Managing Poor Blood Sugar Control in Type 2 Diabetes: Is Insulin Necessary?
Poor blood sugar control? Hello Doctor, I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2010. Over the years, my blood sugar levels have remained consistently high due to poor management and adherence to medication. In July of this year, I underwent tests at China Medical University, whe...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Deep White: 1. Currently, the common treatment for type 2 diabetes includes dietary control, regular exercise, and medication. Regardless of whether insulin is injected, dietary management and consistent physical activity must be diligently practiced, which means making...[Read More] Managing Poor Blood Sugar Control in Type 2 Diabetes: Is Insulin Necessary?
Does Severe Illness Affect Blood Sugar Levels? Insights and Answers
Does serious illness affect blood sugar fluctuations? Hello Dr. Hsiao, Due to acute renal failure that occurred in the middle of this year, accompanied by severe edema and fluid accumulation in the body, various kidney indicators were significantly elevated, leading to my hospi...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Anonymous: 1. Conditions such as illness, infection, stress, pregnancy, irregular lifestyle, and the use of certain medications can lead to elevated blood glucose levels or significant fluctuations. 2. If anxiety is severe, it can indeed cause an increase in blood gluco...[Read More] Does Severe Illness Affect Blood Sugar Levels? Insights and Answers
Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell Count and Its Health Implications
Increasing white blood cell count, hypertension, anemia..? I have been diagnosed with hypertension and frequently experience palpitations, anemia, shortness of breath, chest tightness, chest pain, headaches, and hypoglycemia. Additionally, I experience left shoulder pain during e...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it is important to first understand if you have been ill a few days prior to the blood test, with the most common illnesses being a cold or gastroenteritis. If so, it is likely due to an acute infection, and usually, your results will return to normal after a few days. If ...[Read More] Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell Count and Its Health Implications
Understanding Post-Exercise Blood Sugar Spikes in Type 2 Diabetes
Post-exercise hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes? Hello Doctor: I am a patient with type 2 diabetes. Recently, my blood sugar levels were around 200 mg/dL after two exercise sessions (one was a one-hour walk, and the other was a 35-minute brisk walk followed by a 20-minute rest bef...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Tom: 1. We are unaware of your usual blood sugar control, so we cannot determine whether your post-exercise blood sugar is indeed higher than your pre-exercise level. Additionally, did you eat before exercising? If so, what was the caloric intake? This can also affect y...[Read More] Understanding Post-Exercise Blood Sugar Spikes in Type 2 Diabetes
Understanding Endocrine Issues and PCOS in Young Women: A Case Study
Regarding Endocrinology and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Hello, Doctor: I am currently 19 years old, with a height of 151 cm, weight of 45.4 kg, body fat percentage of 20.3%, and a waist circumference of 58 cm. Description of my condition: In March of this year, my weight sud...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Nini: 1. The formula for Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) is often estimated using various regression equations; it represents the energy required to maintain basic physiological functions daily. It can be used as a reference, but there is no need to be overly concerned, as ...[Read More] Understanding Endocrine Issues and PCOS in Young Women: A Case Study
Understanding Normal Blood Sugar Levels for Gestational Diabetes
Reference values for gestational diabetes mellitus? Hello, Director Hsiao: Could you please tell me what the reference values for "fasting" and "postprandial 2 hours" blood glucose levels are for gestational diabetes? I would like to monitor my blood sugar lev...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. JJ: 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 (g...[Read More] Understanding Normal Blood Sugar Levels for Gestational Diabetes
Understanding Postprandial Blood Sugar Levels: Concerns and Insights
Blood sugar issues Hello Doctor: My height is 165 cm and my weight is 58 kg (my weight has been about the same for the past six months). Last year, my fasting blood glucose (glucose AC) was 92 mg/dL. I tested my fasting blood glucose again in early August, and it was 96 mg/dL. La...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Jacky: 1. Your weight is 58 kg, height is 165 cm, and your body mass index (BMI) is 21.3 kg/m², which falls within the normal range. 2. In 2015, your fasting blood glucose level was 92 mg/dL, and in August 2016, it was 96 mg/dL. Last week, your hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) wa...[Read More] Understanding Postprandial Blood Sugar Levels: Concerns and Insights
Understanding Blood Sugar Variations Before and After Meals During Pregnancy
The differences between before and after meals? Hello, Doctor! I have been diagnosed with high blood sugar issues for 12 years and have been under medical follow-up. Recently, due to my pregnancy, I have been monitoring my blood sugar levels before and after meals. My fasting blo...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Wang: 1. Although pregnancy is a joyful event, it can cause significant changes in the body, particularly in the endocrine system. Consequently, fluctuations in blood sugar levels and hyperglycemia may become more pronounced. Generally speaking, if a person without diab...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Variations Before and After Meals During Pregnancy
Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Diabetes, Insulin, and Digestion Effects
Blood sugar issues? I would like to ask the doctor, in diabetes patients, high blood sugar occurs due to loss or insufficient insulin function. If they do not take medication or inject insulin, will they experience hypoglycemia? Additionally, if their gastrointestinal function is...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: 1. Abnormal eating habits or other medical conditions can also lead to hypoglycemia. 2. The composition of the diet and the ability to digest and absorb nutrients can affect blood glucose levels.[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Diabetes, Insulin, and Digestion Effects
Understanding Diabetes: Key Questions on Blood Sugar Levels and Genetics
Regarding diabetes and the genetic aspects of diabetes? Director Li, I have a few questions: 1. My bedtime blood sugar levels are between 90 and 100. Is this considered low? In the morning, my levels are around 110 to 120. What should I be aware of? 2. Why do my post-meal blo...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: 1.a. There is no hypoglycemia. b. Please manage your diet and weight, and engage in regular exercise. 2. It may be an issue with the technique; you can consult a diabetes educator for the correct method. 3. I am unaware of your treatment plan, so I cannot answer; please di...[Read More] Understanding Diabetes: Key Questions on Blood Sugar Levels and Genetics
High Ketones in Urine: What Further Tests Are Needed?
High ketone bodies in urine? Hello Dr. Hsiao, I recently had two urine ketone tests in April and mid-July, both showing positive results. I also regularly monitor my blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c levels, which are normal. Previously, I underwent an ERCP due to bile duct stones...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Lin: The increase of ketones in the urine, unless caused by high blood sugar leading to diabetic ketoacidosis, is generally due to prolonged fasting or starvation, which triggers the breakdown of fats and results in an increase of ketones in the blood and urine. Of cour...[Read More] High Ketones in Urine: What Further Tests Are Needed?
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 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
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 Upper Right Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions
Regarding sharp pain in the right upper abdomen? Hello, Dr. Hsiao. I have been experiencing a sudden feeling of hunger shortly after meals, which feels somewhat like an empty stomach sensation without the typical stomach growling. If I eat too quickly, I might even feel hungry ha...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Shi: 1. Regarding your upper right abdominal pain, I believe it may be what is commonly referred to as side stitch, as mentioned in my response on June 27, 2016. Therefore, I recommend that you consult a coach to learn proper breathing techniques while running to avoid ...[Read More] Understanding Upper Right Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Persistent Foamy Urine: Is It a Sign of Proteinuria?
The first urine in the morning shows a slight foam that has not dissipated for a long time? Hello Doctor: Recently, I have started to pay attention to the issue of foamy urine, so I have been carefully observing the characteristics of each urination daily. Since I am currently wa...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
Hello Mr. Wang: The presence of bubbles in your urine may indicate proteinuria, but it could also be caused by other substances. Clinically, only proteinuria is known to affect health, so when we encounter bubbly urine, we typically conduct a test for urine protein. Urine protein...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Foamy Urine: Is It a Sign of Proteinuria?
How to Manage Post-Meal Blood Sugar Levels Effectively
How to improve postprandial blood sugar levels? Dear Dr. Hsiao, I recently had a physical examination, and the results are as follows: a. Fasting plasma glucose level after more than 8 hours is 89 mg/dL, b. Postprandial glucose level after 2 hours is 162 mg/dL, c. HbA1c (glycate...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Chubby: 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. 2-hour plasma glucose level ≥ 200 mg/dL during an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT), c...[Read More] How to Manage Post-Meal Blood Sugar Levels Effectively
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
Can Diabetes Medication Affect Fertility in Men?
Diabetic patients I already have a child who is currently 3 years and 7 months old. I have been wanting to have another child, but I later found out that my husband is taking medication for diabetes. Could this be a reason why it is more difficult to conceive? Thank you for your ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Cupid: 1. Infertility is defined as a couple's inability to conceive after one year of regular, unprotected intercourse. Approximately 40% of infertility cases are attributed to male factors, 20% to female hormonal issues, 30% to female pelvic factors, 5% to an u...[Read More] Can Diabetes Medication Affect Fertility in Men?
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