Understanding Diabetes: Concerns About Medication and Testing
Re-examination for Diabetes Mellitus Hello Dr. Chang, I would like to ask about diabetes. Two months ago, my father had a blood test at a general clinic, and the doctor informed him that he has diabetes (the blood test report indicated a fasting blood glucose level of 200). He im...
Dr. Zhang Guoji Reply:
1. Patients with diabetes who abruptly stop their medication are at risk of hyperglycemic complications, which can severely lead to hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state. Therefore, do not discontinue or adjust medications without medical advice. 2. HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin) testing...[Read More] Understanding Diabetes: Concerns About Medication and Testing
Managing Numbness and Redness in Toes for Seniors with Diabetes
The toes are red and numb? I am 83 years old and have hypertension and diabetes. I take medication every day. Since last year, I have been experiencing numbness in the toes of both feet, along with a reddish appearance. I have tried soaking them in warm water, but there has been ...
Dr. Cai Zonglin Reply:
Diabetes complications include neuropathy, which can affect sensory nerves, motor nerves, and even autonomic nerves. If there is redness and warmth in the feet, infection (such as cellulitis) must be ruled out before suspecting neuropathy. Numbness and pain are associated with se...[Read More] Managing Numbness and Redness in Toes for Seniors with Diabetes
Understanding Impaired Glucose Tolerance: Symptoms and Management
Impaired glucose tolerance Doctor, I seem to have impaired glucose tolerance. My fasting blood sugar is around 80, which is normal, but my postprandial blood sugar sometimes reaches 130, 140, 150, and even up to 166 after two hours. Could this be a sign of impaired glucose tolera...
Dr. Cai Zonglin Reply:
The standard procedure is the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT), where a solution containing 75 grams of glucose is consumed. If the blood glucose level is between 140 and 199 mg/dL two hours after drinking, it is classified as impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). Regardless of whe...[Read More] Understanding Impaired Glucose Tolerance: Symptoms and Management
Understanding Blood Sugar Monitoring: Accuracy and Common Concerns
About diabetes? First of all, I would like to thank Dr. Lee for the previous response. I do have hyperlipidemia and hypertension, which I am currently managing with medication. My average blood pressure is (systolic) 110-120 and (diastolic) 65-75. In my last inquiry, my fasting b...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: The blood glucose levels obtained from a standard blood draw are typically about 15% higher than those measured by a glucose meter, which may raise some questions for you. Since you are at high risk for diabetes, it is recommended that you continue to manage your diet and ...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Monitoring: Accuracy and Common Concerns
Understanding Blood Sugar and Low Urea Nitrogen Levels: What You Need to Know
Blood glucose & blood urea nitrogen (BUN) The school conducted a blood test for a health check... my blood glucose level is 106... The normal range I found online is 70-110, so... am I normal or abnormal? My blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level is 6, which is low. What effects can...
Dr. Wang Fangli Reply:
If the fasting blood glucose is 106, it needs to be monitored; however, if the postprandial blood glucose is 106, it is considered acceptable. A urea nitrogen level of 6 is not a concern. Dr. Wang Fangli, Internal Medicine, Department of Health, Executive Yuan.[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar and Low Urea Nitrogen Levels: What You Need to Know
Understanding Weight Loss in Diabetes: Causes and Insights
Diabetes mellitus Hello, Dr. Lee. What is the reason for significant weight loss in patients with diabetes?
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello Mr. Chen: The typical symptoms of diabetes usually present as the "three polys" (polyphagia, polydipsia, polyuria) and "one decrease" (weight loss), but not every patient will exhibit these classic symptoms. When a patient's blood glucose concentrat...[Read More] Understanding Weight Loss in Diabetes: Causes and Insights
Can Diabetics Drink Fresh Juice? A Guide to Safe Fruit Choices
Fruits for Diabetes Dr. Liao, regarding a patient with a fasting blood glucose level of 160 mg/dL, is it acceptable for them to consume a cup of homemade fruit juice (approximately 200 cc) daily? The fruits used in the juice include apple, kiwi, banana, papaya, and pineapple. Are...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Hello: 1. Fasting blood glucose has exceeded 140 mg/dL, which may indicate prediabetes, so it is advisable to follow up with a metabolic specialist. 2. The five types of fruits mentioned are all delicious but can significantly raise blood sugar levels, so it is recommended to con...[Read More] Can Diabetics Drink Fresh Juice? A Guide to Safe Fruit Choices
Understanding Diabetes and Kidney Disease: Key Questions Answered
Diabetes and Kidney Disease Dr. Huang, I would like to ask: My mother is 82 years old and her blood test results show (1) a fasting blood glucose level of 160. Does this indicate typical diabetes? Should she start medication? (2) An eGFR value of 47 indicates chronic kidney disea...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
1. Fasting blood glucose is 160 mg/dL. It may be necessary to measure fasting blood glucose 1-2 more times; if it consistently exceeds 116 mg/dL, diabetes (likely type 2 diabetes) should be considered. It is recommended to consult an endocrinologist for follow-up and to discuss w...[Read More] Understanding Diabetes and Kidney Disease: Key Questions Answered
Managing Prediabetes: Key Tips for Blood Sugar Control
Precautions for Prediabetes Dear Dr. Hsiao, I had a fasting blood glucose level of 127 mg/dL at the health examination center. After two weeks of paying special attention to my diet and recording it daily, along with maintaining a routine of walking 10,000 steps three times a we...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: Here are the responses to your questions: 1. According to the diagnostic criteria for diabetes published by the American Diabetes Association in 2010, the following criteria are used: (1) Fasting plasma glucose level >= 126 mg/dL after at least 8 hours; (2) 2-hour plas...[Read More] Managing Prediabetes: Key Tips for Blood Sugar Control
Understanding Metabolic Syndrome: Causes, Risks, and Weight Loss Benefits
What is metabolic syndrome? What is metabolic syndrome? Is it caused by a disease or is it a result of metabolic abnormalities? Is obesity related to this condition? Can weight loss improve it? Thank you!
Dr. Qiu Zhengbin Reply:
Hello: Metabolic syndrome refers to a cluster of metabolic abnormalities that result in elevated blood glucose, blood pressure, triglycerides, and abdominal obesity. It is primarily caused by poor lifestyle habits such as overeating and lack of physical activity, and it is closel...[Read More] Understanding Metabolic Syndrome: Causes, Risks, and Weight Loss Benefits
Consulting a Doctor: Managing Blood Sugar and Leukocytosis in Patients
Consult a physician? Hello Dr. Ke: I have two questions to ask: 1. A patient without diabetes has elevated blood glucose levels due to intravenous administration of albumin and glucose because of inability to eat. Is it appropriate to administer insulin to suppress blood glucos...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
1. In individuals without diabetes, even without food intake, intravenous glucose administration can lead to elevated blood sugar levels. Therefore, insulin can be added, provided the dosage is appropriate, as there will be no side effects as long as hypoglycemia (below 70 mg/dL)...[Read More] Consulting a Doctor: Managing Blood Sugar and Leukocytosis in Patients
Understanding HbA1C Levels: What Does a 7 Mean for Average Blood Sugar?
Standards for HbA1c Control Dr. Chiu: May I ask if my HbA1C is controlled at 7, what would be the average daily blood glucose level? What range is considered standard for control?
Dr. Qiu Zhengbin Reply:
Hello, Xiao Hui: An HbA1c level of 7% corresponds to an average daily blood glucose of approximately 170 mg/dL. Generally, our treatment goal is to achieve an HbA1c of 6.5%. Maintaining an HbA1c of 7% indicates that there is still room for improvement. Thank you for your consulta...[Read More] Understanding HbA1C Levels: What Does a 7 Mean for Average Blood Sugar?
Managing High Blood Sugar and Blood Pressure: Daily Health Tips
How to manage elevated blood sugar levels in daily life? Hello Doctor: My father recently underwent a health check-up and his blood sugar level was found to be elevated at 119 mg/dL. Additionally, his blood pressure readings showed a systolic pressure of 175 mmHg and a diastolic ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your questions: 1. A fasting blood glucose level of 119 mg/dL raises clinical suspicion for potential impaired glucose tolerance. It is advisable to consult your family physician for further evaluation to gain a deeper understanding of your condition. ...[Read More] Managing High Blood Sugar and Blood Pressure: Daily Health Tips
Understanding Diabetes Diagnosis: Key Tests and Follow-Up for Seniors
Diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus Hello, Doctor: My mother is 78 years old and recently felt unwell, leading her to the emergency room where her fasting blood glucose was measured at 146. She has no prior history of diabetes. Subsequently, during a follow-up visit, the doctor only o...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your questions: 1. In healthy individuals, postprandial blood glucose levels typically do not exceed 140 mg/dL and return to pre-meal levels within 2-3 hours. The progression of type 2 diabetes is primarily characterized by the continuous deterioration of β-...[Read More] Understanding Diabetes Diagnosis: Key Tests and Follow-Up for Seniors
Can Glucosamine Supplements Help with Knee Joint Degeneration?
excuse me? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask about my mother, who has mild diabetes and has been on medication for long-term control. However, she is experiencing knee joint degeneration. A friend suggested that she take liquid glucosamine supplements (such as Nuliv or Haoguli)....
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your questions. 1. Glucosamine is converted in the body into glycoproteins and glycosaminoglycans; it is believed to enhance the synthesis of proteoglycans within cartilage, thereby improving the progression of osteoarthritis. Adverse reactions are limited...[Read More] Can Glucosamine Supplements Help with Knee Joint Degeneration?
Understanding Fluctuating Serum Creatinine Levels: A Clinical Perspective
Elevated creatinine levels issue? In 2009, I had a serum creatinine level of 1.9 at one hospital. After receiving treatment for hypertension and cataracts at another hospital in October 2009, my serum creatinine level was 1.5. Both the creatinine clearance and kidney ultrasound w...
Dr. Yang Weishun Reply:
Based on your creatinine levels and age, the estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which is a similar indicator of kidney function to creatinine clearance, indicates that your kidneys are clearing between 32 to 50 milliliters of blood per minute, regardless of whether the c...[Read More] Understanding Fluctuating Serum Creatinine Levels: A Clinical Perspective
Can Niacin-Bound Chromium Help Control Blood Sugar in Type 2 Diabetes?
About Niacin-Bound Chromium? Dear Dr. Hsiao, My father is a patient with type 2 diabetes, and his recent postprandial blood glucose level was 180. His doctor has prescribed medication, which he is currently taking regularly. I would like to supplement his treatment with some die...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question. 1. Chromium is believed to improve carbohydrate metabolism by reducing insulin resistance. Physiological evidence suggests that insulin receptors are influenced by Apochromomodulin, leading to changes in insulin resistance. Apochromomodulin is...[Read More] Can Niacin-Bound Chromium Help Control Blood Sugar in Type 2 Diabetes?
Does Using Beta Blockers Increase Blood Sugar Levels During Checkups?
Beta blockers Could you please clarify if the use of beta-blockers will cause an increase in blood glucose levels during a physical examination (compared to not using beta-blockers)? Thank you, little old man.
Dr. Chen Qingbin Reply:
The use of beta-blockers does not cause an increase in blood glucose levels.[Read More] Does Using Beta Blockers Increase Blood Sugar Levels During Checkups?
Managing High Blood Sugar Levels in Diabetes: Tips and Insights
High blood sugar? Hello Dr. Lee, I would like to ask how to handle high blood sugar levels? My mother has been a diabetic for about 15 years. She was previously controlled with oral medications, but for the past three years, she has started using insulin injections, which have no...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello Amin, Your question can be summarized as "how to effectively manage diabetes." In addition to the patient and their family, a team consisting of physicians, dietitians, and diabetes educators should be involved in managing diabetes. Currently, health bureaus in v...[Read More] Managing High Blood Sugar Levels in Diabetes: Tips and Insights
Understanding Urine Color Changes After Acute Hepatitis: Kidney Health Concerns
Liver disease, urine, kidney issues? Hello Doctor, I am 28 years old. A month ago, I was in the acute phase of hepatitis B, with liver enzymes exceeding 2000, but they have now approached normal levels, with values of 40 and 60. I am currently taking Betaloc. My daily routine is ...
Dr. Yang Weishun Reply:
Dear Mr. TT, Indeed, the color of urine is related to the amount of water you drink and your urine output. In cases of diabetes insipidus, the urine output is often greater than the amount of water consumed, with at least 3000 cc of urine produced in a day being a consideration ...[Read More] Understanding Urine Color Changes After Acute Hepatitis: Kidney Health Concerns