Seeking Medical Help for Unexplained Weight Gain at 40
Abnormal weight gain Hello: I am 40 years old, 170 cm tall, and currently eat one meal a day while walking 10,000 steps. My lifestyle is regular. I have gained 12 kg in the past six months, and my endocrine blood tests have shown no issues. How should I seek medical assistance?
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Mr. Aqi: 1. Factors contributing to weight gain include diet, patterns of physical activity, and differences in energy metabolism; very few cases are due to single-gene mutations or specific genetic disorders. 2. Familial obesity may be influenced not only by genetic facto...[Read More] Seeking Medical Help for Unexplained Weight Gain at 40
Assessing Potential Kidney or Spleen Injury After a Back Impact
Impact injury to the left lower back? Hello Doctor: Today while playing with friends, one of them accidentally hit my left lower back with a pillow quite hard (although the pillow is relatively soft). At that moment, there was swelling on my left lower back due to the zipper on t...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Mr. Q: 1. Given the left lower back pain due to external impact, it is indeed necessary to consider potential injuries to the kidneys, spleen, mesentery, ureters, intestines, and other related structures. 2. In your case, although there is a skin wound, the absence of hemat...[Read More] Assessing Potential Kidney or Spleen Injury After a Back Impact
Understanding HbA1c Testing: Impact of Blood Donation and Accuracy Concerns
Glycated Hemoglobin Test (HbA1c Test) Hello Doctor: Recently, I have been experiencing intermittent itching around the skin near my ankles. I found online that this could be a symptom of peripheral neuropathy related to diabetes. Two years ago, my company's health check repo...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Mr. Xiao Lu: 1. The diagnosis of diabetes has consensus standards in medicine: According to the diagnostic criteria from the American Diabetes Association, a. Fasting plasma glucose level ≥126 mg/dL after at least 8 hours of fasting, b. 2-hour plasma glucose level ≥200 mg/d...[Read More] Understanding HbA1c Testing: Impact of Blood Donation and Accuracy Concerns
Effective Weight Loss Strategies: Overcoming Common Challenges
Struggling to lose weight? Hello, Doctor: My height is 161.5 cm, weight is 70 kg, and my BMI is 26.83. I have read several weight loss books, and the doctor has mentioned to eat less and exercise more, but when I exercise more, I tend to eat more! Just relying on the phrase "...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
1. Your height is 161.5 cm, weight is 70 kg, and your BMI is 26.83 kg/m², which classifies you as overweight. In medicine, there are various weight loss methods; however, there is no single method that is universally effective for everyone. Since obesity can lead to insulin resis...[Read More] Effective Weight Loss Strategies: Overcoming Common Challenges
Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Do I Need Diabetes Medication?
Blood sugar issues Hello, Director Hsiao. A week ago, I had a fasting blood test at the hospital to check my blood sugar levels. Today, the outpatient physician informed me that my fasting blood sugar of 70 is a precursor to diabetes and that I need to take medication. This has l...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Mr. Gao Xing, 1. The treatment of diabetes primarily involves dietary control, regular exercise, and medication. Unless dietary control and regular exercise can completely manage the progression of diabetes, continuing medication is necessary. Do not discontinue medication ...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Do I Need Diabetes Medication?
Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Test Results and Treatment Options
Hyperthyroidism At the Taipei Hospital of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the thyroid examination results are as follows: 1. Test Name Test Value Reference Range Result Anti-TPO Ab 1.450 0~5.61 IU/mL Nor...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Mr. A-Kuo: Based on the values you provided: - Anti-TPO Ab: 1.450 (Reference range: 0–5.61 IU/mL) - Anti-Tg Ab (ATA): 4.380 (Reference range: 0–4.11 IU/mL) - Free T4: 1.520 (Reference range: 0.7–1.48 ng/dL) - TSH: <0.0025 (Reference range: 0.35–4.94 µIU/mL) - T3: 2....[Read More] Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Test Results and Treatment Options
Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Gastrointestinal discomfort? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing a problem where I vomit after eating, regardless of whether I am full or not. This has become more severe over the past two years, to the point where I often cannot control it; there have been instances where I s...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Ms. K: 1. Discomfort in the upper abdomen leading to symptoms such as nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, and bloating may commonly be associated with conditions including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastritis, peptic ulcers, duodenal ulcers, cholecystitis, pancreat...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Symptoms, Tests, and Treatment Options
Hyperthyroidism Test Name Test Value Anti-TPO Ab 1.450 Anti-Tg Ab (ATA) 4.38 Free T4 1.52 TSH <1.52 T3 2.220 Is this hyperthyroidism? Should medication be taken to control it? Does tak...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Mr. A-Guo: 1. Your test results are as follows: - Anti-TPO Ab: 1.45 IU/ml (Reference range: <5.61) - Anti-Tg Ab (ATA): 4.38 IU/ml (Reference range: <14.4) - Free T4: 1.52 ng/dl (Reference range: 0.89–1.76) - TSH: <1.52 μIU/ml (Reference range: 0.39–4.2...[Read More] Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Symptoms, Tests, and Treatment Options
Can GTF (Glucose Tolerance Factor) Significantly Improve Blood Sugar in Type 2 Diabetes?
Can taking GTF (Glucose Tolerance Factor) significantly improve blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes? Hello, doctor: I saw an article online stating that consuming GTF (Glucose Tolerance Factor) can significantly improve blood glucose levels in patients with type...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Mr. Tom: 1. The term "glucose tolerance factor" generally refers to substances that contain trace elements of chromium. Chromium exists in several forms, including divalent chromium, trivalent chromium, and hexavalent chromium; divalent chromium is highly unstable...[Read More] Can GTF (Glucose Tolerance Factor) Significantly Improve Blood Sugar in Type 2 Diabetes?
Post-Meal Blood Sugar Lower Than Pre-Meal: A Case Study
Postprandial blood glucose is lower than preprandial blood glucose? Dr. Hsiao, about a month ago (on August 12), I had a blood test that revealed a fasting blood glucose level of 214 mg/dL. At that time, my weight was 87.5 kg and my height was 166 cm. Following the physician'...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Mr. Shan: 1. You have diligently changed your diet, increased your exercise, and lost weight, while frequently monitoring your blood glucose levels. As a result, you have lost 7.5 kilograms, and your blood sugar has shown significant improvement. The recommendations from yo...[Read More] Post-Meal Blood Sugar Lower Than Pre-Meal: A Case Study
Understanding Blood in Stool: When to See a Doctor and What Tests to Expect
Rectal bleeding If you often notice blood at the bottom of the toilet after having a bowel movement, with no blood elsewhere, and the blood appears to be mixed with stool but is not very noticeable, and the blood is not bright red while the stool is brown, which type of specialis...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Mr. Ryook: 1. Generally speaking, if the blood in the stool appears bright red, it may indicate lower gastrointestinal bleeding; if the color is dark black and shiny like tar, it should be considered as upper gastrointestinal bleeding. 2. Stool that is brown in color can...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: When to See a Doctor and What Tests to Expect
Should Diabetic Patients Supplement Lutein for Eye Health?
Supplementing with lutein for diabetes? My mother is currently in the prediabetic stage and is taking prescribed medication to lower her blood sugar. Recently, I heard that supplementing with lutein can help prevent eye diseases, so I went to the pharmacy and bought lutein. I wou...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Ms. Wang: 1. In terms of biological knowledge, lutein is primarily found in the chloroplasts of plants and is one of the main pigments in plants. It is also one of the primary pigments that make up the macula of the human retina. Sometimes it is used by humans as an antiox...[Read More] Should Diabetic Patients Supplement Lutein for Eye Health?
Understanding Abdominal Pain and Lower Back Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Abdominal pain and lower back pain? Hello, doctor! Recently, I have been experiencing abdominal pain that feels like nerve pain for two consecutive weeks, and my lower back is extremely sore. At first, during the first week, I thought it was a strain from exercising and stretchin...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Miss Troubles: There are many common causes of lower abdominal pain, including acute appendicitis, ectopic pregnancy, hernia, hip joint diseases, inflammatory bowel disease, ischemic bowel disease, mesenteric lymphadenitis, terminal ileitis, ovarian torsion, diverticulitis,...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain and Lower Back Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Does Drinking Sugary Beverage Before Fasting Blood Test Affect Results?
Drank a sip of sugary beverage before blood draw? Fasting for 8 hours before a blood draw is typically required for accurate results, especially for tests related to blood glucose levels. Drinking a small amount of sugary beverage at 7 AM before a 9 AM blood draw may affect the r...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Mr. Lee: 1. According to the diagnostic criteria for diabetes set by the American Diabetes Association: a. Fasting plasma glucose level ≥ 126 mg/dL after fasting for at least 8 hours. b. Plasma glucose level ≥ 200 mg/dL during a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test. c. HbA1c ...[Read More] Does Drinking Sugary Beverage Before Fasting Blood Test Affect Results?
Understanding the Discrepancy Between Blood Glucose Meter and Lab Results
Questions about blood glucose meters? Hello Doctor: Recently, a family member noticed that urination attracted ants, so they went to the clinic for a blood test. On the same day, after the nurse drew blood, she used the venous blood to measure fasting blood glucose with a Roche A...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Ms. Wang Su-Chen: 1. According to the diagnostic criteria for diabetes set by the American Diabetes Association, a. a fasting plasma glucose level of ≥126 mg/dL after fasting for more than 8 hours, b. a 2-hour plasma glucose level of ≥200 mg/dL during an oral glucose tolera...[Read More] Understanding the Discrepancy Between Blood Glucose Meter and Lab Results
Understanding Left Upper Abdominal Pain: Causes and Symptoms Explained
Sharp pain in the upper left abdomen? The occasional sharp pain in the upper left abdomen that worsens with breathing and varies in frequency, sometimes occurring infrequently and other times more frequently, and that gradually subsides after a bowel movement, could be attributed...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Mr. Vick: 1. There are many causes of left upper abdominal pain, including acute gastritis, acute pancreatitis, cardiac diseases, pneumonia, lung tumors, intestinal obstruction, constipation, colitis, colorectal cancer, neuralgia, and urinary tract stones, among others. It ...[Read More] Understanding Left Upper Abdominal Pain: Causes and Symptoms Explained
Managing Diabetes: Should My Father Be Hospitalized or Treated at Home?
Diabetes issues My father, 46 years old, male, has no family history of diabetes. He was recently diagnosed with diabetes and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) after a hospital visit where his blood glucose level was measured at 486 mg/dl. Due to a lack of available beds in the hospita...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Ms. Chen, Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is classified as a hyperglycemic emergency. Key diagnostic points include hyperglycemia, the presence of ketones in urine or blood, and a significant acidotic blood pH. The symptoms can vary widely and may include dehydration, abdominal...[Read More] Managing Diabetes: Should My Father Be Hospitalized or Treated at Home?
Understanding Diabetes: Key Questions About Diagnosis and Management
Diabetes concerns? Hello Doctor: My son is 26 years old and has been attracting ants with his urine. He went to the clinic for a blood test, which showed a fasting blood glucose level of 266 mg/dL and a hemoglobin A1c of 10.58%. There is a family history of diabetes (both of my p...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Miss Wang Su-Chen: 1. According to the diagnostic criteria for diabetes set by the American Diabetes Association, a. a fasting plasma glucose level ≥126 mg/dL after fasting for more than 8 hours, b. a 2-hour plasma glucose level ≥200 mg/dL during an oral glucose tolerance t...[Read More] Understanding Diabetes: Key Questions About Diagnosis and Management
Understanding Postprandial Blood Sugar Levels During Pregnancy
Abnormal blood glucose levels Hello Doctor: I would like to ask why my blood sugar level two hours after a meal is higher than one hour after the meal? I did not eat anything in between. For example, my blood sugar before lunch was 85, one hour after lunch was 127, and two hours ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Ms. Lulu: 1. Generally speaking, blood sugar levels rise gradually after eating, peaking around two hours postprandially, and then gradually decline. If high-sugar or high-calorie foods are consumed and there is sufficient insulin secretion in the body, blood sugar levels m...[Read More] Understanding Postprandial Blood Sugar Levels During Pregnancy
Could My Symptoms Indicate Diabetes? Understanding Blood Sugar Levels and Weight Loss
Could this indicate the possibility of diabetes? Hello, Doctor. In mid-May of this year, I had a blood test that showed a hemoglobin A1c of 5.0 and a fasting blood glucose level of 86. From the end of May until today, my height and weight changed from 160 cm/55 kg to 160 cm/52 kg...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Ms. NN: 1. Zoloft® (Sertraline) is classified as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) because it specifically inhibits the reuptake of serotonin, exhibiting a selectivity for serotonin transporters that is 300 to 3000 times greater compared to norepinephrine tran...[Read More] Could My Symptoms Indicate Diabetes? Understanding Blood Sugar Levels and Weight Loss