Diabetes, Family Medicine FAQ

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Understanding Fasting Insulin Levels: What Do They Mean for Your Health?

Fasting insulin Hello Doctor, thank you for taking the time to respond to my questions! I previously went to the hospital (Metabolism Department) to check for any diabetes-related issues. At that time, my diet remained unchanged, my exercise was moderate, and my stress levels wer...


Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, regarding the aforementioned report, the opinion of the endocrinologist is similar, and there is no diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is characterized by a lifelong deficiency in insulin production from the pancreas, which is different from insulin resistance, which is more common...

[Read More] Understanding Fasting Insulin Levels: What Do They Mean for Your Health?


Should You Rely on Medication for Diabetes Management?

Diabetes medication issues? Hello, doctor. At the end of May and the beginning of June, my blood sugar was checked at 127, and my hemoglobin A1c was 7.2. The doctor said I have diabetes and prescribed medication for me. A friend mentioned that my levels are not too high and that ...


Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Since you have just been diagnosed with diabetes, I would recommend that you manage your blood sugar through a combination of medication, diet, and exercise. Although your fasting blood sugar in the morning is only slightly elevated, your postprandial blood sugar may be hi...

[Read More] Should You Rely on Medication for Diabetes Management?


How Soon After COVID-19 Can You Safely Resume Exercise?

How long after recovering from COVID-19 is it advisable to resume exercise? Hello Dr. Lin, I tested positive on June 28, and as of today, June 30, my symptoms have not fully resolved. After my follow-up visit, the doctor provided supportive treatment. Currently, I have intermitte...


Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. Diabetes, unless it involves short-term fluctuations in blood sugar levels, typically causes organ damage through chronic and long-term changes. Additionally, the management of diabetes is not solely reliant on medication; dietary modifications and exercise are also cru...

[Read More] How Soon After COVID-19 Can You Safely Resume Exercise?


Understanding OGTT Results: High Fasting Blood Sugar and Discrepancies Explained

OGTT blood test report Hello, Doctor. I have been experiencing elevated fasting blood glucose levels for some time, with readings ranging from 95 to 126, mostly between 95 and 105. Therefore, I visited the Metabolism Department for fasting and OGTT (Oral Glucose Tolerance Test) w...


Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Cherry: 1. Clinically, to diagnose diabetes mellitus, physicians often have fasting patients consume a glucose solution containing 75 grams of glucose. If two tests show postprandial plasma glucose levels ≥200 mg/dL, a diagnosis of diabetes can be made. 2. According to...

[Read More] Understanding OGTT Results: High Fasting Blood Sugar and Discrepancies Explained


Which Procedure Should Come First: Brain Aneurysm or Joint Replacement?

Which procedure should be performed first: brain aneurysm treatment or joint replacement surgery? Hello, my mother has moderate hearing loss and long-term tinnitus. Recently, she showed signs of possible dementia, so we took her to the hospital for examination. An MRI revealed a ...


Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello Mimi: Life-threatening conditions need to be addressed first. If the neurosurgeon does not take immediate action, there may be significant risks involved in making a decision.

[Read More] Which Procedure Should Come First: Brain Aneurysm or Joint Replacement?


Managing Prediabetes: Balancing Carbs, Weight Loss, and Blood Sugar Levels

Prediabetes Hello Doctor, I apologize for the interruption, but I would like to ask a question. I was diagnosed last August with a fasting blood sugar of 115 mg/dL, HbA1c of 5.8%, and a weight of 79 kg. By April of this year, my fasting blood sugar was 108 mg/dL, HbA1c was 5.7%...


Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Based on the information you provided, you are currently not in the prediabetic stage. Through dietary and exercise control, both your blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin levels have improved, leading to weight loss, and it is not due to hyperglycemia causing cachexia. I...

[Read More] Managing Prediabetes: Balancing Carbs, Weight Loss, and Blood Sugar Levels


Understanding Diabetes: Key Questions on Symptoms and Treatment

Some questions regarding diabetes? Hello, doctor. I am a university student majoring in biomedical sciences, and I am currently working on a paper discussion topic. My report is about the use of Ephedra to treat hyperglycemia and oxidative stress caused by diabetes. Initially, I ...


Dr. Liu Hongxiang Reply:
Hello, university student: If you are currently experiencing any symptoms of diabetes, the best solution is to visit a hospital for testing, as you may receive results on the same day. Streptozotocin is used in medical research to establish animal models for Type 1 diabetes, whil...

[Read More] Understanding Diabetes: Key Questions on Symptoms and Treatment


Understanding Blood Sugar Fluctuations: Causes and Concerns

Abnormal blood sugar issues? Hello doctor, I have a habit of monitoring my blood sugar levels. Previously, my fasting blood sugar in the morning was consistently between 88 and 96. However, yesterday it suddenly rose to 104. I tested it twice more, getting readings of 100 and 103...


Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The normal fasting blood glucose level in the morning is between 70-99 mg/dL, while the fasting blood glucose level for prediabetes is between 100-125 mg/dL. Additionally, the normal blood glucose level two hours after a meal is between 80-139 mg/dL. Based on your measured...

[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Fluctuations: Causes and Concerns


Understanding Fasting Blood Sugar Levels: Should You Worry?

Blood sugar issues? Hello doctor, my fasting blood sugar in the morning fluctuates between 88 and 96, but it never exceeds 100. Should I be concerned about this? Is there a risk that I might unintentionally develop prediabetes if I don't control my diet?


Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The normal range for fasting blood glucose in the morning is 70-99 mg/dL, while the range for prediabetes is 100-125 mg/dL. Therefore, your fasting blood glucose level is normal. Additionally, if you are still concerned, it is recommended that you check your blood glucose ...

[Read More] Understanding Fasting Blood Sugar Levels: Should You Worry?


Understanding Postprandial Blood Sugar Peaks in Type 2 Diabetes Management

Blood sugar issues? Hello, doctor. I am a patient with type 2 diabetes, and I recently purchased a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM). After wearing it, I observed that my blood glucose levels typically peak about "one hour after meals" (sometimes reaching values of 170, ...


Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, it is normal for blood sugar levels to rise after eating. The effectiveness of insulin in your body will be reflected in your postprandial blood sugar levels. Currently, experts agree that evaluating blood sugar levels two hours after a meal is appropriate. Based on your d...

[Read More] Understanding Postprandial Blood Sugar Peaks in Type 2 Diabetes Management


Understanding Blood Sugar Fluctuations in Type 2 Diabetes Management

Blood glucose measurement issues? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about my situation. I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes last November, and recently, when measuring my blood sugar, I occasionally notice that the highest level occurs at the third hour after eating. Here are m...


Dr. Liu Hongxiang Reply:
Hello Mr. Chang: A typical diet consists of a mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Blood sugar peaks can be observed 30 minutes to 2 hours after a meal. However, if the meal is high in protein, the peak may not occur until about three hours later due to slower digestion and ...

[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Fluctuations in Type 2 Diabetes Management


Understanding Postprandial Blood Sugar Levels in Type 2 Diabetes Management

Blood sugar issues? Hello, doctor. I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes last November. After several months of dietary adjustments, I have gradually learned to monitor my blood sugar levels. I would like to ask about my postprandial blood sugar, which sometimes decreases slowly. ...


Dr. Liu Hongxiang Reply:
Hello Mr. Chang: The greater the fluctuation in blood sugar levels, the more likely complications will arise, as this can lead to increased oxidative stress and inflammatory factors, causing damage to the vascular endothelium and other tissues. Although blood sugar may return to ...

[Read More] Understanding Postprandial Blood Sugar Levels in Type 2 Diabetes Management


Traveling Abroad with Hypertension and Diabetes: Essential Tips for Patients

Patients with hypertension, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia traveling abroad? Hello, doctor. I am a long-term patient with hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes, and I regularly monitor my condition. I exercise daily and administer insulin. Can I take a short-haul flight (...


Dr. Liu Hongxiang Reply:
Hello Mr. Fu: For patients with hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes who are on long-term medication and regularly monitored, maintaining good hygiene and lifestyle habits, and who do not have complications and are prepared with their medications and medical history for tra...

[Read More] Traveling Abroad with Hypertension and Diabetes: Essential Tips for Patients


Understanding Blood Test Results: Impact of Fasting on Diabetes Diagnosis

Please ask your questions regarding blood tests? Hello, doctor. Last November (2023), I experienced some health issues. Starting around June 2023, I noticed increased appetite, thirst, and urination, but my weight did not decrease. I went to the hospital for a consultation and ha...


Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Zhang: 1. Your questions should be discussed with your primary care physician, as there are many factors that need to be considered. 2. According to the American Diabetes Association's diagnostic criteria for diabetes: a. Fasting plasma glucose level ≥ 126 mg/dL af...

[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: Impact of Fasting on Diabetes Diagnosis


Managing Type 2 Diabetes: Key Questions for Your Family Doctor

Please provide your questions regarding diabetes? I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and hyperlipidemia last November. At that time, my lab results were as follows: fasting blood glucose 143 mg/dL, HbA1c 9.9%, total cholesterol 229 mg/dL, triglycerides 202 mg/dL, HDL cholestero...


Dr. Liu Hongxiang Reply:
Hello Mr. Chang: According to the consensus of international diabetes associations, a glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level of less than 6.5% for at least 3 months without the use of antihyperglycemic medications indicates that blood sugar is temporarily normal, and medication may no...

[Read More] Managing Type 2 Diabetes: Key Questions for Your Family Doctor


Understanding Breathing Issues and Fatigue in Elderly Patients

Wheezing, forceful exhalation? My father is 84 years old and has dementia, hypertension, diabetes, and anemia. Recently, he received a blood transfusion due to low hemoglobin levels. After returning home, he has been experiencing excessive sleepiness, and we are unsure of the cau...


Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello, Zhang: 1. First, visit an otolaryngologist to check for any issues in the nasal cavity that may be causing respiratory obstruction or sleep apnea. 2. Experiencing shortness of breath during activity and chest pain may indicate heart failure or angina; please consult a card...

[Read More] Understanding Breathing Issues and Fatigue in Elderly Patients


Unexplained Symptoms: Navigating Complex Health Issues in Family Medicine

Unknown etiology? My normal body temperature ranges from 36.4 to 37.3 degrees Celsius. I have a history of fatty liver disease, and my mother and her relatives have issues related to hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and gastrointestinal problems. My father's side has a history ...


Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Lseedead: 1. Since you have been hospitalized and undergone many tests that all returned normal results, I believe that given your age, there shouldn't be any significant issues. 2. The pulmonologist and infectious disease specialist have reviewed your imaging and ...

[Read More] Unexplained Symptoms: Navigating Complex Health Issues in Family Medicine


Managing Cholesterol: When to Medicate and Considerations for Pregnancy

Cholesterol issues Hello, doctor. I am 34 years old. In my 2018 health check-up report, my cholesterol was 232 and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) was 159. My father has hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia. In 2023, I briefly took Lipitor for one month, during which my chole...


Dr. Liu Hongxiang Reply:
Hello, Sasa: The total cholesterol level for the general population should be kept below 200 mg/dL, with low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol below 130 mg/dL. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol should be maintained above 40 mg/dL for men and above 50 mg/dL for women....

[Read More] Managing Cholesterol: When to Medicate and Considerations for Pregnancy


Is Rapid Weight Loss Normal? Insights from Family Medicine

Weight loss I would like to ask about my height of 178 cm. My weight has always fluctuated around 60 to 61 kg, and I have a body type that doesn't gain weight easily. I actually have a large appetite, but sometimes I only eat two meals a day without feeling unwell. Yesterday...


Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Alex: 1. Your body mass index (BMI) is approximately between 18 and 19, which is considered to be in the range between a healthy weight and underweight. 2. [Yesterday your weight was 60.3 kg, and today it has decreased to 59.5 kg]: Since it is currently winter, wearing ...

[Read More] Is Rapid Weight Loss Normal? Insights from Family Medicine


Unexplained Fatigue: How Euzip Can Help You Feel Energized Again

Unexplained fatigue can only be alleviated by taking Euzip? Hello Doctor: I am a 31-year-old female. Four years ago, I experienced severe nasal septum deviation and significant work-related stress, which led to a period of severe sleep deprivation and facial nerve paralysis. Sinc...


Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
It is recommended that you visit an internal medicine or family medicine outpatient clinic for evaluation. Thank you.

[Read More] Unexplained Fatigue: How Euzip Can Help You Feel Energized Again


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