How Eating Slowly Affects Post-Meal Blood Sugar Measurement Timing
Postprandial blood glucose measurement timing? Hello, Doctor. I eat very slowly. If I want to measure my blood sugar two hours after a meal, should I start timing from the first bite? However, if I am still eating close to the two-hour mark, will this affect my blood sugar levels...
Dr. Xu Peiqi Reply:
Hello, the blood glucose test two hours after a meal is calculated from the first bite of food! You don't need to worry about how long it took you to eat! Additionally, since fasting blood glucose levels have a greater impact on prognosis in diabetes, postprandial blood gluc...[Read More] How Eating Slowly Affects Post-Meal Blood Sugar Measurement Timing
Understanding Unexplained Symptoms: A Guide to Family Medicine Insights
Many physical ailments? Hello Dr. Hsiao, I have been experiencing many bothersome symptoms in my body, and I have been unable to find relief due to the unknown causes. It started seven years ago with discomfort in my lumbar spine, which later progressed to swelling in both legs...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Ah Sheng: 1. Complete right bundle branch block: For middle-aged individuals, this is generally not a major concern. If you have any questions, please consult a cardiologist. 2. Bilateral apical pleural thickening: This is a common finding on chest X-rays and is genera...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Symptoms: A Guide to Family Medicine Insights
Understanding Diabetes: Why a Blood Sugar Level of 200 is Crucial for Diagnosis
Blood sugar issues Doctor, may I ask you? Why is it that the three poly symptoms of diabetes (polyphagia, polydipsia, and polyuria) are only diagnosed when blood sugar levels reach 200? Does this mean that these symptoms only occur above 200, and not below? Is it normal to measur...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, the diagnosis of diabetes has specific criteria. A fasting blood glucose level of 126 mg/dL or higher is required for diagnosis. Additionally, many patients with diabetes may not exhibit the classic symptoms of polydipsia, polyuria, and polyphagia. It is recommended that y...[Read More] Understanding Diabetes: Why a Blood Sugar Level of 200 is Crucial for Diagnosis
Understanding Exam Stress Syndrome: Symptoms and Solutions
Exam Stress Syndrome Doctor, three weeks ago, I was experiencing dry mouth and general weakness, so the doctor at the clinic checked my blood sugar using a glucometer. Four hours after a meal, it was 97 (I was very nervous and under a lot of stress at that time). A week later, I ...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the examination data does not indeed meet the criteria for a diabetes diagnosis. Stress and emotional factors can potentially lead to physical discomfort. It is advisable to maintain a regular routine, and moderate exercise is also very important...[Read More] Understanding Exam Stress Syndrome: Symptoms and Solutions
Can I Schedule a Hemoglobin A1c Test During Pregnancy?
Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) Hello, may I directly make an appointment for a hemoglobin A1c test at the outpatient clinic? I am currently pregnant (I was diagnosed with stage 2 diabetes before pregnancy, and I am taking half a pill for my meals), and my blood sugar levels are with...
Dr. Huang Xunying Reply:
If you want to test HbA1c, you can directly visit a family medicine clinic or an endocrinology clinic. However, if it is during pregnancy and involves gestational diabetes, it is usually managed by an obstetric specialist. Maintaining a good diet and exercise during pregnancy can...[Read More] Can I Schedule a Hemoglobin A1c Test During Pregnancy?
Understanding Intermittent Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice
Chest pain? Hello doctor, I have had a condition for at least 6 years. Generally, I feel fine, but occasionally I experience a brief, mild chest pain. If I ignore it, the pain intensifies and spreads. The only relief I find is by lying down, and strangely, it resolves on its own ...
Dr. Liao Jiasheng Reply:
It is recommended to undergo a cardiology examination.[Read More] Understanding Intermittent Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Ketosis: Causes of Unusual Body Odor and Management Tips
It should not be a diabetic patient; urine ketones were 2+ while blood glucose was normal. After 5 days, urine ketones increased to 3+? I recently underwent a medical examination due to issues with body odor and discovered that my urine ketone levels were abnormal. I would like t...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
Ketones are products of the body's breakdown of fat for fuel, which can occur in conditions such as type 1 diabetes, prolonged fasting, fever, infections, chronic diarrhea, and vomiting. Unless there is severe ketoacidosis, there may be a distinctive fruity odor. Given your ...[Read More] Understanding Ketosis: Causes of Unusual Body Odor and Management Tips
Understanding Your Blood Test Results: Cholesterol, Blood Sugar, and More
Blood test issues Hello Dr. Chen: I recently received my blood donation report, which shows total cholesterol at 188 mg/dL, LDL-C at 132 mg/dL, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) at 5.9%, blood pressure at 115/77 mmHg, and ALT at 13 U/L. I would like to ask: 1. Do these results indica...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● Total cholesterol is generally considered normal if it is ≤200 mg/dL, and LDL-C is considered normal if it is ≤130 mg/dL, indicating only a slight increase. This is not classified as high lipid levels, and given your age, your cardiovascular risk is generally low. ● The norma...[Read More] Understanding Your Blood Test Results: Cholesterol, Blood Sugar, and More
Understanding Diabetes Medication: Is My Dosage Too Low?
Diabetes medication issues? Hello, Doctor. About a year ago, I was diagnosed with diabetes (pre-meal blood sugar 143, HbA1c 8.3). The doctor prescribed medication and advised me to lose weight (one Kuroda tablet in the morning and evening, and one Forxiga in the morning). After w...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● It is indeed not significant; with your diet, exercise, weight loss, and medication assistance, your blood sugar is well controlled. ● However, with a hemoglobin A1c of 4.8, you should be cautious of the risk of hypoglycemia, although the risk is lower with Kuroda and Forxiga. ...[Read More] Understanding Diabetes Medication: Is My Dosage Too Low?
Nighttime Anxiety and Sweaty Palms: Understanding Your Symptoms
Waking up in the middle of the night feeling anxious and unable to sleep, with sweating in the palm of the left hand? Hello Dr. Chen! I often wake up around 2 to 3 AM feeling anxious and unable to fall back asleep, and this has been happening for some time. Additionally, I freque...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● Please seek medical attention to determine if there are any arrhythmias, high or low blood sugar levels, thyroid function issues, or blood pressure concerns. ● Nighttime cramps may be due to dehydration, increased sensitivity of peripheral nerves and blood vessels, diabetes, li...[Read More] Nighttime Anxiety and Sweaty Palms: Understanding Your Symptoms
Chronic Fatigue, Excessive Thirst, and Hair Loss: Which Specialist to See?
Chronic fatigue... excessive thirst... significant hair loss? Hello, I have been experiencing chronic fatigue, excessive thirst (no matter how much water I drink, I still feel thirsty), and significant hair loss. The hair loss is severe enough that after washing my hair, the amou...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● Fatigue is a non-specific complaint, and many internal medical conditions or psychological stressors can be associated with it. ● Common causes of thirst include diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus, hyperaldosteronism, and side effects from certain medications (such as diuret...[Read More] Chronic Fatigue, Excessive Thirst, and Hair Loss: Which Specialist to See?
Understanding Persistent Health Issues: A Guide to Family Medicine Concerns
Frequent health issues? Since March, I have been feeling unwell and have seen eight doctors so far. It all started one afternoon when I suddenly experienced pain in my lower right abdomen near the groin, so severe that I couldn't stand up straight, along with gastrointestina...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● The diagnostic criteria for diabetes include four standards: (1) Fasting blood glucose ≥ 126 mg/dL, (2) Two-hour blood glucose ≥ 200 mg/dL after a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test, (3) Random blood glucose ≥ 200 mg/dL with symptoms of hyperglycemia, (4) Hemoglobin A1c ≥ 6.5%. ...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Health Issues: A Guide to Family Medicine Concerns
Understanding Prediabetes: Do You Need Medication or Dietary Changes?
Is it prediabetes, and is there a need for medication management? Hello Doctor: I had a routine check-up last June, where my fasting blood glucose was 88, but my hemoglobin A1c spiked to 9.4. The doctor advised that the testing lab should recheck the results. Later, I was asked t...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
●Conclusion first: Not necessarily, but there is a high chance of not having diabetes, and medication is not required. ●The diagnostic criteria for diabetes include four criteria: (1) Fasting blood glucose ≥ 126 mg/dL (2) Two-hour blood glucose ≥ 200 mg/dL after a 75 g oral gluco...[Read More] Understanding Prediabetes: Do You Need Medication or Dietary Changes?
Unexplained Weight Loss Despite Normal Diet: Seeking Medical Guidance
Normal diet, but the body is becoming increasingly emaciated? Hello Dr. Chen, I am inquiring on behalf of my mother-in-law. Since after the Lunar New Year this year, she has been losing weight continuously. She originally weighed 48-49 kg, but now she is down to 43 kg. She eats a...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
The causes of involuntary weight loss in the elderly are numerous. For instance, 1. Side effects of medications. 2. Emotional issues, such as depression. 3. Poor appetite, which can occur with normal aging, such as diminished taste, delayed gastric emptying, and gastrointestinal ...[Read More] Unexplained Weight Loss Despite Normal Diet: Seeking Medical Guidance
Understanding Low Blood Pressure in Hypertensive Patients: Causes and Solutions
Patients with hypertension experiencing persistently low blood pressure? About ten years ago, my father was diagnosed with metabolic syndrome, and since then, he has been regularly having blood tests and follow-up appointments. His blood pressure has generally been well-controlle...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● Low blood pressure may be caused by the strong effects of antihypertensive medications, and it is recommended to adjust the medication. Other potential causes include dehydration (such as from diuretics for hypertension), low blood volume (possibly due to chronic blood loss), a...[Read More] Understanding Low Blood Pressure in Hypertensive Patients: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Unusual Symptoms After Antibiotic Use: A Guide
Body issues Hello Doctor, I just finished taking antibiotics last Friday. On Saturday and Sunday, I felt a cool sensation in my mouth and tongue. By Monday, I experienced a bitter taste, and on Tuesday, it was a combination of bitter and sweet. Today, I even have a metallic taste...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
Hello, the issues mentioned above are similar to this one, please refer to https://goo.gl/wb3Ssj. The metallic taste is likely a side effect of the antibiotic, which should gradually improve. Based on your age, the likelihood of diabetes is low. More severe diabetes is characteri...[Read More] Understanding Unusual Symptoms After Antibiotic Use: A Guide
Can Poor Peripheral Circulation in Legs Be Treated Effectively?
Poor peripheral circulation in the lower extremities... Can it be treated? Hello Doctor, my father has a history of diabetes for thirty years. Recently, after soaking in a hot spring, he suddenly experienced pain in his lower limbs and discovered large wounds on both calves (vary...
Dr. Huang Xunying Reply:
In the case of diabetes, if there is poor circulation in the lower extremities, we would recommend seeing a vascular surgeon to diagnose any vascular issues. Meanwhile, the management of diabetes should remain under the care of a family medicine physician, as stable blood glucose...[Read More] Can Poor Peripheral Circulation in Legs Be Treated Effectively?
Understanding High White Blood Cell Count and Lipid Levels: Key Health Insights
Elevated white blood cell count, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and fasting blood glucose levels? Hello Doctor: I recently had blood tests done on March 6, which included urine, blood, liver, and kidney function tests. The results showed elevated white blood cells (17,140), tr...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● There are many causes for elevated white blood cell counts, including inflammation, infection, or other diseases. It is advisable to monitor for symptoms such as fever, sore throat, diarrhea, or other recent significant physical discomfort. If none are present, it is still reco...[Read More] Understanding High White Blood Cell Count and Lipid Levels: Key Health Insights
Impact of Blood Sample Timing on Cholesterol and Diabetes Tests
Blood test issues? Hello, doctor. I have high cholesterol and diabetes, and I have been regularly following up at a large hospital every three months. However, as I am getting older, the long journey is becoming a bit too much for me. I would like to switch to a small clinic near...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● Lipid profile specimens: If whole blood is used, it can be stored at room temperature for 4 hours; however, clinics typically centrifuge whole blood to obtain serum/plasma, which can then be stored at room temperature (15-30°C) for 8 hours and at 2-8°C for 2-5 days. ● Fasting...[Read More] Impact of Blood Sample Timing on Cholesterol and Diabetes Tests
Understanding Upper Jaw Dryness: Is It Related to Colds?
The upper jaw is very dry? Why does the upper jaw feel very thirsty, and is it related to a cold? Every time I get a cold, I feel very thirsty, and when I visit the doctor, I am often asked if I feel thirsty. Even drinking water doesn't help. Why do I feel thirsty, and how c...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● There are small salivary glands in the upper jaw, and feeling thirsty is generally not related to a cold; thirst in the upper jaw should rule out trauma, any lesions in the upper jaw, or the use of certain anticholinergic medications (which can cause dry mouth, and some cold me...[Read More] Understanding Upper Jaw Dryness: Is It Related to Colds?