Understanding Fasting Blood Sugar Testing: Common Questions Answered
Please ask again about the timing for blood glucose testing and any other related questions? Hello, Dr. Hsiao! I have read your previous response regarding my question about blood sugar testing times and other related issues, but I still have some confusion. I would like to ask a...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Question 1: The diagnostic criteria for diabetes published by the American Diabetes Association in 2010 are as follows: a. Fasting plasma glucose level ≥ 126 mg/dl after at least 8 hours of fasting. b. Plasma glucose level ≥ 200 mg/dl during a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test. ...[Read More] Understanding Fasting Blood Sugar Testing: Common Questions Answered
Understanding Fasting and Postprandial Blood Sugar Testing Guidelines
Questions related to blood glucose testing times and others? Hello Dr. Hsiao! I have a few questions I would like to ask... 1. For fasting blood glucose testing, is it necessary to fast for 8 hours? For example, if I am to test fasting blood glucose today, does that mean I must...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
In healthy individuals, approximately 5 to 15 minutes after eating, glucose absorbed through digestion stimulates the beta cells of the pancreas to release stored insulin granules directly into the bloodstream. Between 20 minutes and 2 hours after eating, insulin is subsequently ...[Read More] Understanding Fasting and Postprandial Blood Sugar Testing Guidelines
Managing High Nighttime Blood Sugar with Normal Morning Levels
High blood sugar before bedtime and normal blood sugar upon waking? Hello Dr. Hsiao, my mother is seventy years old. She takes insulin during the day and controls her diet for three meals, but her blood sugar levels are consistently over 300 before bedtime. In the morning, her le...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
1. There are many types of insulin, primarily including ultra-rapid acting, rapid acting, intermediate acting, and long acting. The timing of their peak effect and duration of action varies. Clinically, it is possible to mix rapid acting and intermediate acting insulins for injec...[Read More] Managing High Nighttime Blood Sugar with Normal Morning Levels
Understanding Glomerular Filtration Rate: What You Need to Know
Regarding the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) value? Hello, Dr. Hsiao. I have been experiencing fasting blood glucose levels between 102 and 112 for a long time. This time, I underwent tests, and my fasting blood glucose was 108, postprandial was 119, HbA1c was 5.6%, blood urea ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
According to a study published in The Lancet in 2008, it is estimated that 11.93% of adults in Taiwan have chronic kidney disease (CKD). The stages of severity are as follows: 1. Stage 1: Kidney damage with normal or increased GFR, GFR ≥ 90 ml/min/1.73 m². 2. Stage 2: Kidney dama...[Read More] Understanding Glomerular Filtration Rate: What You Need to Know
Managing Diabetes: Key Questions on Blood Sugar and Diet
Revisiting Diabetes Mellitus? Hello Dr. Hsiao, First of all, thank you for your response last time. Yesterday, I visited the cardiology department to review my blood test results. My fasting blood glucose was 96 mg/dL and my HbA1c was 5.5% (three months ago, my fasting blood glu...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Question 1: Should I still strictly control my intake of starches and sugars? Answer: Strictly controlling the intake of starches and sugars can indeed lower blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin levels, thereby improving conditions such as diabetes or glucose intolerance. In f...[Read More] Managing Diabetes: Key Questions on Blood Sugar and Diet
Understanding Blood Sugar Fluctuations in Diabetes Management
About diabetes? Hello Director Hsiao, Over two months ago, I had a blood test at the hospital, and my fasting blood glucose was 130 mg/dL, with a hemoglobin A1c of 6.4%. The doctor did not prescribe medication and advised dietary control instead. I purchased a blood glucose mete...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
1. Generally, a fasting blood glucose level of 126 mg/dL corresponds to a glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level of approximately 6.5%. Therefore, the test results from two months ago should be reliable. 2. In the classification of diabetes, type 2 diabetes accounts for about 92-95%...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Fluctuations in Diabetes Management
Understanding Hunger-Induced Dizziness and Sleepiness: Blood Sugar Issues?
Feeling hungry, dizzy, and experiencing mood swings, followed by sleepiness after eating, could indicate several issues. These symptoms may suggest fluctuations in blood sugar levels, possibly related to conditions such as hypoglycemia or insulin resistance. It could also be rela...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
1. According to the conclusions and recommendations of the American Diabetes Association in 2010, a fasting plasma glucose level between 100 and 125 mg/dl is classified as impaired fasting glucose, indicating an increased risk of diabetes. Therefore, if your blood glucose level i...[Read More] Understanding Hunger-Induced Dizziness and Sleepiness: Blood Sugar Issues?
Understanding HbA1c Results: Do You Have Diabetes?
Revisiting the second question - Dr. Hsiang-Yung Hsiao? Hello, Doctor! I recently had my hemoglobin A1c tested, and the result was 6.5% (I did not test fasting and postprandial blood glucose). I would like to ask if I have officially been diagnosed with diabetes. My previous hemo...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
It is advisable to discuss your concerns with your physician; an HbA1c of 6.5% is already close to diabetes. Therefore, it is essential to pay attention to dietary control and avoid excessive intake; regular exercise is also important.[Read More] Understanding HbA1c Results: Do You Have Diabetes?
Understanding HbA1c Results: Do I Have Diabetes?
What are the issues related to diabetes? Hello, Doctor! I recently had my hemoglobin A1c tested, and the report showed 6.5% (I did not test fasting and postprandial blood glucose). I would like to ask if I have officially been diagnosed with diabetes. Previously, my hemoglobin A1...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
1. Generally, the onset of type 2 diabetes is gradual and is associated with factors such as genetics, weight, lack of exercise, overeating, alcohol abuse, and medication. Your weight of 113 kilograms is indeed a risk factor for developing the disease; moreover, the longer one is...[Read More] Understanding HbA1c Results: Do I Have Diabetes?
Understanding Congenital Single Kidney: Military Service Implications
Congenital solitary kidney? Hello, Dr. Hsiao. During the abdominal ultrasound, the right kidney could not be visualized. Later, I went to the nephrology department for a kidney ultrasound, and it was confirmed that I only have one kidney. The doctor mentioned that some people are...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
According to the Ministry of National Defense's Order No. 1010000568 issued on July 5, 2012, and the Ministry of the Interior's Order No. 1010830391 regarding the revised standards for classification of physical conditions, individuals who have undergone unilateral neph...[Read More] Understanding Congenital Single Kidney: Military Service Implications
Understanding Pain in the Upper Eye Socket: Causes and Solutions
Pain above the eye socket? Hello Dr. Hsiao, I would like to ask, in the past few days, when I close my eyes, I feel pain in the upper part of the eye socket when my eyeball moves upward. What could be the reason for this?
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
After you close your eyes and your eyeballs move upward, you may feel pain in the upper part of the eye socket. There are many possible causes, including neuropathy, vascular disorders, hypertension, autoimmune diseases, ocular conditions, extraocular muscle disorders, tumors, an...[Read More] Understanding Pain in the Upper Eye Socket: Causes and Solutions
Do I Need Medical Attention for a Minor Scratch After Nail Contact?
Could you please tell me if this could lead to a tetanus infection? I previously had a 1 cm long and 1 mm deep (very shallow) scratch on my shoulder, but I don't know what caused it. While working, I accidentally came into contact with a dirty nail, and it seems like it may ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
1. According to your description, the wound is not large; however, if it is a contaminated wound, it is still advisable for you to seek follow-up treatment at a surgical outpatient clinic as soon as possible. 2. Some wounds can develop secondary infections; there is also a possib...[Read More] Do I Need Medical Attention for a Minor Scratch After Nail Contact?
Understanding Thyroid Function in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke
Thyroid-related issues? Hello, Director Hsiao. My mother is 64 years old and experienced a mild stroke in early March 2014. She is currently showing stable and improving recovery. Due to her atrial fibrillation, her attending physician prescribed Dronedarone for treatment, and sh...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
1. Amiodarone is a commonly used medication for the treatment of arrhythmias, and it is quite effective. However, it can affect iodine metabolism, leading to either hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism; therefore, regular monitoring of thyroid function is necessary. If such conditio...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Function in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke
Managing Blood Sugar During Lower GI Barium Enema Preparation
Lower gastrointestinal (GI) contrast enema examination? Hello Doctor, my mother has diabetes. Due to rectal bleeding, the doctor has recommended a lower gastrointestinal tract barium enema examination. However, for this procedure, she needs to take medication the night before to ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
1. Lower gastrointestinal tract imaging has been performed in clinical practice for many years, and every hospital should have a standard operating procedure in place; this also includes considerations for diabetic patients. You and your mother should inquire again with your hosp...[Read More] Managing Blood Sugar During Lower GI Barium Enema Preparation
Eye Exams for Diabetic Patients: Understanding the Process and Communication
Eye examinations for diabetic patients? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask about eye examinations. My father has type 2 diabetes and regularly visits Chang Gung Memorial Hospital (CGMH) every three months for check-ups and picks up his medication monthly. During his last visit, t...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
1. To facilitate the early diagnosis and treatment of diabetic retinopathy, it is medically recommended to undergo a comprehensive eye examination at least once a year. The examinations at Changhua Christian Hospital should be considered reasonable and necessary. 2. As for how t...[Read More] Eye Exams for Diabetic Patients: Understanding the Process and Communication
Understanding Herpetic Pharyngitis and Prolonged Fever: When to Seek Help
Herpetic pharyngitis with high fever? Hello, doctor. I started experiencing a high fever (39-40 degrees Celsius) from last Thursday, which lasted for three days, and then I developed herpetic pharyngitis. Therefore, the doctor diagnosed it as enterovirus. After three days of sore...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Herpetic pharyngitis presents with painful ulcers in specific areas of the oral cavity, accompanied by fever, sore throat, loss of appetite, general malaise, and respiratory infection symptoms. Hand-foot-mouth disease also manifests with oral ulcers, rashes on the palms and soles...[Read More] Understanding Herpetic Pharyngitis and Prolonged Fever: When to Seek Help
Choosing the Right Insecticide: Safety, Effectiveness, and Usage Tips
The use of pesticides? Hello, Doctor: I work in recycling, which leads to a buildup of clutter at home, attracting cockroaches and ants, so I need to use insecticides. However, I noticed that insecticides come in water-based and oil-based formulations. What is the difference betw...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
In general, pesticides primarily enter the human body through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal absorption. Nicotine in cigarettes can enhance the toxicity of pesticides. Incidents of pesticide ingestion are rare unless it is accidental or intentional. Pesticides in the form of f...[Read More] Choosing the Right Insecticide: Safety, Effectiveness, and Usage Tips
Understanding Unexplained Weight Loss: A Case Study in Mental Health and Lifestyle
Weight loss Hello Doctor: Since April of this year, I have been working full-time collecting scrap metal. I am a person with a mental disability, and finding a job is not easy; therefore, I resorted to recycling. Initially, it was just a hobby, and I would only collect occasional...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
1. Generally, the most common causes of weight loss include diabetes, hyperthyroidism, chronic illnesses, cancer, and others; it also encompasses physical exertion, depression, anorexia, and so on. Since you have already been evaluated by a physician who ruled out the possibility...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Weight Loss: A Case Study in Mental Health and Lifestyle
Do Birds Transmit Rabies? What to Do After a Bird Peck Injury
Bird peck injury? Hello, doctor: I was pecked on the hand by a green-backed tit. Can birds transmit rabies? Do I need to get a rabies vaccine? Thank you very much for your response!
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Ms. Liu: The rabies virus primarily affects warm-blooded mammals, including dogs, cats, wolves, foxes, pigs, monkeys, rodents (such as mice and squirrels), and humans. Therefore, bites or pecks from birds do not cause rabies, and there have been no reported cases of such. ...[Read More] Do Birds Transmit Rabies? What to Do After a Bird Peck Injury
Understanding Urine Test Results: RBC, WBC, and Epithelial Cells Explained
Urine (red blood cells, white blood cells, epithelial cells) related issues? Hello Director Hsiao, my mother is 64 years old. Recently, she underwent blood and urine health examinations. Among the urine test results, three items were noted: red blood cells (RBC) were 0-1, white b...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Urinalysis specimen collection is typically performed by the patient, who collects urine in a test tube. After centrifugation, the laboratory technician extracts the sediment and examines it under high power field (HPF, approximately 400X) microscopy. Red blood cells (RBC) 0-1:...[Read More] Understanding Urine Test Results: RBC, WBC, and Epithelial Cells Explained