Understanding Your Blood Test Results: HDL Levels and Health Risks
The medical examination report shows results highlighted in red? Hello Doctor: Since I have reached the age of 40, I went to the clinic for a blood test. I received the report a few days ago. 1. The following values are highlighted in red: ★ High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL): ...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello, "high-density lipoprotein cholesterol" (HDL-C) is considered good cholesterol. The normal range for women is >50 mg/dL. If the value is low, it indicates an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. In general, physicians should recommend how often to follow u...[Read More] Understanding Your Blood Test Results: HDL Levels and Health Risks
Understanding Post-Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Flattened Tissue Concerns
After wisdom tooth extraction, the swelling in the cheek transforms into a flat, pancake-like tissue? Hello, Director Hsiao. Three months ago, I underwent surgery to extract my lower right wisdom tooth. After the extraction, my right cheek was significantly swollen. One month pos...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Yi: 1. I recommend that you have a thorough discussion with your attending physician, as they are most familiar with your overall condition and treatment process. 2. Based on your description, it is possible that an infection or abscess developed after the extraction o...[Read More] Understanding Post-Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Flattened Tissue Concerns
Managing Blood Sugar and Kidney Health: A Patient's Journey
Blood Sugar and Kidney Issues Hello doctor, a month ago my fasting blood glucose was 127, and my HbA1c was 7.2. The doctor prescribed medication for me, but I was advised not to take it. Instead, I focused on exercising and changing my diet, and my fasting blood glucose has mostl...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The decrease in your glomerular filtration rate may be due to diabetic nephropathy or other factors causing kidney damage (such as dehydration, use of pain medications, etc.). It is recommended that you see a nephrologist as soon as possible for further evaluation of the u...[Read More] Managing Blood Sugar and Kidney Health: A Patient's Journey
Impact of Medications on Blood Sugar Levels: A Patient's Inquiry
Issues related to steroids and blood sugar? Hello, doctor. Six months ago, I measured my fasting blood sugar at a testing center, and the value was 110. Since then, I have been controlling my diet, and my recent readings have been around 83-107. However, I have not yet measured m...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. The oral medication you are using does not affect blood sugar levels, and while the topical eczema cream, eye ointment, and eye drops contain steroids, topical steroids generally do not significantly impact blood sugar. Additionally, issues related to inflammation and i...[Read More] Impact of Medications on Blood Sugar Levels: A Patient's Inquiry
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?
Struggling to Gain Weight: Tips and Specialist Consultations
Weight loss and the desire to gain weight? I maintained a weight of 37 kg from high school until I was 24 years old, with a height of 161 cm. After graduating from college, my weight started to drop, and I currently weigh only 34.4 kg. I have been taking traditional Chinese medic...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
You can consult at the nutrition clinic for dietary and exercise guidance provided by a registered dietitian. Thank you.[Read More] Struggling to Gain Weight: Tips and Specialist Consultations
Understanding Tinnitus and Its Connection to Shingles: A Patient's Journey
Tinnitus and herpes issues? Hello Dr. Liao, I have been experiencing tinnitus for over six months. In addition to the tinnitus, I often feel a tingling sensation in the nerves around my spine. I visited an ENT specialist in December last year, and the doctor said that all my test...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, regarding tinnitus, it is a symptom that is not easy to diagnose. It is advisable to follow up with an otolaryngologist for appropriate treatment and to maintain a regular routine, engage in proper exercise, and ensure a balanced diet. Please note that online consultations...[Read More] Understanding Tinnitus and Its Connection to Shingles: A Patient's Journey
Understanding Long-Term Discomfort in the Left Abdomen: Causes and Solutions
Persistent discomfort in the left abdomen? I have been experiencing a strange sensation in my left abdomen for a long time, with persistent bloating and frequent burping. Sometimes, the bloating becomes so severe that I feel the need to have a bowel movement. I have undergone a c...
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello: The organs in the left lower abdomen include the colon and the ovaries. If the colonoscopy is normal, then check the ovaries (gynecology). For issues around the intestines, consult a gastroenterologist for an ultrasound to check for any abnormalities. If everything is fine...[Read More] Understanding Long-Term Discomfort in the Left Abdomen: Causes and Solutions
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 Total Cholesterol and Triglycerides: What Your Results Mean
Total cholesterol and triglyceride issues? Hello doctor, I recently had a blood test and my total cholesterol was 257, triglycerides were 38, visceral fat rate was 3, body fat percentage was 16, height is 163 cm, and weight is 50 kg. Is my total cholesterol level a concern?
Dr. Liu Hongxiang Reply:
Hello Mr. Qoo: Your BMI is 18.8, and your body fat percentage is 16, which are within the normal range. However, your triglycerides are low at 38, and your visceral fat level is also low at 3, while your total cholesterol is elevated at 257. Cholesterol in the blood comes from di...[Read More] Understanding Total Cholesterol and Triglycerides: What Your Results Mean
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
Concerns About Discontinuing Cholesterol Medication in Family Medicine
Concerns Regarding Medications for Hyperlipidemia Hello, doctor. I would like to consult about my father. He visits a family medicine clinic near our home every month, and every three months he receives medication for his three high conditions (hypertension, hyperlipidemia). Howe...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! The target levels for hyperlipidemia medication are determined based on individual risk factors. There are also relevant regulations for health insurance coverage. Typically, if dietary and exercise modifications do not achieve target levels after 3-6 months, medication tr...[Read More] Concerns About Discontinuing Cholesterol Medication in Family Medicine
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
Understanding Unintentional Weight Loss: When to Seek Medical Advice
Weight loss within six months? Hello, doctor. This inquiry is on behalf of my mother. She is currently 56 years old and has experienced a weight loss from 61 kg to around 56 kg over the past 5 to 6 months, without any dieting or exercise. My mother is a teacher and often skips lu...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! It is recommended to visit the Metabolism Clinic for consultation.[Read More] Understanding Unintentional Weight Loss: When to Seek Medical Advice