Should Diabetic Patients Rely on Insulin or Oral Medications?
For diabetic patients, is it better to take medication or to use insulin? My mother has had diabetes for over ten years. In December of last year, her doctor recommended insulin injections to control her blood sugar. After the New Year, she did not take insulin for about two week...
Dr. Guo Qinghui Reply:
Diabetic patients need to maintain their blood glucose levels within a certain range to delay the onset of complications. The use of insulin or oral antidiabetic medications to control blood sugar each has its advantages, disadvantages, and limitations, and is also related to the...[Read More] Should Diabetic Patients Rely on Insulin or Oral Medications?
Why Is Fasting Blood Sugar Higher Than Bedtime Levels?
Why is fasting blood glucose higher than pre-bedtime levels? I went to bed with a blood sugar level of 150, and when I woke up in the morning, my fasting blood sugar was 170. Throughout the night, I didn't eat anything except for sleeping. Why did my blood sugar increase? Wh...
Dr. Shi Guangzhong Reply:
Waking up in the morning with elevated fasting blood glucose can be attributed to two phenomena: the Somogyi effect (rebound phenomenon) and the dawn phenomenon. The Somogyi effect occurs in diabetic patients who inject insulin before bedtime or dinner and experience hypoglycemia...[Read More] Why Is Fasting Blood Sugar Higher Than Bedtime Levels?
Understanding Low Post-Meal Blood Sugar: Causes and Solutions
Blood glucose level is found to be low? Hello, doctor: I would like to ask you about my boyfriend's recent health check-up at his company. After a meal, his blood glucose level was 64, while the standard range is 65-110. Does this test result indicate a problem? Why is his b...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question. 1. Hypoglycemia generally refers to a plasma glucose level below 60 mg/dL, accompanied by clinical symptoms such as dizziness, cold sweats, tachycardia, anxiety, and altered consciousness. After excluding possible laboratory errors, hypoglycem...[Read More] Understanding Low Post-Meal Blood Sugar: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Hand and Foot Tremors: When to Seek Medical Advice
Tremors in the hands and feet? Hello, doctor. I am a very overweight girl, weighing about 85 kg and standing 160 cm tall. I often feel weak and even tremble when I'm hungry. Last time I was at the hospital, my blood sugar was measured (finger prick) two hours after a meal, a...
Dr. Liu Hongxiang Reply:
In healthy individuals, fasting blood glucose levels range from 70 to 110 mg/dL, and should not exceed 120 mg/dL two hours after a meal. Based on your value of 143 mg/dL after eating, this is considered elevated. Elevated levels often cause symptoms such as trembling in the hands...[Read More] Understanding Hand and Foot Tremors: When to Seek Medical Advice
Why Is My Mother Gaining Weight Despite Diabetes Management?
Why do I keep gaining weight? Hello: My mother has been a diabetic for over ten years. In the past year, her weight has increased significantly (currently weighing 60.5 kg; height approximately 150 cm). Are there any other health issues that could be causing this? By the way, my ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello, in response to your question: 1. The reasons for weight gain include dietary habits, patterns of physical activity, and differences in energy metabolism. It is essential to first consider and evaluate the impact of diet, exercise, lifestyle, and environmental factors bef...[Read More] Why Is My Mother Gaining Weight Despite Diabetes Management?
Why Do Liver Enzyme Levels Vary Between Different Hospitals?
Liver function tests show two values in one day? I would like to ask about my uncle, who had liver issues and went to the hospital for tests. Initially, he had tests done at Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, but later, feeling uneasy, he returned to Taipei and had another set of tests at...
Dr. Xiao Jingqin Reply:
The standard values for liver function tests (AST or ALT) vary between laboratories. Generally, the normal upper limit for these tests is around 40 IU/L, but this can differ from one lab to another; for instance, our hospital's upper limit is 37 IU/L. When considering the si...[Read More] Why Do Liver Enzyme Levels Vary Between Different Hospitals?
Frequent Urination with Low Volume: Understanding Possible Causes
Frequent urination with low urine volume? Hello, doctor. My mother was diagnosed with diabetes earlier this year. She exercises regularly, and her blood sugar levels are well-controlled, typically ranging from 80 to 120 mg/dL (she measures her blood sugar after exercising). Howev...
Dr. Shi Guangzhong Reply:
Your mother has recently been diagnosed with diabetes, and exercise can be very helpful in controlling blood sugar levels. If her fasting blood glucose level is between 80-120 mg/dL, that is acceptable; however, it is also recommended that she monitor her postprandial blood gluco...[Read More] Frequent Urination with Low Volume: Understanding Possible Causes
Essential Tips for Diabetes Patients on Insulin Injections
What should diabetic patients pay attention to when injecting insulin? Hello Dr. Kuo, I would like to ask about the precautions that diabetic patients should take when injecting insulin. Is it necessary to measure blood glucose levels daily? If a patient does not measure their ...
Dr. Guo Qinghui Reply:
For diabetic patients receiving insulin therapy, insulin injection serves as a hormone replacement therapy to compensate for insufficient insulin production. The principle of insulin injection is to closely mimic the normal secretion of insulin by the pancreas, and insulin dosage...[Read More] Essential Tips for Diabetes Patients on Insulin Injections
Understanding Low Blood Sugar: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
My blood sugar seems to be too low? (Blood sugar level: around 70 after meals) Hello, I just finished my graduate school entrance exam and the civil service exam a couple of days ago. My eating and sleeping patterns are normal (I’m actually eating a bit more than before and my ap...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, the normal fasting plasma glucose level for a healthy individual ranges from 70 to 110 mg/dL, while the postprandial blood glucose level two hours after eating should be between 80 and 140 mg/dL. Regarding blood pressure, it is generally desir...[Read More] Understanding Low Blood Sugar: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Understanding Diabetes: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management
Diabetes issues Hello Doctor: My mother had an examination recently on January 27 of this year. Her fasting blood sugar was 252. The technician informed her that her blood sugar was too high. My mother is currently taking traditional Chinese medicine. We plan to have her tested a...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your questions... 1. The normal fasting plasma glucose level is 70–110 mg/dL. If the fasting plasma glucose level is ≥126 mg/dL after fasting for more than 8 hours, along with clear symptoms of diabetes such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, increased...[Read More] Understanding Diabetes: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management
Should I Take Diabetes Medication? Navigating Treatment Options
Do I need to take medication? In the morning, my fasting blood sugar is around 140, and my HbA1c is 7%. Therefore, my doctor said I could manage without medication, just by controlling my diet and exercising, and I should return for regular check-ups every three months. Later, I ...
Dr. Guo Qinghui Reply:
Currently, the fasting blood glucose level is around 170 mg/dL, which requires treatment. The methods include dietary control, exercise, and medication. For dietary management, it is essential to consult a nutritionist to deepen the understanding of dietary control. Engaging in p...[Read More] Should I Take Diabetes Medication? Navigating Treatment Options
Understanding Symptoms After Starting Insulin Therapy for Diabetes
What are some symptoms that can be triggered by insulin administration? Dr. Yang: Hello, I would like to ask about my mother who has been suffering from diabetes for nearly 30 years (family history). She has been controlling her blood sugar with oral medications, but as the dosag...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Patients who switch from oral medications to insulin due to persistently high blood glucose levels, and then revert back to oral medications, have a low chance of achieving good blood glucose control. The causes of your mother's headaches and dizziness can be numerous and ma...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms After Starting Insulin Therapy for Diabetes
Could I Have Diabetes? Understanding Symptoms and Concerns
Do I have diabetes? Hello Doctor: Sometimes I forget to flush the toilet after urinating, and after a few hours, I find that the toilet is crawling with ants. Occasionally, I also notice ants crawling on me while I sleep (even after showering). I went to the hospital for blood te...
Dr. Shi Guangzhong Reply:
Dear Yu-Feng: 1. The presence of ants in the toilet does not necessarily indicate diabetes, especially considering your fasting blood glucose level is 101 mg/dL. According to standard criteria, your current situation does not classify as diabetes. Further testing of your postpra...[Read More] Could I Have Diabetes? Understanding Symptoms and Concerns
Why Are Ants Attracted to My Used Sanitary Pads?
Diabetes issues? Doctor, I found ants on the used sanitary pads in the trash can (I've seen many ants on the pads several times). I have tested my blood and do not have diabetes. What could be the reason for this? Thank you.
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question... Symptoms of diabetes include increased thirst, frequent urination, excessive drinking, weight loss, slow healing of wounds, and fatigue, among others. A diagnosis of diabetes is considered when two fasting blood glucose levels are greater th...[Read More] Why Are Ants Attracted to My Used Sanitary Pads?
Understanding Hypoglycemia: Is It Related to Diabetes?
Hypoglycemia Hello: I recently conducted a fasting blood glucose test (I had a meal around 12:00 PM, only drank water afterward, and did not eat again) and found that my blood glucose level was 54 at around 6:30 PM. I would like to know if this is related to diabetes, as I have a...
Dr. Chen Jingwen Reply:
Normal blood glucose levels range from 60 to 110 mg/dL. If you ate at 12 PM and did not consume anything else until measuring your blood sugar at 6:30 PM, it is expected that a normal person's blood sugar would drop below 110, potentially reaching as low as 60 mg/dL. Your me...[Read More] Understanding Hypoglycemia: Is It Related to Diabetes?
Do Ants Indicate Diabetes? Understanding Symptoms and Concerns
Worry Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask a question. Today, while doing laundry, I found three or four small ants on my underwear foraging for food. This made me worry if it could be related to diabetes, as there is a family history on my mother's side; she has had diabetes ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your questions. 1. Diabetes is indeed related to genetics; however, good dietary habits and regular exercise can effectively prevent its onset. 2. The presence of ketones in urine may be due to diabetes, but it can also be caused by starvation or other reaso...[Read More] Do Ants Indicate Diabetes? Understanding Symptoms and Concerns
Understanding Occasional Back Pain and Urine Ketones in Young Patients
Occasional lower back pain? Hello, Director Yang. My daughter has disliked drinking plain water since she was little, which has led to some abnormalities found during her health check-ups. I would like your help in clarifying a few things. Her pH levels are slightly higher than t...
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, the urine test indicated the presence of OB (+) and slightly elevated WBC, which may suggest a urinary tract infection, potentially causing fever. At this time, proteinuria may occur, but this type of proteinuria is referred to as "functi...[Read More] Understanding Occasional Back Pain and Urine Ketones in Young Patients
Understanding Dizziness, Weakness, and Abnormal CRP Levels: What You Need to Know
Dizziness & Health Check Issues^^” Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about my frequent experiences of dizziness, general weakness, cold sweats, and cravings for sweets. Could this be anemia? Recently, I had a health check-up, and the report indicated that my C-reactive protei...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
If dizziness occurs alone, it may be due to anemia or inner ear imbalance. However, if there is also generalized weakness, cold sweats, and cravings for sweets, one should consider the possibility of hypoglycemia, especially if the patient is on diabetes medication, as there may ...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness, Weakness, and Abnormal CRP Levels: What You Need to Know
Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Risks of Pre-Diabetes Explained
Blood sugar Hello: I recently had a health check-up, and my blood sugar level was 114 (normal range is 70-120). Although it is within the normal range, it is close to the upper limit. Should I be concerned that I might easily develop diabetes if this continues? Thank you for your...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: 1. The risk factors for developing diabetes primarily include genetic predisposition and lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise. The genetic predisposition refers to having relatives, particularly blood relatives, who have diabetes, which increases our own risk of dev...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Risks of Pre-Diabetes Explained
Managing Diabetes: Risks of Poor Diet and Alcohol Consumption
Diabetes mellitus Hello Dr. Ke: I hope it's not too presumptuous to ask you a few questions. Question 1: My father has been suffering from diabetes for about a year and takes diabetes medication daily, but he hasn't been very careful with his diet and has a habit of dri...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
The treatment for diabetes includes diet, medication, exercise, and a healthy lifestyle, along with monitoring blood glucose and other metabolic parameters. Simply taking medication is not sufficient; if dietary habits are not considered, blood glucose levels may remain poorly co...[Read More] Managing Diabetes: Risks of Poor Diet and Alcohol Consumption