Understanding Intermittent Left Side Pain: Causes and Specialist Recommendations
Lower back pain Hello doctor, I have been experiencing intermittent sharp pain on the left side of my ribcage extending towards the area near my spine, specifically to the left of the vertebrae. The pain comes in sudden bursts and is not associated with tenderness or specific pos...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Chuang, 1. Acute pancreatitis is most common in middle-aged individuals, with the most frequent causes being gallstones and alcohol abuse. In milder cases, it can lead to inflammation, edema, and fat necrosis of the pancreas and surrounding tissues. In more severe case...[Read More] Understanding Intermittent Left Side Pain: Causes and Specialist Recommendations
Managing High Fasting Blood Sugar with Normal HbA1c: A Guide
Elevated fasting blood glucose with normal glycated hemoglobin (prediabetes)? Hello, Doctor. During my health check-up last year, my fasting blood sugar was found to be 110, so I started paying attention to my diet and exercise. My weight, which was originally 173 lbs at 77 kg, h...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Peter: 1. Generally speaking, a normal fasting plasma glucose level is less than 100 mg/dL. If the level is between 100 mg/dL and 126 mg/dL, it can be considered as prediabetes or impaired fasting glucose. Of course, if the fasting glucose is greater than or equal to 12...[Read More] Managing High Fasting Blood Sugar with Normal HbA1c: A Guide
Understanding Intermittent Left Rib Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Lower back pain Hello doctor, I have a sharp, intermittent pain that extends from my left rib towards the area near my spine, specifically on the left side of the vertebrae. The pain comes in sudden bursts and is not associated with tenderness or a specific posture. Sometimes it ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Chuang: 1. Acute pancreatitis is most common in middle-aged individuals, with the most frequent causes being gallstones and alcohol abuse. In milder cases, it can lead to inflammation, edema, and fat necrosis of the pancreas and surrounding tissues. In more severe case...[Read More] Understanding Intermittent Left Rib Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Frequent Hunger: Is It Diabetes or Something Else?
I've been feeling hungry very easily lately? Doctor, I've been feeling very hungry lately. Even after a full meal, I start feeling hungry again in less than half an hour. I still feel hungry even when I'm full. I consulted with a health advisor over the phone, and ...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello Miss Xiao Ling, there are many possible causes for this, so it is recommended to visit a hospital for examination.[Read More] Understanding Frequent Hunger: Is It Diabetes or Something Else?
Blurred Vision in Diabetic Patients: Causes and Management Tips
Diabetes can cause blurred vision? Hello, Dr. Liu. My elderly family member has type 2 diabetes and needs to take chronic medication daily. Recently, their fasting blood glucose levels have been around 180-200 mg/dL. After a follow-up visit, additional medication to lower blood s...
Dr. Liu Hongxiang Reply:
Hello Ms. Mu: Recently, your fasting blood glucose levels in the morning have been around 90-130, which is an improvement compared to before. However, the changes in your vision have become particularly severe in the past few days. Early symptoms of cataracts may include blurred ...[Read More] Blurred Vision in Diabetic Patients: Causes and Management Tips
Can Patients with Low Blood Pressure Receive the Moderna Vaccine?
Can patients with low blood pressure receive the Moderna vaccine? Hello Dr. Wu, my grandfather is a long-term diabetes patient and also has cardiovascular disease. Due to taking (Jian An Xin), it has affected his blood pressure, which has always been on the lower side, so he can ...
Dr. Wu Zongying Reply:
Hello: The greatest risk associated with vaccine administration is anaphylactic shock, which often occurs within 30 minutes after injection. Additionally, older individuals with unstable cardiovascular conditions should not rush to receive the vaccine; it is advisable to wait unt...[Read More] Can Patients with Low Blood Pressure Receive the Moderna Vaccine?
Could Your Symptoms Indicate Prediabetes? Understanding the Signs
Is it a sign of prediabetes? Hello, Doctor. Since I was young, I have easily experienced many symptoms of hypoglycemia when fasting, such as sudden severe shaking, palpitations, dizziness, and anxiety. Sometimes these symptoms last for 1-2 hours and then turn into stomach pain. A...
Dr. Wu Zongying Reply:
Hello: Based on the symptoms you mentioned in your letter, they do not appear to be indicative of diabetes. Your weight is on the lower side, and your food intake is not substantial; the symptoms resemble hypoglycemia. It is advisable to maintain a normal food intake (to sustain ...[Read More] Could Your Symptoms Indicate Prediabetes? Understanding the Signs
Understanding Your Blood Test Results: Do You Have Diabetes?
Is there diabetes? Total cholesterol (132) Triglycerides (57) Fasting blood glucose (107) Uric acid (8.6) Creatinine (1.18) eGFR (76.0) Sodium (140) Potassium (5.0) Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (35) Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (50) Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-...
Dr. Wu Zongying Reply:
Hello: Based on your data, while it is not yet sufficient to diagnose diabetes, there are already indications of hyperglycemia, elevated uric acid levels, and increased liver function indices. It is suspected that you may have overweight and fatty liver disease. It is recommended...[Read More] Understanding Your Blood Test Results: Do You Have Diabetes?
Understanding Blood Sugar Fluctuations in Elderly Diabetes Patients
Blood sugar issues? Recently, my grandfather has had a decreased appetite, and his pre-bedtime blood sugar levels usually range from 300 to 360. He administers 12 units of Lantus (insulin glargine) every other day, and for several days, his pre-bedtime blood sugar levels have bee...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, based on the above information, it is evident that your grandfather's blood sugar control has not been good recently. It is recommended to return to the original treating physician for an evaluation to determine if there are other physical factors affecting blood suga...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Fluctuations in Elderly Diabetes Patients
Understanding Insulin Resistance: Impact of Diet and Monitoring Tips
Blood sugar issues? Hello, doctor. Recently, my health check revealed an issue with insulin resistance (index 2.2) (BMI 19 / body fat 25 / visceral fat 3). I would like to ask if the diet from the previous night could cause a discrepancy in the index (I had sweets around 11 PM an...
Dr. Wu Zongying Reply:
Insulin resistance is associated with being overweight or metabolic syndrome. Your BMI is only 19, so you may want to consider a follow-up examination.[Read More] Understanding Insulin Resistance: Impact of Diet and Monitoring Tips
Understanding Visceral Fat: Accuracy, Classification, and Reduction Strategies
Consultation on Visceral Fat Concerns Dear Dr. Wu, I visited the clinic today, where I was asked to remove my shoes and socks and stand on a "bioelectrical impedance scale" to measure various body metrics. The measurement indicated that my visceral fat index is 15. I w...
Dr. Wu Zongying Reply:
Hello Ah-Hsiang: Since your letter did not mention your height, weight, or BMI, it is difficult to make a complete assessment. Body fat is divided into subcutaneous fat and visceral fat. Excess visceral fat is significantly associated with the occurrence of hyperlipidemia, athero...[Read More] Understanding Visceral Fat: Accuracy, Classification, and Reduction Strategies
Understanding Diabetes: Common Myths and Essential Insights for Families
Myths about Diabetes Hello, Dr. Liao! I apologize for bothering you. My grandfather has been suffering from diabetes for forty years, but our family's understanding of diabetes is still quite limited. 1. My grandfather has had diabetes for 40 years. There were a few days w...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, regarding the treatment of diabetes, it requires a multifaceted approach including diet, medication, and exercise to actively control the condition and prevent or delay related vascular and organ complications. Medication management is a crucial component that necessitates...[Read More] Understanding Diabetes: Common Myths and Essential Insights for Families
Can Family History of Diabetes Be Tested? Understanding Risks and Prevention
Diabetes medical history Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask if a history of diabetes can be identified. Two weeks ago, my aunt told me that there is a family history of diabetes. She mentioned that my father's grandmother or great-grandmother (I can't quite remember who...
Dr. Wu Zongying Reply:
Hello: The diabetes history of your aunt, grandmother, or maternal grandmother is considered part of your family medical history. Having a family history of diabetes does increase the likelihood of developing the condition. However, lifestyle management is actually more important...[Read More] Can Family History of Diabetes Be Tested? Understanding Risks and Prevention
How Long Can High Blood Sugar Last Before Affecting Health?
How long can persistent high blood sugar affect the body? Grandpa is a long-term diabetes patient. After being diagnosed with diabetes by a Western doctor, he continued to seek treatment at an unlicensed traditional Chinese medicine clinic for a year, believing that they could cu...
Dr. Wu Zongying Reply:
In patients with type 2 diabetes who have poorly controlled or elevated blood glucose levels, intracellular fluid shifts into the bloodstream, leading to hyperosmolarity, which can cause altered consciousness and dehydration. This condition is referred to as Hyperglycemic Hyperos...[Read More] How Long Can High Blood Sugar Last Before Affecting Health?
Optimal HbA1c Levels for Managing Prediabetes: What You Need to Know
Glycated hemoglobin control Hello, my older brother, who is currently 32 years old, has prediabetes and regularly follows up on his hemoglobin A1c levels. Initially, in 2017, his A1c level was 9.5%. After our mother purchased health supplements from Grape King, he managed to lowe...
Dr. Wu Zongying Reply:
If the glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level is 9.5%, it does not fall into the category of prediabetes. It is recommended to further test fasting blood glucose or postprandial blood glucose to assist in diagnosis. Blood sugar control must be consistent every day, with attention to d...[Read More] Optimal HbA1c Levels for Managing Prediabetes: What You Need to Know
Unintentional Weight Loss: Should You Be Concerned?
Weight decreased by 5 kilograms within four months? Hello Doctor: I am 168 cm tall and four months ago I weighed around 78 kg. Today I weighed myself again and it is 73 kg. During these four months, my eating and drinking habits have been generally normal, but I do have a habit o...
Dr. Wu Zongying Reply:
Hello: As you mentioned in your letter, cancer can indeed cause weight loss. However, the likelihood of a twenty-year-old developing cancer is low. Other common conditions that can lead to weight loss include anxiety, depression, insomnia, loss of appetite, diabetes, and thyroid ...[Read More] Unintentional Weight Loss: Should You Be Concerned?
Understanding Abnormal Health Check Results: Urine Ketones and More
Health check-up issues At the end of September, I underwent a simple health check and found some abnormalities. I am puzzled by the result of "urine ketones 1+" while other routine urine tests seem to be within normal ranges. The health check was conducted after 6:30 PM...
Dr. Wu Zongying Reply:
Hello: A positive urine ketone test with a result of only 1+ is generally not a cause for concern. Some individuals may produce ketones in their urine after prolonged fasting or starvation, as the body metabolizes triglycerides into ketones. If you do not have a history of diabet...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Health Check Results: Urine Ketones and More
Understanding Low Blood Sugar: Do High School Students Need Further Testing?
Blood sugar issues? Hello! Regarding blood sugar issues, a fasting blood glucose level of 68 mg/dL in a high school student is considered on the lower end of the normal range. While the school may have flagged this as hypoglycemia, it is important to consider the context, such as...
Dr. Wu Zongying Reply:
Hello: A fasting blood glucose level of 68 mg/dL in a high school student during a school health check does not require much concern. Sometimes, prolonged fasting can lead to such a situation. If there is no family history of diabetes-related diseases, no further testing is neces...[Read More] Understanding Low Blood Sugar: Do High School Students Need Further Testing?
Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Should You Be Concerned?
Blood sugar issues? Hello doctor, I had blood and urine tests done earlier this year, and everything was normal, but my blood sugar was 91, which seems to be on the borderline of normal. Recently, I've been sweating easily, and I'm worried that I might have diabetes. Sh...
Dr. Wu Zongying Reply:
Hello: Your previous blood glucose level was 91 mg/dL. Although you have issues with being overweight and a higher BMI, it is unlikely that you will develop diabetes quickly from the beginning of the year until now. I would like to know what your weight was at the beginning of th...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Should You Be Concerned?
Excessive Thirst: Understanding Potential Health Issues and Testing Options
Drinking Water Issues I have been drinking much more water than others since middle school. After high school, I started drinking at least 5,000 milliliters a day, and now as a college freshman, it has been 7 years. I'm wondering if I might have some underlying health issues...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Mama's Boy: 1. Medically speaking, "drinking too much water" is not considered a risk factor for diseases such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, or anemia. Unless there are specific underlying conditions, physicians typically do not restrict patients'...[Read More] Excessive Thirst: Understanding Potential Health Issues and Testing Options