health
DM Hello!
Dr. Shi Guangzhong reply Internal Medicine
Dr. Kwok: This email is a test. Shih KC.[Read More] Understanding Diabetes Management: Key Insights for Better Health
Do I Have Diabetes Symptoms? Understanding Urine Bubbles and Health Concerns
Do I have symptoms of diabetes? Dear Doctor: I am a sophomore in college, and for the past three to four years, I have noticed that my urine often has bubbles, sometimes covering a large area in the toilet, and occasionally it is completely bubbly. This usually happens more in th...
Dr. Shi Guangzhong reply Internal Medicine
Normal urine contains various nitrogenous waste products and minerals, and its concentration varies depending on individual hydration levels. The first urine in the morning is more likely to have bubbles, so it is normal for urine to appear bubbly. Moreover, since your health che...[Read More] Do I Have Diabetes Symptoms? Understanding Urine Bubbles and Health Concerns