Effective Strategies for Managing Diabetes: Encouraging Medication and Blood Sugar Monitoring
Diabetic patients are reluctant to take their medication on time and monitor their blood glucose levels? My mother has been diagnosed with hyperglycemia for many years, with fasting blood sugar levels around 140. Recently, her levels have spiked to over 200. As a result, she has ...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: Based on what you described, your mother's blood sugar levels, which were previously stable, have suddenly become uncontrolled. This situation should not be considered solely within the framework of diabetes; there may be other underlying conditions, such as a urinary...[Read More] Effective Strategies for Managing Diabetes: Encouraging Medication and Blood Sugar Monitoring
Understanding Chronic Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Insights
Lower abdominal pain? I have had this issue for about 5 to 6 years. When I was younger, I had a habit of holding in my urine, but I have changed that now. However, about 5 to 6 years ago, I started experiencing occasional pain just below the navel. This pain is particularly inten...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, it seems that there is a higher likelihood of an abdominal muscle strain. I wonder if you often engage in activities that utilize your abdominal muscles, such as sit-ups, or if you experience constipation that requires straining. Typically, issues like ...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Insights
Could Your Thirst and Weight Loss Indicate Diabetes?
What is the likelihood of developing diabetes? Hello Doctor: I have been drinking a lot of beverages in the past few months because I still feel thirsty even after drinking water. I researched ways to quench my thirst and unexpectedly came across the symptoms of diabetes, which s...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Su: 1. According to the diagnostic criteria for diabetes set by the American Diabetes Association: a. Fasting plasma glucose level ≥126 mg/dl after fasting for more than 8 hours, b. Plasma glucose level ≥200 mg/dl during a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test, c. HbA1c ≥...[Read More] Could Your Thirst and Weight Loss Indicate Diabetes?
Managing Pain and Inflammation in Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Patient's Journey
Immune system ~ Swelling and pain in the fourth toe of the left foot? Hello Doctor: My wife has a family history of ankylosing spondylitis. She previously experienced an episode of iritis. After a miscarriage last October, her left fourth toe started to swell and hurt at the end ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Regarding the swelling and pain in your toes, please continue your medication, as this type of swelling and pain requires a longer treatment time and may need some patience. As for the corticosteroids, you can discuss with your physician whether...[Read More] Managing Pain and Inflammation in Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Patient's Journey
Understanding Urticaria and Thyroid Medication: Key Insights for Patients
Urticaria and Thyroid Medications Hello Doctor: At the end of March, I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and started taking methimazole in early April. However, about three weeks into the treatment, I began experiencing widespread itching and hives. The doctor prescribed one ant...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Lin, Please read the following explanation, primarily based on the recommendations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for healthcare professionals in January 2016: Procil® (Propylthiouracil, PTU; 50mg/tablet) primarily works by inhibiting the production of thyro...[Read More] Understanding Urticaria and Thyroid Medication: Key Insights for Patients
Understanding Unilateral Leg Edema: Next Steps for Diagnosis
Unilateral edema Hello, doctor! My grandmother, who is currently 87 years old, has been experiencing severe unilateral leg edema for the past two to three weeks. She recently visited the hospital and consulted a nephrologist, and her kidney function tests came back normal. Due to...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Quiet: 1. Common causes of unilateral leg edema include cellulitis, chronic venous insufficiency, compartment syndrome, complex regional pain syndrome, deep vein thrombosis, venous obstruction (e.g., from a bone tumor), lipedema, lymphedema, and right arterial compres...[Read More] Understanding Unilateral Leg Edema: Next Steps for Diagnosis
Managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Tips for Students Facing Exam Stress
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Doctor, I have been experiencing recurrent diarrhea for the past four months, averaging about 4.5 times a day. I often feel the urge to go right after eating, and this happens even during exams. Sometimes it occurs when I'm out with friends, wh...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, experiencing diarrhea after meals or during stressful situations is indeed a common yet bothersome issue. Here are a few suggestions you might consider: 1. **Dietary Changes**: Increase your intake of vegetables and fiber, which can help form more solid stools. 2. **Avoid...[Read More] Managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Tips for Students Facing Exam Stress
Managing Blood Sugar: When to Use Medication for Carbohydrate Intake
Issues with blood sugar medications Doctor, I usually have normal blood sugar levels, with fasting levels between 100 and 110. Typically, after consuming five types of rice, my blood sugar is around 135 two hours later. However, when I eat carbohydrates like white rice, dumplings...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello Mr. Ke: The glycemic index of white rice and white noodles is higher than that of multigrain rice, which causes an increase in your post-meal blood sugar levels when eating out. If you cannot reduce your intake of white rice, then using Glucophage for control may be necessa...[Read More] Managing Blood Sugar: When to Use Medication for Carbohydrate Intake
Understanding Glycated Hemoglobin: Managing Blood Sugar Levels Effectively
Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) Hello Doctor: In January, I discovered that my fasting blood sugar was 140. After one week of dietary control, I went to the hospital for a blood test, and the result showed a fasting level of 119 and an HbA1c of 7.2. The doctor gave me two months to m...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Lin: 1. There are many factors that can influence elevated fasting blood glucose levels, including overeating at the previous meal, accidental consumption of caloric foods during fasting, infections or illnesses, excessive stress, the use of certain medications or herb...[Read More] Understanding Glycated Hemoglobin: Managing Blood Sugar Levels Effectively
Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Insights on Autoimmune Thyroiditis and Future Risks
Hyperthyroidism Hello Doctor: This is Lin, who asked you a question on March 28. The results of my blood test at the hospital in mid to late March showed that my FT4 level has risen from 3.07 to 6.57 within one to two months, and my TSH is <0.005. I have started medication. Ad...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Lin: 1. Hashimoto's disease is indeed an autoimmune disorder; its diagnosis requires the examination of specific antibodies or antigen responses, as well as imaging studies. Additionally, it is essential to differentiate it from other thyroid diseases. This means t...[Read More] Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Insights on Autoimmune Thyroiditis and Future Risks
Understanding Lung X-Ray Results: Are Shadows a Sign of Lung Cancer?
X-ray examination issues? Hello doctor, I would like to ask about my lung X-ray results. There are pulmonary shadows with a snowflake appearance. I had a chest CT scan and X-ray done last July, and nothing was found at that time. I have a long history of smoking, with 20 years of...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, I can sense your concern about your condition. Smoking does indeed increase the risk of lung cancer, so all smokers are considered to be at high risk for lung cancer. The term "snowflake mist" you mentioned likely refers to increased pulmonary infiltration, which...[Read More] Understanding Lung X-Ray Results: Are Shadows a Sign of Lung Cancer?
Effective Strategies to Manage Persistent Edema: A Patient's Guide
How can edema be improved? Hello, doctor... I have asked a question recently. I previously visited a family medicine doctor who ruled out issues with my liver, kidneys, and heart. My blood tests have been normal for several years. I inherited my father's genetic tendency to ...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
1. First of all, I would like to express that everyone has a different definition of edema. Since I have not seen you in person and you did not mention your current weight, I cannot assess the degree of your edema. 2. You mentioned that you have seen a family physician, who has ...[Read More] Effective Strategies to Manage Persistent Edema: A Patient's Guide
Understanding Shortness of Breath: When Forceful Exhalation Helps
It feels better to exhale forcefully? I have been feeling shortness of breath lately, and I have to exert effort to exhale in order to feel comfortable. Sometimes, my heart feels like it's beating faster, and I also feel bloated after eating.
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your symptom description, it is possible that you are experiencing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or gastric bloating. These conditions are often caused by lifestyle factors, including sleep patterns, diet, and habits. I recommend maintaining a regular sch...[Read More] Understanding Shortness of Breath: When Forceful Exhalation Helps
Understanding Gastroesophageal Reflux: Symptoms and Management Tips
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) Before the consultation, I experienced severe bloating that did not improve with burping, and I was unable to have a bowel movement. I also had no appetite. For about three months, I had recurrent gastrointestinal issues approximately three ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your symptom description, there are several possible conditions to consider. First, the most likely cause is chronic constipation, especially if your intake of vegetables is low and you have little time for exercise. This can easily lead to the symptoms you described. ...[Read More] Understanding Gastroesophageal Reflux: Symptoms and Management Tips
Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Key Questions and Considerations for Patients
Hyperthyroidism Hello Doctor: Recently, during a routine health check at my company, I found that my Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) level was 0.01, Free Thyroxine (Free T4) was 3.07, fasting blood glucose was 100, heart rate was approximately 100 beats per minute, and my white...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Lin: 1. In our country, most testing laboratories are certified, and to maintain their reputation, the likelihood of significant errors in test results is low. Additionally, Free T4 and TSH levels do not fluctuate rapidly under normal physiological conditions. This mean...[Read More] Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Key Questions and Considerations for Patients
Understanding Your Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Gastrointestinal discomfort I am currently experiencing intermittent bloating, feeling lightheaded, and even nausea. This month, the bloating has reached a point where I can't eat anything at all; I've been bloated for four days, and even eating two slices of toast take...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your condition, there may be several possible reasons. First, it could be gastrointestinal discomfort caused by high stress or irregular sleeping patterns. If this is the case, I recommend managing stress appropriately and maintaining a regular sleep schedule, esp...[Read More] Understanding Your Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Managing Sjögren's Syndrome: To Medicate or Not? Insights and Risks
Sjögren's syndrome Hello, Doctor! Three years ago, I experienced stiffness in my fingers upon waking up in the morning, which resolved after two to three minutes. Initially, I suspected rheumatoid arthritis. Blood tests showed elevated anti-ENA at 3.7 and Ro at 45.6, while t...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello Mr. Huang, thank you for your question. Sjögren's syndrome is considered a mild condition among rheumatic diseases, so whether medication is necessary, especially for long-term treatment, may vary among physicians. Personally, I believe that if the diagnostic criteria ...[Read More] Managing Sjögren's Syndrome: To Medicate or Not? Insights and Risks
Understanding HIV Risk After Unprotected Sex: Your Questions Answered
Could you please provide the content you would like me to translate? I would like to ask the doctor, two days ago, on the third day of my menstrual period, I had a French kiss and then engaged in sexual intercourse with a male acquaintance. He did not use a condom, but he only pe...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the question, "What is the likelihood of contracting HIV?" The information comes from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan. HIV has three main transmission routes: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal interco...[Read More] Understanding HIV Risk After Unprotected Sex: Your Questions Answered
Managing Insomnia While Taking Medication for Ankylosing Spondylitis
Medications for Ankylosing Spondylitis and Sleep Issues Hello Doctor: I was recently diagnosed with AS, and five days ago I started taking Planequil once in the morning and once in the evening. I have noticed that after taking the medication, my mood becomes unusually elevated, a...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Generally, patients with AS (Ankylosing Spondylitis) do not take Plaquenil; they are more likely to be prescribed Prednisolone, as the latter has more side effects that can affect sleep. If medication causes side effects, it is advisable to return to the doctor for a discussion r...[Read More] Managing Insomnia While Taking Medication for Ankylosing Spondylitis
Managing Diabetes and Cholesterol: Key Questions and Insights
Regarding diabetes and cholesterol issues? Hello Dr. Hsiao, Six months ago during my health check-up, my fasting blood glucose was 123 mg/dL and my hemoglobin A1c was 8.3%. The doctor advised me to take medication for control and to focus on weight loss. After four months of ef...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Justin: 1. If weight loss is achieved gradually, and normal weight is maintained with good dietary control and regular exercise, it is possible to discontinue medication. However, this is contingent upon lifestyle changes and maintenance. Rapid weight loss can lead to r...[Read More] Managing Diabetes and Cholesterol: Key Questions and Insights