Managing Acid Reflux: Symptoms, Treatment, and Diabetes Concerns
Excess stomach acid Hello, doctor. I previously underwent an endoscopy which showed that my gastrointestinal tract is generally fine, but I have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). I have been taking Pantoprazole for a month, but I occasionally experience acid reflux, a burni...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Ellis: 1. Nexium® (generic name: Esomeprazole) is indicated for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Possible side effects include abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, bloating, nausea, dry mouth, headache, drowsiness, allergic reactions, fever, and others. Genera...[Read More] Managing Acid Reflux: Symptoms, Treatment, and Diabetes Concerns
Understanding Hemoglobin A1c Levels: What Does a 5.6% Mean for You?
Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) Hello, I recently donated blood a few days ago and, since I met the qualifications, I also had a check for the three highs (hypertension, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia). I received the report showing my hemoglobin A1c level at 5.6%, with the standa...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Azong: 1. Generally speaking, human hemoglobin is primarily composed of heme and globin chains (alpha and beta chains). Due to the abundance of proteins, when blood glucose levels rise, these proteins can bind with glucose in the blood, a process known as glycation, whi...[Read More] Understanding Hemoglobin A1c Levels: What Does a 5.6% Mean for You?
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
Understanding Diabetes Risk and Weight Loss: Key Insights for Health
Regarding diabetes and weight loss? Hello Dr. Hsiao, Last year's health check report indicated that my fasting blood glucose was elevated (101 > 100) and my hemoglobin A1c was normal (5.7 < 6.7). The year before, my fasting blood glucose was 85 (normal < 100) and m...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. ABC: Please read the following two points: 1. According to the American Diabetes Association's diagnostic criteria for diabetes: a. Fasting plasma glucose level ≥126 mg/dL after fasting for 8 hours or more, b. Plasma glucose level ≥200 mg/dL during a 2-hour oral g...[Read More] Understanding Diabetes Risk and Weight Loss: Key Insights for Health
Understanding the Gap Between Fasting and Post-Meal Blood Sugar Levels
The difference between fasting blood glucose and postprandial blood glucose after breakfast? Hello Doctor, during my first pregnancy, I had gestational diabetes, and I did not follow up or manage it after giving birth. During the early stages of my second pregnancy, I underwent t...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Anna: 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 (gly...[Read More] Understanding the Gap Between Fasting and Post-Meal Blood Sugar Levels
Managing Diabetes Medications for Lean Patients: Key Considerations
Diabetes medication consultation? Hello Doctor, my father is 63 years old and has symptoms of diabetes (pre-meal blood sugar around 120). He is currently taking diabetes medication. My father has a lean body type and is not obese, follows a vegetarian diet, and avoids greasy food...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Paul Chen: 1. The first-line medication for most patients with type 2 diabetes is Metformin, which you referred to as Asures®. Regarding medication choices for leaner diabetic patients, there can indeed be some controversy in the medical community. It is advisable to in...[Read More] Managing Diabetes Medications for Lean Patients: Key Considerations
Understanding Post-Meal Blood Sugar Levels: Is 62 mg/dL Normal?
Blood sugar issues? What is the normal blood sugar level one hour after a meal? I measured mine and it was 62. Does this indicate a problem with my blood sugar?
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Ella: 1. In medical practice, for the convenience of treatment or discussion, the postprandial blood glucose level measured two hours after eating is commonly used as a standard. In healthy individuals, the postprandial plasma glucose level is below 140 mg/dL, while in ...[Read More] Understanding Post-Meal Blood Sugar Levels: Is 62 mg/dL Normal?
When Should You Start Medication for Diabetes Management?
When should medication treatment for diabetes begin? I just received my blood test report, and my hemoglobin A1c is 7.1, and my fasting blood glucose is 118. I have hypertension and high cholesterol, both of which are controlled with medication. My hemoglobin A1c has been around ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Patient, 1. According to the American Diabetes Association's diagnostic criteria for diabetes: a. Fasting plasma glucose level ≥126 mg/dL after fasting for at least 8 hours, b. Plasma glucose level ≥200 mg/dL during a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test, c. HbA1c (glyca...[Read More] When Should You Start Medication for Diabetes Management?
Understanding Glycated Hemoglobin: Key Questions for Diabetes Management
Glycated hemoglobin Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you about glycated hemoglobin. There is a family history of diabetes, and I have been vigilant and actively exercising and controlling my diet since December of last year. My height is 155 cm, and my weight has decreased from ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Chen: 1. The measurement of fasting plasma glucose in clinical practice refers to the plasma glucose level after fasting for more than 8 hours. The normal value is below 100 mg/dL; if it falls between 100 and 125 mg/dL, it is termed impaired fasting glycemia. For most i...[Read More] Understanding Glycated Hemoglobin: Key Questions for Diabetes Management
Post-Meal Blood Sugar: Walking Benefits and Glucose Fluctuations Explained
Measuring postprandial blood glucose? Hello Doctor, I have been controlling my diet. If I eat at 12 PM and measure my postprandial blood glucose at 2 PM, I usually start walking around 1:30 PM, which means I will be slightly active for about half an hour before the measurement. I...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Gao: 1. A moderate walk after meals can effectively lower postprandial blood glucose levels; there should not be any major issues. In fact, individuals with regular exercise habits tend to have increased sensitivity of insulin receptors, which helps maintain stable bloo...[Read More] Post-Meal Blood Sugar: Walking Benefits and Glucose Fluctuations Explained
Can Fasting Blood Sugar Be Higher Than Pre-Bedtime Levels?
Is it possible for pre-meal blood sugar to be higher than bedtime blood sugar? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask if it is possible for fasting blood glucose levels to be higher than bedtime blood glucose levels. I usually measure my father's fasting blood glucose in the morn...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: Please monitor if your father experiences "nocturnal hypoglycemia" and discuss it with his attending physician.[Read More] Can Fasting Blood Sugar Be Higher Than Pre-Bedtime Levels?
Understanding the Link Between Fasting and Postprandial Blood Sugar Levels
The relationship between fasting blood glucose and postprandial blood glucose two hours after a meal? Hello doctor, due to a family history of diabetes, I previously had my blood glucose level tested and it was 78. However, I read in other articles that the blood glucose level tw...
Dr. Chen Jianyu Reply:
A blood glucose level of 78 is unclear whether it is fasting or postprandial. Please follow up at the outpatient clinic.[Read More] Understanding the Link Between Fasting and Postprandial Blood Sugar Levels
Normal Bedtime Blood Sugar Levels for Non-Diabetics Explained
Bedtime blood glucose What should a normal bedtime blood sugar level be for a person without diabetes? Thank you, doctor.
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Su: 1. Generally speaking, blood glucose levels gradually rise after meals, peaking around two hours postprandially. If insulin secretion and action are normal, blood glucose levels should not exceed 140 mg/dL and will then gradually decline. However, due to the body&#...[Read More] Normal Bedtime Blood Sugar Levels for Non-Diabetics Explained
Understanding Post-Meal Sleepiness: Is It Blood Sugar Related?
Blood sugar issues? Hello Doctor, I seem to have a tendency to feel very sleepy after meals since childhood. It's severe enough that I often feel drowsy during tutoring, classes, and study sessions, even after eating a small amount, like a bowl of rice or a portion of rice f...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: It is recommended that you visit a family medicine physician, and a blood test can help assess your blood glucose levels.[Read More] Understanding Post-Meal Sleepiness: Is It Blood Sugar Related?
Which Hand is More Accurate for Blood Sugar Measurement in Stroke Patients?
Measuring blood glucose? In stroke patients, which hand is more accurate for measuring blood glucose levels? Since the affected side has poorer blood circulation, will this impact the values? Thank you.
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: Both hands can be tested.[Read More] Which Hand is More Accurate for Blood Sugar Measurement in Stroke Patients?
Understanding Post-Meal Blood Sugar Levels: 1 Hour vs 2 Hours
Blood glucose levels one hour and two hours after meals? Doctor, is it normal for blood sugar levels to be higher one hour after eating compared to two hours after eating? If I measure my blood sugar and find that my two-hour post-meal level is higher than my one-hour level, what...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. Generally, blood sugar levels rise gradually after meals, peaking two hours postprandially, and then gradually decline. If high-sugar or high-calorie foods are consumed, and there is sufficient insulin secretion in the body, blood sugar levels may spike rapidly; in some cases,...[Read More] Understanding Post-Meal Blood Sugar Levels: 1 Hour vs 2 Hours
How Post-Meal Exercise Helps Lower Blood Sugar Levels
Exercise and Blood Sugar Hello doctor, I have noticed that if I exercise after eating, my blood sugar remains within the normal range. However, if I remain seated and inactive after a meal, my blood sugar tends to be higher. Is this situation normal? Why does post-meal activity l...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. Moderate exercise can utilize glucose as the primary energy source and increase the sensitivity of insulin receptors, thereby lowering blood glucose levels—both fasting blood glucose and postprandial blood glucose two hours after meals. Consistent and regular exercise can also...[Read More] How Post-Meal Exercise Helps Lower Blood Sugar Levels
Understanding Blood Sugar Management: Key Indicators and Medication Options
Blood sugar issues Dear Dr. Hsiao, I have been concerned about my blood sugar levels since my health check in 2004, when my fasting blood glucose was 100. I only started medication in 2015, but my weight has decreased from my usual 38 kg to the current 34 kg. For the past ten ye...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. For a 65-year-old diabetic patient, a fasting blood glucose level of 155 mg/dL, a postprandial blood glucose level of 169 mg/dL two hours after eating, and a hemoglobin A1c level of 6.6% indicate relatively good control. Each of these values carries individual significance, an...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Management: Key Indicators and Medication Options
Does Cold Weather Affect Fasting Blood Sugar Levels?
Fasting blood glucose Doctor, may I ask, if the weather is cold, like during the recent cold wave, and I go outside and my body is shivering (jaw chattering), will my blood sugar levels be elevated at that time? Thank you.
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: Appetite in winter is usually better than in summer, and physical activity tends to decrease, resulting in higher average blood glucose levels in winter compared to summer. As for single blood glucose readings, they are influenced by various factors, so the situation you m...[Read More] Does Cold Weather Affect Fasting Blood Sugar Levels?
Does Cold Weather Affect Fasting and Postprandial Blood Sugar Levels?
Blood Sugar and Temperature Hello, doctor. Does the fasting blood sugar and postprandial blood sugar of a normal person increase slightly due to colder weather? (Assuming all other factors remain unchanged, purely due to temperature changes.) Thank you, doctor.
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: Yes, it is commonly observed in clinical practice that patients have higher blood glucose levels in winter compared to summer, and the fluctuations in blood pressure are even more pronounced.[Read More] Does Cold Weather Affect Fasting and Postprandial Blood Sugar Levels?