Night Owl or Early Bird: The Impact of Sleep Patterns on Health
Staying up late, sleep, and health? Due to work commitments, I usually go to bed around 1 or 2 AM and wake up around 7 AM. I often hear that staying up late is bad for health, and that one should go to sleep by 11 PM. However, I've also heard that as long as one's sleep...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Regarding the relationship between sleep and health, I would like to address it in two parts: The first part is about sleep quality: Sleep quality can be assessed in both objective and subjective terms. The objective aspect mainly relates to sleep duration, which is genera...[Read More] Night Owl or Early Bird: The Impact of Sleep Patterns on Health
Understanding Muscle Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice and Treatment
Muscle pain Last night, I suddenly experienced muscle cramps in my groin area. Prior to this, I had several episodes of thigh muscle cramps, occurring quite frequently, about every two to three minutes, but they resolved on their own afterward. I'm unsure of the cause; could...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Regarding your issue of muscle cramps in the groin and thigh, it may be related to some electrolyte imbalances (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium) or endocrine disorders (such as diabetes or thyroid issues). If you are looking for a specialty to consult, family medicin...[Read More] Understanding Muscle Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice and Treatment
Should Stable Type 2 Diabetes Patients Transition from Medical Centers?
Regarding whether patients with stable type 2 diabetes still need to visit a medical center? Hello, Doctor. I apologize for bothering you. I would like to ask about my situation. I have had type 2 diabetes for over seven years. After discovering this issue during a health check, ...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello, internet user: Currently, the treatment for diabetes in clinics in Taiwan has a comprehensive system. In addition to medication therapy, there are diabetes educators for follow-up, and regular blood tests and related medical referrals are arranged. It is recommended that y...[Read More] Should Stable Type 2 Diabetes Patients Transition from Medical Centers?
Persistent Dry Mouth and Cracked Lips: When to Seek Medical Help?
Frequent dry mouth and mouth sores, with adequate hydration but no improvement? Hello, doctor. Since last year, I have been experiencing occasional sudden dry mouth, which has led to chapped lips and dry skin. In the mornings, I wake up with a dry mouth and throat, and I occasion...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Chen: 1. "Frequent dry mouth and oral ulcers, with adequate fluid intake but no improvement," presents numerous differential diagnosis considerations. In addition to general inflammatory responses, one should also consider infections, diabetes mellitus, thyro...[Read More] Persistent Dry Mouth and Cracked Lips: When to Seek Medical Help?
Managing Diabetes and Cholesterol: Concerns About Lipitor's Impact
Issues related to discontinuation of Lipitor? Hello Doctor, I am an 8-year diabetes patient, 60 years old. For the past 8 years, I have controlled my blood sugar through diet and exercise without taking any hypoglycemic medications. I was diagnosed with diabetes in 2014 with an H...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello, internet user: Most cholesterol-lowering medications may induce the onset of diabetes, but there are some cholesterol-lowering drugs that have minimal impact on blood glucose levels. It is advisable to discuss with your primary physician whether to switch to these types of...[Read More] Managing Diabetes and Cholesterol: Concerns About Lipitor's Impact
Understanding Glucose Tolerance Test Results: A Guide for Patients
Glucose tolerance test Hello Doctor: My hemoglobin A1c is 5.5, and the results from my five glucose tolerance tests were as follows: 96, 167, 212, 174, and 132. My attending physician indicated that three of the glucose levels exceeded 140, suggesting poor glucose tolerance and t...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello, internet user: Currently, the recommendations for individuals with prediabetes are to maintain a balanced diet and engage in moderate exercise, while also keeping a relaxed mindset and regularly monitoring their condition. You may discuss the frequency of monitoring with y...[Read More] Understanding Glucose Tolerance Test Results: A Guide for Patients
Understanding Nighttime Disturbances in Elderly Diabetics
Diabetes in individuals aged 80 and older? My grandfather is a diabetic patient. Recently, he has been waking up in the middle of the night, screaming and tossing and turning, feeling very uncomfortable and unable to fall back asleep. Could this be related to his diabetes? His bl...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello, based on the blood glucose records you provided, it confirms hypoglycemia. I recommend that you discuss the adjustment of blood glucose medications with the original prescribing physician. The symptoms of nighttime shouting may also be related to blood sugar levels, so it ...[Read More] Understanding Nighttime Disturbances in Elderly Diabetics
Understanding Prediabetes: Blood Sugar Levels and Common Concerns
Hello, doctor. What is prediabetes? Hello Doctor, may I ask: I usually measure my blood sugar, and my typical levels are 88-95 in the morning and 105-115 after meals. However, during the New Year period, I went a long time without eating. On January 1st, my morning readings were ...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello, based on the blood glucose records you provided, there is no indication of diabetes. However, further testing at a medical facility is required to confirm prediabetes. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Understanding Prediabetes: Blood Sugar Levels and Common Concerns
Understanding Glycated Hemoglobin: Ideal Levels and Diabetes Risk
Glycated hemoglobin Hello doctor, may I ask about glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c)? The standard value is 4-5.6%. Does this mean that the closer the value is to 4, the better the condition? And the closer it gets to 5.6, the closer it is to prediabetes? Thank you.
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! According to current standards, a hemoglobin A1c level of 4.0-5.6% is considered normal, while 5.7-6.4% indicates prediabetes. Variations in red blood cells can lead to falsely low values, so it is not appropriate to assess disease status based solely on a single test resu...[Read More] Understanding Glycated Hemoglobin: Ideal Levels and Diabetes Risk
Does a Positive Urine Glucose Test Indicate Diabetes?
A urine glucose test result of trace positive (+) may indicate the presence of glucose in the urine, which can be associated with diabetes. However, it is not definitive for diagnosing diabetes. Further testing, such as blood glucose levels or an oral glucose tolerance test, is n...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! The diagnosis of diabetes must meet at least one of the following criteria: Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) ≥ 6.5%, fasting plasma glucose ≥ 126 mg/dL, classic symptoms of hyperglycemia (increased thirst, increased urination, increased hunger, and weight loss) with a random plasma ...[Read More] Does a Positive Urine Glucose Test Indicate Diabetes?
Understanding Blackouts: Could Gastroenteritis Be the Cause?
Blackouts or temporary vision loss? Last Saturday and Sunday, and this Monday, I experienced severe diarrhea. These past few days, when I stand up from bed, I suddenly feel dizzy and see black. I would like to know if this could be caused by gastroenteritis. If not, which special...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello, if you are feeling unwell, you can seek evaluation at a family medicine clinic. If your symptoms worsen, it is advisable to go to the emergency department immediately. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Understanding Blackouts: Could Gastroenteritis Be the Cause?
Is a Fasting Blood Sugar of 120 Better for Seniors than 80?
Is a fasting blood sugar level of 120 better for the body than a fasting level of 80? Is that correct? Hello, doctor. My father is 80 years old and has been suffering from diabetes for many years. There are still many things I don't understand. I found out the following: 1...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello, netizen: The average blood glucose levels in the elderly are generally higher than in younger individuals due to differences in basal metabolic rate. Additionally, the body's insulin response activity varies between these age groups. Furthermore, having lower blood gl...[Read More] Is a Fasting Blood Sugar of 120 Better for Seniors than 80?
Why Slightly Higher Blood Sugar Levels Are Important for Seniors
Why do elderly individuals need to have slightly higher blood sugar levels? Hello, doctor. My grandfather is 80 years old and has been a long-term diabetes patient. He recently visited the dentist and relayed the following conversation: 1. It seems the dentist mentioned that lo...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Considering the compensatory ability of the elderly, the control standards for blood sugar and blood pressure are relatively lenient. Hypoglycemia can actually be more dangerous. It is recommended that you accompany your elder to follow-up appointments to help confirm thei...[Read More] Why Slightly Higher Blood Sugar Levels Are Important for Seniors
Understanding Sudden Nighttime Blood Sugar Spikes: Causes and Concerns
Sudden increase in blood sugar levels at night? 1. Based on your blood sugar readings, you do not appear to have diabetes. Your fasting blood sugar levels and post-meal levels are generally within the normal range, although the reading of 148 mg/dL after dinner is slightly elevat...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, based on the records from that day, the criteria for a diabetes diagnosis were not met. When fasting for an extended period, the body converts stored macromolecules, such as glycogen, into glucose for cellular use. Under normal physiological mechanisms, fluctuations in blo...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Nighttime Blood Sugar Spikes: Causes and Concerns
COVID-19 Vaccine Concerns for Young Adults with Health History
Vaccine issues Hello Doctor, I would like to inquire about COVID-19 vaccination. I am 22 years old and in March of this year, I was diagnosed with some cysts in my breast (some of which have slight calcification) during a visit to a breast surgeon. The doctor advised me to retu...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, there are currently no specific contraindications for the vaccine for you. It is recommended to complete the vaccination as soon as possible; any brand is a good choice. Online consultations are not equivalent to in-person medical visits and cannot provide diagnoses or tre...[Read More] COVID-19 Vaccine Concerns for Young Adults with Health History
Understanding Chest Discomfort: Is It Esophageal or Cardiac?
Mild chest pain? Hello, Doctor: Last weekend, I had a cold and visited a clinic where the doctor prescribed me cold medication. However, after taking the nighttime medication on Sunday, I experienced a sensation of chest pain the next day. It is especially noticeable during lunch...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Helen: 1. After food passes through the pharynx, it enters the esophagus, which is a long tubular structure approximately 25 to 30 centimeters in length. It is located behind the trachea and extends from the pharynx through the neck and chest, passing through the diaphr...[Read More] Understanding Chest Discomfort: Is It Esophageal or Cardiac?
Should Seniors with Health Issues Get the COVID Vaccine?
I would like to inquire about issues related to the COVID-19 vaccine? Hello, Director. My elderly family member is nearly eighty years old. Due to the negative news reported by the media, they previously decided against getting vaccinated. However, after reassessing the situation...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Mtyofcyc: 1. Patients with hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, liver disease, and other conditions are generally advised to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. This is especially true for males over the age of 65, and those residing in nursing or long-term care facilities ...[Read More] Should Seniors with Health Issues Get the COVID Vaccine?
Unusual Hand Odor: What It Could Mean for Your Health
Palm fragrance Hello, doctor. I have noticed a faint pleasant smell coming from my right palm over the past few days. I have smelled it on my chubby college classmates (two classmates) before, but currently, I only notice it on my palm and not anywhere else. I've been worrie...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Student, 1. The olfactory cells, or olfactory mucosa, are a thin layer of cells located at the upper part of the nasal cavity, specifically at the nasal septum approximately 7 centimeters from the nostrils. Olfactory cells are specialized nerve fiber endings that make up th...[Read More] Unusual Hand Odor: What It Could Mean for Your Health
Understanding Digestive Issues: When to See a Doctor for Your Symptoms
Gastrointestinal diseases Recently, after eating, I feel a sense of hunger as if my stomach is empty. Could this be a peptic ulcer? I have a history of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other stomach issues, but lately, I just feel like my stomach is empty shortly after ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Pig: 1. The typical symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) include heartburn, acid regurgitation, dysphagia, epigastric pain, and early satiety. Other atypical symptoms may include endogenous asthma, chronic night cough, hoarseness, reflux laryngitis, vocal...[Read More] Understanding Digestive Issues: When to See a Doctor for Your Symptoms
Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Are You at Risk for Diabetes?
Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and fasting blood glucose levels are used to diagnose diabetes? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you a few questions: I had a diabetes test done a year ago on August 2020, where my fasting blood glucose was 83 mg/dL and my hemoglobin A1c was 5.61%. I ...
Dr. Huang Hongshuo Reply:
The reference upper limit for fasting blood glucose is 99 mg/dL, while the upper limit for blood glucose two hours after a meal is 139 mg/dL. Hemoglobin A1c, often referred to as average blood glucose, has an upper limit of 5.6%. The range for elevated fasting blood glucose is 10...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Are You at Risk for Diabetes?