Understanding Meal Frequency: Managing Insulin Resistance in Pre-Diabetes
Regarding small frequent meals for diabetes? Hello Doctor, I have been concerned about the term "frequent small meals." In the past, doctors and news reports often mentioned that frequent small meals help control insulin secretion and food intake. However, I have recent...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Ah Xiang: The term "small frequent meals" is often mentioned in daily life; however, it has never been precisely defined, making it easy to misuse. For instance, what constitutes a small amount? What is the glycemic index (GI) of the food? What is the glycemic ...[Read More] Understanding Meal Frequency: Managing Insulin Resistance in Pre-Diabetes
Understanding Hormonal Imbalance: Excess Hair Growth and Irregular Periods
Is it an endocrine disorder? Hello, doctor. Since I started developing in the sixth grade, I've noticed an increase in body hair, particularly on my chest, which is quite noticeable and not just fine hair. There are also two very thick hairs, about 5 to 6 centimeters long, s...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Sofia: 1. There are many causes of hirsutism in women; the more common ones include polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and idiopathic hirsutism. Less common causes may include medications (such as Danazol), congenital adrenal hyperplasia, ovarian tumors, adrenal tumors, ...[Read More] Understanding Hormonal Imbalance: Excess Hair Growth and Irregular Periods
Understanding Your 75g Glucose Tolerance Test Results: What They Mean
75 grams oral glucose tolerance test? Hello, I recently underwent a 75-gram oral glucose tolerance test after fasting for eight hours, and the results were as follows: Fasting: 75 mg/dL, 1 hour after drinking the glucose solution: 88 mg/dL, and 2 hours after drinking the glucose ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Huihui: 1. According to the American Diabetes Association's diagnostic criteria for diabetes: 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 (g...[Read More] Understanding Your 75g Glucose Tolerance Test Results: What They Mean
Managing Diabetes: Tips for Blood Sugar Control and Digestive Health
Diabetes issues Hello Doctor, last month I went to the hospital due to blurred vision and was diagnosed with diabetes (blood sugar over 300). The doctor prescribed Metformin HCl 500 mg, to take half a tablet before breakfast and dinner, and to monitor my blood sugar two hours aft...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: 1. Your blood sugar shows "improvement"; however, to determine if it has reached the control target, we still need to refer to your hemoglobin A1c levels. 2. A postprandial blood sugar of 110 is not considered high. It is possible for blood sugar levels to decrea...[Read More] Managing Diabetes: Tips for Blood Sugar Control and Digestive Health
Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management
Mediterranean anemia (also known as thalassemia) Red blood cells (RBC) 5.84 (reference range 3.70–5.50) Hemoglobin (Hb) 10.9 (reference range 11.3–16.0) Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) 59.4 (reference range 80.0–100.0) The above data was obtained two years ago when I was in high sc...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: 1. Your anemia is classified as microcytic anemia, and the possible causes include "thalassemia" (formerly known as Mediterranean anemia) or iron deficiency anemia, or both. It cannot be concluded that you definitely have "thalassemia" just because yo...[Read More] Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management
Do You Have to Take Medication for Life with Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Do patients with Lichtenstein's disease need to take medication for life? I have been diagnosed with Lyme disease, which I know cannot be cured. I initially thought that I could take medication only during flare-ups and then stop, but I have been taking it for six months now...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. It is possible to discontinue medication for Still's disease as long as the inflammatory markers are consistently normal during regular follow-ups; some physicians may attempt to stop the medication. However, during the management of Still...[Read More] Do You Have to Take Medication for Life with Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Managing Water Intake for Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Water Intake Issues in Patients with Chronic Kidney Failure Hello Dr. Wu, My mother has a history of mild stroke, along with mild diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, high uric acid, proteinuria, and hematuria. Her estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is currently arou...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Hello: Regarding your question, we will discuss it in two parts: (1) Based on the information you provided, your mother's estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 50 indicates that she is approximately in stage 3 of chronic kidney disease (CKD), which has a total of fi...[Read More] Managing Water Intake for Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Gastrointestinal discomfort? Hello, doctor. First of all, thank you for your response to my questions last month. After that, I visited a physician who initially diagnosed me with general gastritis. I was prescribed medications for gastrointestinal motility disorders, to reduce b...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Ellis: 1. Please discuss your concerns with your attending physician; avoid seeking opinions online that may interfere with your physician's assessment. 2. Nexium® (generic name: Esomeprazole) is a proton pump inhibitor primarily used to treat peptic ulcers and ga...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Symptoms: Anxiety vs. Physical Health Concerns
I'm sorry, but the content you provided is not sufficient for Hello, doctor regarding the infection issue from case 108042. I am a resident of Chiayi City who asked a question a few days ago. I have been experiencing a sensation of throat tightness (some discomfort) and occa...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on the symptoms you described, they do not appear to be consistent with a true rabies infection. It is advisable to relax and manage stress appropriately. If the same symptoms persist, you may seek assistance from a psychiatrist or psychologist. Wishing you a speedy recover...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms: Anxiety vs. Physical Health Concerns
Understanding Rabies Risks and Vaccination Decisions in Taiwan
Regarding infection issues related to case 108042? Hello, regarding the infection issue from case 108042, I am the person from Chiayi City who inquired about rabies-related questions yesterday. So, I don't really need to get vaccinated, right? (Because the risk is low, and I...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Given your condition, it may not be necessary to administer the vaccine, and the attending physician may indeed believe that vaccination is not required. Therefore, self-management is recommended. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Rabies Risks and Vaccination Decisions in Taiwan
Understanding Thyroid Antibodies: What Your Test Results Mean
Thyroid antibodies Hello Dr. Gao: I noticed a lump in the front of my neck, and after a blood test, the doctor said my thyroid function is normal. However, after testing for thyroid antibodies, the report showed: Anti-TPO 14.45 (normal range: less than 34) and Anti-TG 3807 (norma...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Although your inquiry is related to antibodies and immune function, thyroid issues fall under the specialty of endocrinology, and I recommend visiting an endocrinologist in the future. I can provide a brief explanation of the significance of th...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Antibodies: What Your Test Results Mean
Understanding HIV: How to Know Your Status and Risks in Relationships
HIV Issues If neither partner has been tested for HIV, how can one know if they have contracted it? Does the body gradually become weaker? If both partners are unaware of their HIV status but believe they are not infected, can they still contract the virus through anal intercours...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Due to the window period of HIV, the initial symptoms of infection can resemble those of a cold and may go unnoticed. In fact, many individuals may not experience any discomfort for several years after infection, making it impossible to determine infection based solely on symptom...[Read More] Understanding HIV: How to Know Your Status and Risks in Relationships
Concerns About Possible Animal Bites and Rabies Risk: What to Do?
Infection issues Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you about an incident that happened last Tuesday. While I was riding my motorcycle at a speed of about 30 km/h, I suddenly felt a sharp pain near my right knee. At that moment, I didn't notice anything hitting me, and I don...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Currently, urban areas, including Chiayi City, are not considered rabies-endemic regions, and there have been fewer cases of rabies reported in mountainous areas recently, so the risk is indeed very low. Moreover, without any obvious bite wounds, the likelihood of contracting rab...[Read More] Concerns About Possible Animal Bites and Rabies Risk: What to Do?
Understanding Persistent Right Upper Abdomen Pain After Exercise
Regarding sharp pain in the upper right abdomen after exercise? Hello Dr. Hsiao, I previously inquired about a problem here (#107015). The symptoms of hunger have not disappeared, and I am currently maintaining a small, frequent meal schedule. I would like to ask another question...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Steve: 1. First of all, I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience. I am unsure whether it is a system issue or if there was an error in handling my files, but <a href="https://adoctor.tw/article/107015">#107015</a> did not appear in my personal f...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Right Upper Abdomen Pain After Exercise
Blood in Stool: Causes and What You Should Know
Blood in the stool? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing bleeding during bowel movements for about a week. I have a history of constipation and have been taking traditional Chinese medicine to help with bowel movements. However, for the past week, I have been bleeding every tim...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Huang: 1. Generally speaking, the presence of bright red blood in the stool indicates lower gastrointestinal bleeding, and conditions such as hemorrhoids, anal ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease, infections, colorectal cancer, and immune-related disorders should be con...[Read More] Blood in Stool: Causes and What You Should Know
Chest Discomfort, Frequent Hiccups, and Persistent Cough: What to Know
Left chest tightness, persistent hiccups, and continuous coughing? Hello Doctor, at the beginning of the month, I felt a heaviness in my left chest and sometimes experienced slight weakness in my body. On the 8th, I went to a cardiologist for an examination, and the doctor mentio...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, the most likely condition is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The characteristics of GERD include symptoms that occur after eating or when lying down, such as a mild burning sensation in the chest, noticeable belching, and in severe cases, throat...[Read More] Chest Discomfort, Frequent Hiccups, and Persistent Cough: What to Know
Understanding HIV Risks: Anal Sex and Safe Practices Explained
HIV Issues During anal intercourse, if there was a bowel movement and excessive wiping caused bleeding, and for the first 1-2 minutes there was no condom used, but the rest of the time a condom was used without ejaculation inside, and both partners are HIV-negative, is there a ri...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
The most important aspect of this situation is to confirm that both parties are free of HIV, as the transmission routes for HIV are numerous, including unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing needles, and exposure to infected bodily fluids. Many individuals may not be aware of th...[Read More] Understanding HIV Risks: Anal Sex and Safe Practices Explained
Understanding Left Kidney Pain: When to Seek Further Testing
Percussion of the left kidney causes pain? Hello Doctor: When I tap on the area of my left kidney, it hurts. This has been going on for a long time, so this year I went to the hospital for a kidney ultrasound, blood tests, and urinalysis, but the doctor said everything was fine. ...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Dear Sender, The issue of left-sided lower back pain has many potential causes. If the pain radiates down the back to the thighs and calves, it may indicate nerve pain or compression. If it is related to kidney problems, such as stones or infections, it typically remains localiz...[Read More] Understanding Left Kidney Pain: When to Seek Further Testing
Managing Elevated Uric Acid Levels: When to Start Medication?
Uric acid issues? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about my uric acid level of 7.6 mg/dL, which is slightly above the standard range of 4.0-7.5. Do I need to start medication for control, or should I wait to recheck it in three months? Occasionally, I experience sudden pain in ...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
Hello: Your uric acid level is slightly elevated at 7.6 mg/dL (normal range is 4.0-7.5 mg/dL; different laboratories may have slightly varying normal ranges, and at my workplace, the normal range is 3.7-7.3 mg/dL). It is only slightly above normal, and you can manage it with diet...[Read More] Managing Elevated Uric Acid Levels: When to Start Medication?
Post-Thyroid Cancer Surgery: Fertility Plans and Considerations
Post-thyroid cancer surgery considerations for fertility planning? Dear Dr. Hsiao, I underwent thyroid cancer surgery in early October 2015, which involved a total thyroidectomy and partial lymphadenectomy. I received radioactive iodine (I-131) treatment in early November 2015, ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. H: 1. The half-life of iodine-131 is approximately 8 days. You may want to consult your attending physician regarding the dosage at that time to estimate the current residual amount in your body. Logically, from November 2015 to the present, it should theoretically have...[Read More] Post-Thyroid Cancer Surgery: Fertility Plans and Considerations