Understanding Normal Blood Sugar Levels for Gestational Diabetes
Reference values for gestational diabetes mellitus? Hello, Director Hsiao: Could you please tell me what the reference values for "fasting" and "postprandial 2 hours" blood glucose levels are for gestational diabetes? I would like to monitor my blood sugar lev...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Ms. JJ: 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 (g...[Read More] Understanding Normal Blood Sugar Levels for Gestational Diabetes
Understanding Postprandial Blood Sugar Levels: Concerns and Insights
Blood sugar issues Hello Doctor: My height is 165 cm and my weight is 58 kg (my weight has been about the same for the past six months). Last year, my fasting blood glucose (glucose AC) was 92 mg/dL. I tested my fasting blood glucose again in early August, and it was 96 mg/dL. La...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Mr. Jacky: 1. Your weight is 58 kg, height is 165 cm, and your body mass index (BMI) is 21.3 kg/m², which falls within the normal range. 2. In 2015, your fasting blood glucose level was 92 mg/dL, and in August 2016, it was 96 mg/dL. Last week, your hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) wa...[Read More] Understanding Postprandial Blood Sugar Levels: Concerns and Insights
Understanding Blood Sugar Variations Before and After Meals During Pregnancy
The differences between before and after meals? Hello, Doctor! I have been diagnosed with high blood sugar issues for 12 years and have been under medical follow-up. Recently, due to my pregnancy, I have been monitoring my blood sugar levels before and after meals. My fasting blo...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Ms. Wang: 1. Although pregnancy is a joyful event, it can cause significant changes in the body, particularly in the endocrine system. Consequently, fluctuations in blood sugar levels and hyperglycemia may become more pronounced. Generally speaking, if a person without diab...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Variations Before and After Meals During Pregnancy
Understanding Sudden Weight Gain: Causes and Concerns
Short-term rapid weight gain issues? Hello Doctor: This week, I suddenly noticed that my weight has increased significantly in just a few days (from 55 kg to 63 kg). My diet has remained the same as before, but my records indicate an increase in body fat percentage, a drastic dec...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Ms. JMF: 1. If there is an increase from 55 kg to 63 kg within a week, that amounts to an approximate daily increase of 1 kg; and various extensive examinations have shown no issues. Such a rate of weight gain is extremely rare in medicine and even contradicts common sense....[Read More] Understanding Sudden Weight Gain: Causes and Concerns
Do I Have GERD? Understanding Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Is it gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and is there a need for a medical consultation? I am not sure if I have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) because I do not experience any burning sensation. Since elementary school, I have had episodes where, about half an hour a...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Miss Ganzi: 1. The symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) include a burning sensation in the epigastric area, chest pain, upper abdominal discomfort, a feeling of a lump in the throat, regurgitation of stomach contents, acid reflux, frequent belching, vomiting,...[Read More] Do I Have GERD? Understanding Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Understanding Thyroid Tumors: Insights on Surgery and Follow-Up Care
Thyroid tumor Hello, doctor. I have a nodule on my right side that has been monitored and aspirated, both results indicating it is benign. I found it bothersome, so I opted for surgical intervention. The doctor performed a unilateral total thyroidectomy to remove the tumor (nodul...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Ms. Shine: 1. If a thyroid nodule appears hard and is accompanied by cervical lymphadenopathy, malignant transformation should be considered. If a long-standing goiter suddenly enlarges rapidly, accompanied by localized skin redness and fever, differentiated thyroid carcino...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Tumors: Insights on Surgery and Follow-Up Care
High Ketones in Urine: What Further Tests Are Needed?
High ketone bodies in urine? Hello Dr. Hsiao, I recently had two urine ketone tests in April and mid-July, both showing positive results. I also regularly monitor my blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c levels, which are normal. Previously, I underwent an ERCP due to bile duct stones...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Miss Lin: The increase of ketones in the urine, unless caused by high blood sugar leading to diabetic ketoacidosis, is generally due to prolonged fasting or starvation, which triggers the breakdown of fats and results in an increase of ketones in the blood and urine. Of cour...[Read More] High Ketones in Urine: What Further Tests Are Needed?
Understanding the Connection Between Hidden Mediterranean Anemia and Irregular Menstrual Cycles
Beta-thalassemia minor Red blood cells: 5.74 (elevated) Hemoglobin: 11.8 Hematocrit: 37.5 Platelets: 343 Mean corpuscular volume: 65.3 (low) Mean corpuscular hemoglobin: 20.6 (low) The doctor said I have latent thalassemia and elevated red blood cell count due to very irregular m...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Ms. Yi: 1. Thalassemia should theoretically be unrelated to irregular menstrual periods. Moreover, your hemoglobin level of 11.8 gm/dL, while not very high, should still be sufficient to meet physiological demands. 2. In thalassemia, due to the smaller size of red blood ...[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Hidden Mediterranean Anemia and Irregular Menstrual Cycles
Is Vaccination Helpful After Being Diagnosed with Hepatitis B?
Is it beneficial to receive the vaccine after contracting hepatitis B? Hello, I would like to ask if receiving a vaccine is helpful after being confirmed to have hepatitis B. Thank you.
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Mr. Zhang Huo: Generally speaking, whether it is acute hepatitis B, chronic hepatitis B, or even healthy carriers, receiving the hepatitis B vaccine should not be beneficial, and there is currently no evidence indicating a need for vaccination. If someone suggests that hepat...[Read More] Is Vaccination Helpful After Being Diagnosed with Hepatitis B?
Managing Acid Reflux: Symptoms, Treatment, and Diabetes Concerns
Excess stomach acid Hello, doctor. I previously underwent an endoscopy which showed that my gastrointestinal tract is generally fine, but I have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). I have been taking Pantoprazole for a month, but I occasionally experience acid reflux, a burni...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Mr. Ellis: 1. Nexium® (generic name: Esomeprazole) is indicated for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Possible side effects include abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, bloating, nausea, dry mouth, headache, drowsiness, allergic reactions, fever, and others. Genera...[Read More] Managing Acid Reflux: Symptoms, Treatment, and Diabetes Concerns
Managing Diabetes: Weight Loss, Cholesterol Levels, and Health Concerns
Regarding issues related to diabetes..? Hello, Director. I would like to ask about my health situation. I was diagnosed with diabetes on April 27. My blood test results on that date showed: fasting blood glucose 204 mg/dL, postprandial blood glucose 250 mg/dL, HbA1c 8.3%, total c...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Mr. Ah-Chiang: 1. Your original weight was 108 kg, height 180 cm, resulting in a body mass index (BMI) of 33.3 kg/m², which classifies you as obese. Due to insulin resistance, you are at an increased risk for type 2 diabetes. Non-pharmacological treatments for weight loss i...[Read More] Managing Diabetes: Weight Loss, Cholesterol Levels, and Health Concerns
Understanding Meal Frequency: Managing Insulin Resistance in Pre-Diabetes
Regarding small frequent meals for diabetes? Hello Doctor, I have been concerned about the term "frequent small meals." In the past, doctors and news reports often mentioned that frequent small meals help control insulin secretion and food intake. However, I have recent...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Mr. Ah Xiang: The term "small frequent meals" is often mentioned in daily life; however, it has never been precisely defined, making it easy to misuse. For instance, what constitutes a small amount? What is the glycemic index (GI) of the food? What is the glycemic ...[Read More] Understanding Meal Frequency: Managing Insulin Resistance in Pre-Diabetes
Understanding Hemoglobin A1c Levels: What Does a 5.6% Mean for You?
Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) Hello, I recently donated blood a few days ago and, since I met the qualifications, I also had a check for the three highs (hypertension, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia). I received the report showing my hemoglobin A1c level at 5.6%, with the standa...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Mr. Azong: 1. Generally speaking, human hemoglobin is primarily composed of heme and globin chains (alpha and beta chains). Due to the abundance of proteins, when blood glucose levels rise, these proteins can bind with glucose in the blood, a process known as glycation, whi...[Read More] Understanding Hemoglobin A1c Levels: What Does a 5.6% Mean for You?
Understanding Hormonal Imbalance: Excess Hair Growth and Irregular Periods
Is it an endocrine disorder? Hello, doctor. Since I started developing in the sixth grade, I've noticed an increase in body hair, particularly on my chest, which is quite noticeable and not just fine hair. There are also two very thick hairs, about 5 to 6 centimeters long, s...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Ms. Sofia: 1. There are many causes of hirsutism in women; the more common ones include polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and idiopathic hirsutism. Less common causes may include medications (such as Danazol), congenital adrenal hyperplasia, ovarian tumors, adrenal tumors, ...[Read More] Understanding Hormonal Imbalance: Excess Hair Growth and Irregular Periods
Understanding Your 75g Glucose Tolerance Test Results: What They Mean
75 grams oral glucose tolerance test? Hello, I recently underwent a 75-gram oral glucose tolerance test after fasting for eight hours, and the results were as follows: Fasting: 75 mg/dL, 1 hour after drinking the glucose solution: 88 mg/dL, and 2 hours after drinking the glucose ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Ms. Huihui: 1. According to the American Diabetes Association's diagnostic criteria for diabetes: 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 (g...[Read More] Understanding Your 75g Glucose Tolerance Test Results: What They Mean
Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Gastrointestinal discomfort? Hello, doctor. First of all, thank you for your response to my questions last month. After that, I visited a physician who initially diagnosed me with general gastritis. I was prescribed medications for gastrointestinal motility disorders, to reduce b...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Mr. Ellis: 1. Please discuss your concerns with your attending physician; avoid seeking opinions online that may interfere with your physician's assessment. 2. Nexium® (generic name: Esomeprazole) is a proton pump inhibitor primarily used to treat peptic ulcers and ga...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Am I Normal? Understanding Itchy Skin and Kidney Health Concerns
Am I normal? I have recently been experiencing frequent itching on my calves, but I haven't noticed any mosquito bites. Sometimes there are small bumps (most of the time there aren't), but they disappear quickly. I came across information stating that uremia can cause s...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Miss 123: 1. Uremia can indeed cause skin pigmentation and the deposition of metabolic products, leading to a darker skin color and even a sensation of itching. However, it should not be localized solely to the calves as you described. There are many possible reasons for s...[Read More] Am I Normal? Understanding Itchy Skin and Kidney Health Concerns
Understanding Upper Right Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions
Regarding sharp pain in the right upper abdomen? Hello, Dr. Hsiao. I have been experiencing a sudden feeling of hunger shortly after meals, which feels somewhat like an empty stomach sensation without the typical stomach growling. If I eat too quickly, I might even feel hungry ha...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Mr. Shi: 1. Regarding your upper right abdominal pain, I believe it may be what is commonly referred to as side stitch, as mentioned in my response on June 27, 2016. Therefore, I recommend that you consult a coach to learn proper breathing techniques while running to avoid ...[Read More] Understanding Upper Right Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Persistent Right Upper Abdomen Pain After Exercise
Regarding sharp pain in the upper right abdomen after exercise? Hello Dr. Hsiao, I previously inquired about a problem here (#107015). The symptoms of hunger have not disappeared, and I am currently maintaining a small, frequent meal schedule. I would like to ask another question...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Mr. Steve: 1. First of all, I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience. I am unsure whether it is a system issue or if there was an error in handling my files, but <a href="https://adoctor.tw/article/107015">#107015</a> did not appear in my personal f...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Right Upper Abdomen Pain After Exercise
Blood in Stool: Causes and What You Should Know
Blood in the stool? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing bleeding during bowel movements for about a week. I have a history of constipation and have been taking traditional Chinese medicine to help with bowel movements. However, for the past week, I have been bleeding every tim...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Ms. Huang: 1. Generally speaking, the presence of bright red blood in the stool indicates lower gastrointestinal bleeding, and conditions such as hemorrhoids, anal ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease, infections, colorectal cancer, and immune-related disorders should be con...[Read More] Blood in Stool: Causes and What You Should Know