Should You See a Doctor for Thalassemia Concerns?
Should individuals with thalassemia see a doctor? Hello doctor, there is a history of thalassemia in my family, and I suspect I might have it as well. During high school, I was diagnosed during a health check-up. I have previously experienced palpitations, and a cardiology examin...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Miss Wenwen: 1. Thalassemia, known in Chinese as "海洋性貧血" or "地中海型貧血," is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder. It is primarily classified into two types: α-thalassemia and β-thalassemia, similar to what is taught in middle school regarding Mendelian i...[Read More] Should You See a Doctor for Thalassemia Concerns?
Understanding Thyroid Issues After Total Thyroidectomy: Free T4 Levels and Heart Health
Thyroid issues? Hello, doctor! I have undergone a total thyroidectomy due to papillary thyroid carcinoma. Currently, I am taking Eltroxin 0.1 mg, averaging 1.5 tablets per day. During my follow-up visits, my doctor has mentioned that my reports are normal. However, recently I hav...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Ms. Liang: 1. After undergoing a total thyroidectomy due to papillary thyroid carcinoma, secondary hypothyroidism often occurs, necessitating long-term thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Levothyroxine (T4) is typically used for this treatment; due to its long half-life, i...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Issues After Total Thyroidectomy: Free T4 Levels and Heart Health
Understanding Diabetes Diagnosis: Key Blood Test Criteria Explained
Diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus Hello, Dr. Hsiao. I would like to ask about a recent blood test where the fasting blood glucose and HbA1c levels were 140 mg/dL and 7.3%, respectively. I saw Dr. Hsiao's response regarding the diabetes diagnostic criteria published by the Ameri...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Mr. Kiwi: 1. In clinical medicine, diagnostic standards or treatment guidelines often serve as references when research is uncertain or controversial. In practice, clinicians must make diagnoses or interventions based on the patient's own complaints, symptoms, or chan...[Read More] Understanding Diabetes Diagnosis: Key Blood Test Criteria Explained
Is Abnormal Blood Sugar with Normal HbA1c a Sign of Diabetes?
Abnormal blood glucose levels with consistently normal glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) may not necessarily indicate diabetes. It is important to consider other factors and conduct further testing to determine the underlying cause of the abnormal blood glucose levels? Hello Doctor, fo...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Mr. Huang: 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 tolerance tes...[Read More] Is Abnormal Blood Sugar with Normal HbA1c a Sign of Diabetes?
Is Your Blood Sugar Test Accurate? Understanding Post-Meal Readings
Same-day follow-up appointment? Hello, doctor. Continuing from my previous question, that night I felt anxious and restless. After having dinner, about two hours later, I went to one of the clinics to self-pay for a blood glucose test. The nurse cleaned my finger with alcohol and...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Mr. Cheng: 1. Blood consists of approximately 55% blood cells and 45% plasma. During circulation, some plasma can seep into the interstitial spaces, mixing with the secretions of tissue cells to form interstitial fluid. Therefore, the concern you have regarding the dilution...[Read More] Is Your Blood Sugar Test Accurate? Understanding Post-Meal Readings
Understanding Fasting Blood Sugar Variations: What You Need to Know
Fasting blood glucose Hello doctor, I have a habit of regularly checking my blood sugar. This morning, I went to the clinic and had my blood sugar tested, and the result was 124. About three months ago, at the same clinic, it was in the 90s. Then, about 10 minutes later, I went t...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Mr. Cheng, 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 at least 8 hours, b. A 2-hour plasma glucose level of ≥200 mg/dL during an oral glucose tolerance test...[Read More] Understanding Fasting Blood Sugar Variations: What You Need to Know
Understanding Left-Sided Back Pain: When to See a Specialist
Back pain Hello doctor, I have pain on the left side of my spine in the back, which occurs when I do a bow stretch. It has been several months and feels like a continuous pain. I visited a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner who diagnosed me with myofascial pain syndrome. F...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Mr. Hsiao-An: 1. There are many causes of back pain, including degenerative, neoplastic, inflammatory, infectious, radiculopathy, metabolic, traumatic, and referred pain, among others. Therefore, a wide range of specialties may be involved, and sometimes diagnosis is not st...[Read More] Understanding Left-Sided Back Pain: When to See a Specialist
Am I Diabetic? Understanding Symptoms and Blood Sugar Levels
Do I have diabetes? I have been experiencing frequent dry mouth and thirst lately, constantly drinking water and urinating, yet I still feel thirsty. I have had similar episodes before, and one morning my fasting blood sugar was as high as 124. I'm not sure if it was related...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Mr. Allen: 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 at least 8 hours. b. A 2-hour plasma glucose level of ≥200 mg/dL during an oral glucose tolera...[Read More] Am I Diabetic? Understanding Symptoms and Blood Sugar Levels
Could Your Thirst and Weight Loss Indicate Diabetes?
What is the likelihood of developing diabetes? Hello Doctor: I have been drinking a lot of beverages in the past few months because I still feel thirsty even after drinking water. I researched ways to quench my thirst and unexpectedly came across the symptoms of diabetes, which s...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Miss Su: 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 more than 8 hours, b. Plasma glucose level ≥200 mg/dl during a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test, c. HbA1c ≥...[Read More] Could Your Thirst and Weight Loss Indicate Diabetes?
Understanding Urticaria and Thyroid Medication: Key Insights for Patients
Urticaria and Thyroid Medications Hello Doctor: At the end of March, I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and started taking methimazole in early April. However, about three weeks into the treatment, I began experiencing widespread itching and hives. The doctor prescribed one ant...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Ms. Lin, Please read the following explanation, primarily based on the recommendations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for healthcare professionals in January 2016: Procil® (Propylthiouracil, PTU; 50mg/tablet) primarily works by inhibiting the production of thyro...[Read More] Understanding Urticaria and Thyroid Medication: Key Insights for Patients
Understanding Unilateral Leg Edema: Next Steps for Diagnosis
Unilateral edema Hello, doctor! My grandmother, who is currently 87 years old, has been experiencing severe unilateral leg edema for the past two to three weeks. She recently visited the hospital and consulted a nephrologist, and her kidney function tests came back normal. Due to...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Miss Quiet: 1. Common causes of unilateral leg edema include cellulitis, chronic venous insufficiency, compartment syndrome, complex regional pain syndrome, deep vein thrombosis, venous obstruction (e.g., from a bone tumor), lipedema, lymphedema, and right arterial compres...[Read More] Understanding Unilateral Leg Edema: Next Steps for Diagnosis
Understanding Abdominal Discomfort: Causes and Remedies
I've been experiencing some gastrointestinal issues lately? Recently, I have noticed a small bulge below my navel that feels somewhat hard to the touch. I went to the pharmacy and bought laxatives. After taking them, my stools have been very watery and thick. Occasionally, I...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Miss Ya-er: 1. [Recently, I've been experiencing some gastrointestinal issues; there is a slight protrusion below my navel that feels somewhat hard to the touch. I went to the pharmacy and bought laxatives, and after taking them, my stools have been thick and watery. ...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Discomfort: Causes and Remedies
Understanding Glycated Hemoglobin: Managing Blood Sugar Levels Effectively
Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) Hello Doctor: In January, I discovered that my fasting blood sugar was 140. After one week of dietary control, I went to the hospital for a blood test, and the result showed a fasting level of 119 and an HbA1c of 7.2. The doctor gave me two months to m...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Miss Lin: 1. There are many factors that can influence elevated fasting blood glucose levels, including overeating at the previous meal, accidental consumption of caloric foods during fasting, infections or illnesses, excessive stress, the use of certain medications or herb...[Read More] Understanding Glycated Hemoglobin: Managing Blood Sugar Levels Effectively
Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Insights on Autoimmune Thyroiditis and Future Risks
Hyperthyroidism Hello Doctor: This is Lin, who asked you a question on March 28. The results of my blood test at the hospital in mid to late March showed that my FT4 level has risen from 3.07 to 6.57 within one to two months, and my TSH is <0.005. I have started medication. Ad...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Ms. Lin: 1. Hashimoto's disease is indeed an autoimmune disorder; its diagnosis requires the examination of specific antibodies or antigen responses, as well as imaging studies. Additionally, it is essential to differentiate it from other thyroid diseases. This means t...[Read More] Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Insights on Autoimmune Thyroiditis and Future Risks
Am I Diabetic? Understanding Blood Sugar and Cholesterol Levels
Could you please tell me if I have diabetes? Hello, last year my tests were normal, but this year I received my health check results showing abnormal blood sugar and lipid levels. Am I diabetic? After fasting for over 12 hours, my weight is 49 kg and my height is 155.7 cm. My cho...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Ms. Vivi: 1. Your fasting blood glucose level is 102 mg/dL, your body mass index (BMI) is 20.4 kg/m², and you do not exhibit any obvious symptoms of diabetes. 2. According to the diagnostic criteria for diabetes set by the American Diabetes Association: a. A fasting ...[Read More] Am I Diabetic? Understanding Blood Sugar and Cholesterol Levels
Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Key Questions and Considerations for Patients
Hyperthyroidism Hello Doctor: Recently, during a routine health check at my company, I found that my Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) level was 0.01, Free Thyroxine (Free T4) was 3.07, fasting blood glucose was 100, heart rate was approximately 100 beats per minute, and my white...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Ms. Lin: 1. In our country, most testing laboratories are certified, and to maintain their reputation, the likelihood of significant errors in test results is low. Additionally, Free T4 and TSH levels do not fluctuate rapidly under normal physiological conditions. This mean...[Read More] Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Key Questions and Considerations for Patients
Understanding Blood Sugar Fluctuations: Symptoms and Testing Insights
Blood sugar inquiry? Hello, Doctor: A few days ago, during lunch, I drank a soda and suddenly felt unwell, experiencing neck pain and fatigue. After about half an hour, I still felt uncomfortable, so I consumed an oral rehydration solution (8.44 grams of sucrose and 2.8 grams of ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Mr. Ming: 1. According to your information, I agree with your attending physician; in other words, there is no evidence indicating the presence of diabetes. 2. Any blood glucose meter can produce inaccuracies; therefore, it is necessary to have the manufacturer perform cali...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Fluctuations: Symptoms and Testing Insights
Does Skipping Lunch Increase My Risk of Diabetes?
Dietary issues Hello Doctor, since diabetes runs in my family—my uncle and my dad both have diabetes—I believe my chances of developing it are not low. Sometimes, due to my busy schedule, I might skip lunch for 1 or 2 days a week, but I always have a normal breakfast. Does this l...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Mr. Zhang: 1. The risk factors for type 2 diabetes include obesity, having a first-degree relative with diabetes, physical inactivity, high-risk ethnic groups (such as African Americans, Asian Americans, Native Americans, and Pacific Islanders), a history of gestational dia...[Read More] Does Skipping Lunch Increase My Risk of Diabetes?
Understanding Green Stool: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Frequent green stools? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing green stools at least three days a week after lunch, as I usually eat out. I'm not sure if it's related to the food, but I take iron supplements in the morning. Recently, my stool test during a health checku...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Ms. Rachel: 1. There are many reasons for green stools; most commonly, it is due to the consumption of certain foods, such as dark green vegetables, iron supplements, or formula milk. It may also be related to liver, gallbladder, or gastrointestinal diseases. In your case,...[Read More] Understanding Green Stool: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Sudden Stomach Pain: Causes, Remedies, and Dietary Tips
Sudden abdominal pain? Doctor, I suddenly felt a burning pain in my stomach after dinner last night. I noticed I gained weight, and it hurt a lot when I lay down to sleep, but it was more tolerable when I was standing. I drank some milk, which helped ease the pain and allowed me ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Miss Fang: 1. Based on your description, most physicians would likely consider conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers, and acute gastritis; of course, gallstones, acute cholecystitis, acute pancreatitis, and other less com...[Read More] Sudden Stomach Pain: Causes, Remedies, and Dietary Tips