Managing Diabetes and Cholesterol: Key Questions and Insights
Regarding diabetes and cholesterol issues? Hello Dr. Hsiao, Six months ago during my health check-up, my fasting blood glucose was 123 mg/dL and my hemoglobin A1c was 8.3%. The doctor advised me to take medication for control and to focus on weight loss. After four months of ef...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Mr. Justin: 1. If weight loss is achieved gradually, and normal weight is maintained with good dietary control and regular exercise, it is possible to discontinue medication. However, this is contingent upon lifestyle changes and maintenance. Rapid weight loss can lead to r...[Read More] Managing Diabetes and Cholesterol: Key Questions and Insights
Understanding Hemoglobin A1c: Can Weight Loss Reverse Type 2 Diabetes?
Glycated hemoglobin Doctor, I would like to ask you about my situation. In September, my hemoglobin A1c was 6.1, and in January of this year, it was 6.5. Am I diabetic? When I went to the hospital to review my report, the doctor advised me to lose weight. Is this to manage my dia...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Ms. Anonymous: 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....[Read More] Understanding Hemoglobin A1c: Can Weight Loss Reverse Type 2 Diabetes?
Persistent Swelling in One Leg: What Specialist to Consult?
Swelling won't go down?! Hello Doctor: My father has diabetes and has recently experienced swelling in his foot, which extends beyond the sole to the ankle, but it is only affecting one foot. He has seen a metabolic specialist who found no issues. Which department should he ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Ms. Emily: 1. There are many causes of lower extremity edema. Generally speaking, if the edema is bilateral, one should consider heart failure, nephrotic syndrome, hypoalbuminemia, cirrhosis, medication side effects, pregnancy, hypothyroidism, and other potential causes. I...[Read More] Persistent Swelling in One Leg: What Specialist to Consult?
Managing Elevated Blood Sugar: Tips for Diet and Health Monitoring
Blood sugar issues? Hello Doctor, my fasting blood sugar is 110 mg/dL, glycated hemoglobin is 5.7%, blood urea nitrogen is 10 mg/dL, creatinine is 0.72 mg/dL, and liver function tests show alanine aminotransferase (ALT) at 8 U/L. I understand that my fasting blood sugar is elevat...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Ms. Wu: 1. After undergoing these tests, your physician should have explained the results to you. Please make sure to consider the recommendations of the physician who has personally examined you. 2. Your fasting plasma glucose level is 110 mg/dL, which indeed exceeds the ...[Read More] Managing Elevated Blood Sugar: Tips for Diet and Health Monitoring
Understanding the Diabetes Honeymoon Phase: What You Need to Know
Diabetes honeymoon phase Hello Doctor: I was previously diagnosed with prediabetes, and the doctor said that dietary control would suffice. Over the past month, I have been managing my diet and exercising, and my blood sugar levels have gradually returned to normal, which makes m...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Ms. Lin: 1. The term "diabetes honeymoon phase" refers to a period after the onset of diabetes during which blood sugar levels are well-controlled, often without the need for medication, due to dietary changes, exercise, medication, or insulin therapy. In type 2 d...[Read More] Understanding the Diabetes Honeymoon Phase: What You Need to Know
Managing Blood Sugar Levels in Children: Concerns and Guidelines
Blood sugar issues Hello Doctor, due to the Lunar New Year holiday, my child has been indulging in a lot of sweets and has had irregular meal times. Last night, while he was asleep, I checked his blood sugar levels. Two hours after eating, it was 127 mg/dL (at 1 AM), five hours a...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Mr. Wang: 1. Normal fasting plasma glucose levels range from 70 to 100 mg/dL, while normal postprandial glucose levels two hours after eating range from 80 to 140 mg/dL. Therefore, your child, being young with normal pancreatic function, may have normal glucose levels despi...[Read More] Managing Blood Sugar Levels in Children: Concerns and Guidelines
Managing Blood Sugar Levels After Gestational Diabetes: Key Insights
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) Hello Doctor: I had gestational diabetes during my second pregnancy. I have no family history of diabetes and am not overweight. I managed my condition through dietary control and daily self-monitoring of blood glucose. Now that I have given bi...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
(1) According to the American Diabetes Association's diagnostic criteria for diabetes: 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 (glycated hemoglobin...[Read More] Managing Blood Sugar Levels After Gestational Diabetes: Key Insights
Understanding Chest Pain and Fatigue: A Guide for Patients with Diabetes and Hypertension
There is a persistent dull pain in the chest near the heart, in the upper back close to the heart, and in the left shoulder? Hello Dr. Hsiao: I am 163 cm tall and weigh 130 kg. For a long time, I have been experiencing persistent dull pain in my chest near the heart, in my back n...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Mr. Anong: 1. Your height is 163 cm, weight is 103 kg, and your body mass index (BMI) is 48.9 kg/m², which classifies you as severely obese. Consequently, your risk of developing the following conditions is increased: hypertension, dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome, type 2 d...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain and Fatigue: A Guide for Patients with Diabetes and Hypertension
Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Are You at Risk for Diabetes?
Blood sugar issues? Hello Doctor, I am 168 cm tall and weigh 57 kg. I had a health check-up at a major hospital in early October this year, where my fasting blood glucose level was 95 mg/dL. Since this value is close to the upper limit of the normal range, I was quite worried abo...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Mr. Alex: 1. A fasting blood glucose level of 95 mg/dL or 96 mg/dL shows no significant change clinically; in other words, it lacks significant meaning. Based solely on this value, no physician would suggest that it will soon exceed 100 mg/dL. Generally, blood glucose level...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Are You at Risk for Diabetes?
Managing Diabetes-Related Symptoms: Eye Issues and Digestive Discomfort
Symptoms such as discomfort in the stomach associated with diabetes? Hello Doctor, my mother is 57 years old. Last year, she was diagnosed with diabetes and has been taking insulin every morning. Earlier this year, she developed diabetic retinopathy, which required surgery. Recen...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Miss Zhu Zhu: 1. The acute complications of type 2 diabetes primarily include diabetic ketoacidosis and non-ketotic hyperosmolar hyperglycemia; if treatment and dietary management are not optimal, hypoglycemia may also occur. 2. The chronic complications of type 2 diabetes...[Read More] Managing Diabetes-Related Symptoms: Eye Issues and Digestive Discomfort
Is Industrial Alcohol in Household Cleaners Harmful to Health?
Alcohol intoxication issues I would like to ask the doctor if inhaling industrial alcohol is harmful or poses a risk of chronic poisoning. I recently remembered that I have a bottle of lemon cleaner given by my neighbor, and I'm not sure if it is made from medical-grade or i...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Sir/Madam, 1. To my knowledge, industrial alcohol primarily consists of approximately 95% ethanol (C2H5OH) and 5% methanol (CH3OH). The metabolic pathway for alcohols generally follows the sequence of alcohol → aldehyde → acid. In the human body, the metabolic enzymes are s...[Read More] Is Industrial Alcohol in Household Cleaners Harmful to Health?
Managing Poor Blood Sugar Control in Type 2 Diabetes: Is Insulin Necessary?
Poor blood sugar control? Hello Doctor, I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2010. Over the years, my blood sugar levels have remained consistently high due to poor management and adherence to medication. In July of this year, I underwent tests at China Medical University, whe...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Ms. Deep White: 1. Currently, the common treatment for type 2 diabetes includes dietary control, regular exercise, and medication. Regardless of whether insulin is injected, dietary management and consistent physical activity must be diligently practiced, which means making...[Read More] Managing Poor Blood Sugar Control in Type 2 Diabetes: Is Insulin Necessary?
Does Severe Illness Affect Blood Sugar Levels? Insights and Answers
Does serious illness affect blood sugar fluctuations? Hello Dr. Hsiao, Due to acute renal failure that occurred in the middle of this year, accompanied by severe edema and fluid accumulation in the body, various kidney indicators were significantly elevated, leading to my hospi...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Mr. Anonymous: 1. Conditions such as illness, infection, stress, pregnancy, irregular lifestyle, and the use of certain medications can lead to elevated blood glucose levels or significant fluctuations. 2. If anxiety is severe, it can indeed cause an increase in blood gluco...[Read More] Does Severe Illness Affect Blood Sugar Levels? Insights and Answers
Understanding Injection Allergies: Symptoms and What to Do Next
Injection allergy Hello Doctor: Two days ago, I strained my neck and it became swollen and painful, so yesterday I went to a clinic to receive anti-inflammatory injections (one clear and one yellow, administered in the back of my right hand). Shortly after the first injection, I ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Miss Wang: 1. During a single intravenous injection, it is almost always possible to see some degree of blood return; generally, it is not excessive, and you can simply push the blood back into the syringe. 2. Intravenous injections circulate throughout the body quickly und...[Read More] Understanding Injection Allergies: Symptoms and What to Do Next
Thyroid Tumors: Understanding Surgical Options and Lifelong Medication
Thyroid tumor Dear Director: At A Hospital, a biopsy was performed on both thyroid nodules, with the right side measuring 1.3 cm and the left side 0.85 cm. The physician informed me that after total thyroidectomy, lifelong medication would be necessary. At B Hospital, a biopsy sh...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Miss Ping An, 1. Papillary carcinoma is the most common type of malignant thyroid tumor, predominantly occurring in young women. It typically presents with an irregular shape, and the tumor cells are arranged in a papillary pattern. Characteristic nuclear changes include gr...[Read More] Thyroid Tumors: Understanding Surgical Options and Lifelong Medication
Understanding Post-Exercise Blood Sugar Spikes in Type 2 Diabetes
Post-exercise hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes? Hello Doctor: I am a patient with type 2 diabetes. Recently, my blood sugar levels were around 200 mg/dL after two exercise sessions (one was a one-hour walk, and the other was a 35-minute brisk walk followed by a 20-minute rest bef...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Mr. Tom: 1. We are unaware of your usual blood sugar control, so we cannot determine whether your post-exercise blood sugar is indeed higher than your pre-exercise level. Additionally, did you eat before exercising? If so, what was the caloric intake? This can also affect y...[Read More] Understanding Post-Exercise Blood Sugar Spikes in Type 2 Diabetes
Rapid Heartbeat and Left Arm Numbness: Should I Be Concerned?
Feeling a rapid heartbeat and slight numbness in the left arm? Doctor, two weeks ago, one night while studying, I suddenly felt a sharp pain in the middle of my chest, near the left side. I then experienced a rapid heartbeat, along with some numbness in my left arm and leg. I was...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Ms. Mabel: 1. You have experienced two episodes of palpitations accompanied by discomfort in your left upper limb, as well as chest discomfort. There are many potential causes for these symptoms, including myocardial ischemia, coronary artery spasm, tachycardia, arrhythmia,...[Read More] Rapid Heartbeat and Left Arm Numbness: Should I Be Concerned?
Are Starchy Liquid Foods Suitable for Diabetics?
Are starchy liquid foods suitable for individuals with diabetes? Hello, my mother has type 2 diabetes (non-insulin dependent), bile duct cancer, and dementia, and she has insufficient chewing ability due to missing teeth. Currently, she is being fed three cans of nutritional supp...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Mr. Wan Hsiu-Ming: 1. Regarding your questions about dietary management for diabetes, it is best to consult with a nutritionist at your mother's hospital. Designing a diet suitable for an elderly person with diabetes, bile duct cancer, and dementia is quite complex. 2...[Read More] Are Starchy Liquid Foods Suitable for Diabetics?
Understanding Endocrine Issues and PCOS in Young Women: A Case Study
Regarding Endocrinology and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Hello, Doctor: I am currently 19 years old, with a height of 151 cm, weight of 45.4 kg, body fat percentage of 20.3%, and a waist circumference of 58 cm. Description of my condition: In March of this year, my weight sud...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Miss Nini: 1. The formula for Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) is often estimated using various regression equations; it represents the energy required to maintain basic physiological functions daily. It can be used as a reference, but there is no need to be overly concerned, as ...[Read More] Understanding Endocrine Issues and PCOS in Young Women: A Case Study
How Long Does It Take for Onglyza to Start Working?
Could you please provide more context or details regarding the specific medication or topic related to drug efficacy that you would like Hello Doctor: The endocrinologist prescribed Onglyza (saxagliptin) at a dosage of half a tablet daily. I would like to know how long it typical...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Ms. Coffee Sugar: 1. Eltroxin® (50 mcg or 100 mcg; generic name Levothyroxine) is commonly used to treat hypothyroidism. Due to the longer half-life of Levothyroxine (T4), it is typically taken once daily. The onset of action may take 1 to 2 weeks, and it usually takes 6 t...[Read More] How Long Does It Take for Onglyza to Start Working?