Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Risks of Pre-Diabetes Explained
Blood sugar Hello: I recently had a health check-up, and my blood sugar level was 114 (normal range is 70-120). Although it is within the normal range, it is close to the upper limit. Should I be concerned that I might easily develop diabetes if this continues? Thank you for your...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello: 1. The risk factors for developing diabetes primarily include genetic predisposition and lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise. The genetic predisposition refers to having relatives, particularly blood relatives, who have diabetes, which increases our own risk of dev...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Risks of Pre-Diabetes Explained
Diabetes Diet: What Foods to Eat and Avoid for Better Health
Diabetic Diet Hello Dr. Hsiao: I know you have extensive research on diabetes. I would like to ask you: My father was recently diagnosed with diabetes. Should he avoid all foods that contain sugar? Are foods high in starch, such as steamed buns, also not advisable? Could you reco...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Miss Sasa, In response to your question, many people believe that individuals with diabetes should avoid carbohydrates such as rice and bread, but this is incorrect. The key to managing diabetes lies in a balanced diet and weight control. Patients should consume an appropri...[Read More] Diabetes Diet: What Foods to Eat and Avoid for Better Health
Managing Lower Back Pain After Kidney Stone and Infection
Low back pain Hello, I had kidney stones 5 years ago. On September 29, 2003, I had an outpatient visit at a hospital in Taipei due to persistent pain in the lower right back. There were no stones found, but there was inflammation and infection. What should I do about this? Thank ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello: In response to your questions. 1. Urinary tract stones can cause lower back pain, hematuria, or associated infections; in severe cases, they can lead to hydronephrosis or renal dysfunction. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a urologist for examination and treatment if ...[Read More] Managing Lower Back Pain After Kidney Stone and Infection
Can Saliva Transmit Hepatitis B? Understanding the Risks
Can it be transmitted through saliva? If my girlfriend is a carrier of hepatitis B and both of our mouths have sores, is there a risk of transmission?
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello: In response to your questions. 1. Hepatitis B is primarily transmitted through serum routes, including vertical transmission from mother to child (occurring during childbirth), sexual transmission, and sharing of needles (such as in drug injection or unclean needles). Oral...[Read More] Can Saliva Transmit Hepatitis B? Understanding the Risks
Understanding Diabetes Index: Is Medication Necessary for Mild Cases?
What is the diabetes index? Hello, Director Hsiao: My mother is 72 years old. During her health check this year, her blood sugar level was found to be 130, while the normal upper limit is 110. However, the doctor said it is still mild and that she does not need medication, just d...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello: In response to your questions. 1. The normal fasting plasma glucose level for healthy individuals is between 70 to 100 mg/dL, and the postprandial glucose level two hours after a meal should be between 80 to 140 mg/dL. A fasting plasma glucose level of 130 mg/dL after 8 ho...[Read More] Understanding Diabetes Index: Is Medication Necessary for Mild Cases?
Understanding Metabolism: Can Hormonal Imbalance Cause Weight Gain in Men?
Metabolism Hello Dr. Hsiao: I would like to ask if men can also experience obesity due to hormonal imbalances? I am 27 years old and have been very careful with my diet (and I do not have constipation), yet I continue to gain weight (my BMI is 30.5, which is considered obese). I ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello: In response to your question. 1. According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare in Taiwan, a BMI of 27 or higher is classified as obesity; a BMI between 24.0 and 26.9 is considered overweight; and a BMI between 18.5 and 23.9 is regarded as ideal. Your BMI of 30.5 is indee...[Read More] Understanding Metabolism: Can Hormonal Imbalance Cause Weight Gain in Men?
Understanding the Causes of Sweet-Tasting Saliva: A Medical Insight
Sweet saliva? The recent sweet taste in your saliva may be related to several factors. It could be a sign of elevated blood sugar levels, which is often associated with diabetes. Other potential causes include certain medications, dietary changes, or even a condition known as ket...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello: In response to your question. 1. Generally speaking, taste disorders are relatively rare, and their pathogenic mechanisms are less understood. 2. Taste is primarily categorized into sweet, salty, sour, and bitter, with different distributions of taste buds on the tongue. 3...[Read More] Understanding the Causes of Sweet-Tasting Saliva: A Medical Insight
Understanding the Four Key Symptoms of Diabetes: Thirst, Hunger, Urination, and Weight Loss
Diabetes mellitus The "three polys and one less" symptoms of diabetes refer to: 1. Polyuria: Increased urination. 2. Polydipsia: Increased thirst. 3. Polyphagia: Increased hunger. 4. Weight loss: Unintentional weight loss.
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello: In response to your question, the common clinical symptoms of diabetes include polyuria (excessive urination), polydipsia (excessive thirst), polyphagia (excessive eating), and weight loss. If any random plasma glucose level is greater than or equal to 200 mg/dL, it may in...[Read More] Understanding the Four Key Symptoms of Diabetes: Thirst, Hunger, Urination, and Weight Loss
Understanding Edema: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Edema Forwarding a question from a netizen to the Director: I saw on TV that Director Tu helped a homeless person with a medical consultation... It seemed like there were issues with their gastrointestinal health that might cause edema... I think I might have edema too... Is ther...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello: In response to your inquiry regarding edema, it refers to a condition characterized by an increase in extracellular fluid. Clinically, it presents differently based on the location and underlying pathology, with numerous related diseases that cannot all be listed. However,...[Read More] Understanding Edema: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Can Diabetes Cause Nose and Hand Damage Without Treatment?
Can diabetes cause the nose to decay? I've heard that diabetic feet can become ulcerated. If someone has diabetes and doesn't see a doctor, will their hands also become ulcerated? Will their nose also become ulcerated, and will they definitely go blind?
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello: In response to your questions: 1. Diabetes is a metabolic disorder primarily caused by defects in the secretion of insulin from the pancreatic β-cells, leading to an insufficient amount of insulin or inadequate action of insulin, resulting in elevated blood glucose levels....[Read More] Can Diabetes Cause Nose and Hand Damage Without Treatment?
Managing Osteoporosis: Best Practices for Calcium Supplementation with Dried Fish
Osteoporosis Hello, doctor. Thank you for your hard work. My mother has osteoporosis and recently bought small dried fish to supplement calcium. 1: I am not sure what foods or medications should not be combined with small dried fish. 2: How should it be taken correctly to maximiz...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello: In response to your question, non-pharmacological treatment options for osteoporosis include: 1. Improving lifestyle habits: a. Avoid smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and excessive caffeine intake. b. Maintain a balanced diet rich in calcium, including foods like mi...[Read More] Managing Osteoporosis: Best Practices for Calcium Supplementation with Dried Fish
Gallbladder Stones: To Operate or Not? Key Considerations and Timing
Gallstones—Surgery or Not? The patient has a 10-year history of gallbladder stones and has experienced occasional right upper abdominal pain after meals for the past 2 years. There was one episode of fever and vomiting during an attack 2 weeks ago, which spontaneously subsided af...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear FRED: 1. The management of asymptomatic gallstones remains controversial. The risk of developing symptoms or complications that require surgery is quite low, around 1 to 2 percent per year, in most asymptomatic gallstone patients. 2. Recommendations for prophylactic cholec...[Read More] Gallbladder Stones: To Operate or Not? Key Considerations and Timing
Understanding Potassium Imbalance: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention
Potassium ion abnormalities Hello, I am 17 years old and have been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism (on medication for about two years). Currently, my resting heart rate is around 100 beats per minute. Recently, I woke up in the middle of the night needing to urinate but found that...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello, in response to your questions: 1. Common symptoms of hyperthyroidism include palpitations, rapid heartbeat, tremors, fast speech, increased appetite, weight loss, exophthalmos, diarrhea, anxiety, and emotional instability. A minority may present with skin itching and hyp...[Read More] Understanding Potassium Imbalance: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention
Morning Swelling: Possible Causes and Kidney Function Concerns
Upon waking up in the morning, I noticed that my entire body was swollen? My mother-in-law is fifty years old and has a family history of diabetes. She is currently taking medication to manage her condition. Over the past year, she has experienced swelling in her hands, feet, and...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello: In response to your question: (1) There are many causes of edema, generally classified as follows: 1. Increased venous pressure: including congestive heart failure, valvular heart disease, pericardial disease, renal disorders, endocrine diseases, vascular disorders, etc. 2...[Read More] Morning Swelling: Possible Causes and Kidney Function Concerns
Understanding Sudden Sleep Attacks: Causes and Solutions
Sleep issues Hello, I'm not really sure which specialty to consult regarding these symptoms, so I appreciate your help. Initially, I didn't want to overthink things and was avoiding certain issues, which led me to intentionally exhaust myself with a heavy workload, exte...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello: In response to your inquiry: (1) Sleep physiology is generally divided into non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, which alternate to form sleep cycles. Each cycle lasts about ninety minutes, with approximately 4-6 cycles occurring in one n...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Sleep Attacks: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Mitral Valve Prolapse: Symptoms, Treatment, and Exercise Tips
Heart valve Thank you for your response, Director. In 1995, I experienced palpitations, arrhythmia, and high blood pressure, which led me to see a cardiologist. I was diagnosed with mild mitral valve prolapse with regurgitation and tricuspid regurgitation. Since then, I have been...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello: In response to your questions: 1. Mitral valve prolapse with regurgitation is mostly asymptomatic; however, it can occasionally cause chest pain, palpitations, fatigue, or shortness of breath. In severe cases, these symptoms may be more pronounced. The conditions of your m...[Read More] Understanding Mitral Valve Prolapse: Symptoms, Treatment, and Exercise Tips
Understanding Weakness and Dizziness from Low Blood Sugar Levels
Is weakness in the limbs due to low blood sugar? Weakness in the limbs and occasional dizziness when standing up from a squat can occur. What discomforts might arise if blood sugar levels are too low?
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello, in response to your questions: 1. Weakness in the limbs can be caused by low blood sugar, but it can also arise from various other reasons. If you experience dizziness when standing up after squatting, this is commonly referred to as orthostatic hypotension. There are ma...[Read More] Understanding Weakness and Dizziness from Low Blood Sugar Levels
Can Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Help Alleviate Dizziness in Seniors?
Dizziness My father, who is 70 years old, developed a condition commonly known as shingles (herpes zoster) on the sole of his left foot in February this year, which caused nerve pain and made it difficult for him to walk. He was subsequently hospitalized in June at a hospital in ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello, in response to your inquiry: 1. There are many causes of dizziness, which can be broadly categorized into central and peripheral types. Each category encompasses various underlying reasons, ranging from benign to malignant forms of dizziness. These can include vascular a...[Read More] Can Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Help Alleviate Dizziness in Seniors?
Understanding Kidney Function and Cholesterol Levels in Patients
Kidney function and cholesterol? I have a history of hypertension and hyperglycemia for about three years and have been on medication. On April 5, 2002, my blood test results showed HDL-C 75, LDL-C 75, Total Cholesterol 163, Triglycerides 60, BUN 20, Creatinine 1.2, and Uric Acid...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello: In response to your questions: 1. BUN and Creatinine generally indicate kidney function. The differences in your two test results are within acceptable ranges, so it cannot be concluded that kidney function has deteriorated based on this. 2. Elevated LDL, decreased HDL, an...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Function and Cholesterol Levels in Patients
Can You Mix Western and Traditional Chinese Medicine Supplements Safely?
Can nutritional supplements from both Western and Chinese medicine be taken together? I am currently taking Centrum, Shun Tian Tang's Bu Zhong Yi Qi Decoction, and cod liver oil. Can these three medications be taken together, or should I space them out?
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello: In response to your inquiry, regarding adolescents or young adults, if there are no specific health conditions, it is advisable to maintain a balanced diet, engage in appropriate physical activity, follow a regular daily routine, and cultivate a positive mood, without the ...[Read More] Can You Mix Western and Traditional Chinese Medicine Supplements Safely?