Blood sugar, Internal Medicine FAQ

Understanding Fluctuating Morning Blood Sugar Levels: What Do They Mean?

The blood glucose levels measured in the morning were different on two occasions? Hello, last year my blood sugar level was 87 during the health check, and this year it was 97. I have a blood glucose meter at home, and I measured it myself: the first reading was 96, the second wa...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. If last year's fasting plasma glucose level was 87 mg/dL and this year's fasting plasma glucose level is 97 mg/dL, both values are actually less than 100 mg/dL; theoretically, they are considered normal. 2. If the glucose meter shows a fasting capillary blood glucose...

Understanding Fasting Blood Sugar Levels: Key Questions Answered

Fasting blood glucose level of 136? Hello, doctor. Currently, I measured my fasting blood glucose at a nearby pharmacy, and it was 136 (using a blood glucose meter). Question 1: I fasted for 8 hours (with water), and I finished eating at 1:00 AM. I was fasting from 1:00 AM unti...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Question 1: No problem. Question 2: According to the standards published by the American Diabetes Association (ADA, 2011), a fasting plasma glucose level of ≥ 126 mg/dL after fasting for more than eight hours should raise the suspicion of diabetes. Question 3: Although I haven&#x...

Consulting a Doctor: Is My Blood Sugar Testing Schedule Appropriate?

I would like to ask the doctor if there are any issues with the following examination methods? Hello, Doctor! I would like to ask if there are any issues with my following testing methods? Testing method: For example, on August 1st, I had a fasting blood glucose test, and then I ...

Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: Your first day's examination was a standard check-up, and the purpose of the second day's examination is to understand the impact of your usual diet on postprandial blood glucose levels, which is perfectly reasonable. Thank you for your question!

Can Diabetes Cause Foreskin Cracking and Skin Breaks?

Can diabetes cause skin breakdown of the foreskin? My friend is currently 24 years old and has diabetes, but he occasionally experiences cracking and skin breakdown in the area of the foreskin. Is this normal? (Sexually transmitted infections and other conditions have been ruled ...

Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: Your friend may have diabetes complicated by balanitis. It is recommended that your friend control their blood sugar levels and consult a urologist. Thank you for your inquiry!

Concerns Over Nursing Home Care: Uncontrolled Diabetes and High Blood Sugar Levels

Blood glucose levels have been consistently around 300 for a month in a patient with diabetes? My mother was admitted to a nursing home on April 21, 2013. I informed the nursing home that my mother has diabetes and that her blood sugar levels needed to be monitored. The nursing h...

Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear Mr. Wu, 1. Your mother has been hospitalized in our facility three times: (1) May 2013, (2) July 2013, and (3) from June to July 2014. 2. She has a history of old cerebrovascular accident with bed rest, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. During her hospitalization, her bl...

Understanding Glycated Hemoglobin: Key Questions for Your Doctor

Questions related to glycated hemoglobin? (Revised, seeking Dr. Lee's opinion, thank you.) Hello Dr. Lee! I initially consulted another physician, but there are several questions I need to ask my primary physician. Unfortunately, I am currently unable to make an appointment....

Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Dear Pikachu, Please forgive my frankness, and I hope I do not offend you! You have two major issues: one is "obsession," and the other is "losing sight of the main issue." Allow me to explain. "Obsession" refers to your fixation on numbers; please ...

Understanding Glycated Hemoglobin: Key Questions and Insights

Questions related to glycated hemoglobin? Hello, Dr. Hsiao! I have a few questions I would like to ask you. Currently, I do not have diabetes, but my hemoglobin A1c has been rising rapidly (it was 5.1% on February 17 of this year and 5.7% on April 11 of this year), and I have gai...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Reply 1: The frequency of testing for glycated hemoglobin should be determined based on clinical changes and the physician's judgment. Reply 2: This should be discussed with your physician, who can determine if there is any impact. Reply 3: Clinical issues are not that s...

Understanding Fasting Blood Sugar Testing: Common Questions Answered

Please ask again about the timing for blood glucose testing and any other related questions? Hello, Dr. Hsiao! I have read your previous response regarding my question about blood sugar testing times and other related issues, but I still have some confusion. I would like to ask a...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Question 1: The diagnostic criteria for diabetes published by the American Diabetes Association in 2010 are as follows: a. Fasting plasma glucose level ≥ 126 mg/dl after at least 8 hours of fasting. b. Plasma glucose level ≥ 200 mg/dl during a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test. ...

Understanding Fasting and Postprandial Blood Sugar Testing Guidelines

Questions related to blood glucose testing times and others? Hello Dr. Hsiao! I have a few questions I would like to ask... 1. For fasting blood glucose testing, is it necessary to fast for 8 hours? For example, if I am to test fasting blood glucose today, does that mean I must...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
In healthy individuals, approximately 5 to 15 minutes after eating, glucose absorbed through digestion stimulates the beta cells of the pancreas to release stored insulin granules directly into the bloodstream. Between 20 minutes and 2 hours after eating, insulin is subsequently ...

Managing High Nighttime Blood Sugar with Normal Morning Levels

High blood sugar before bedtime and normal blood sugar upon waking? Hello Dr. Hsiao, my mother is seventy years old. She takes insulin during the day and controls her diet for three meals, but her blood sugar levels are consistently over 300 before bedtime. In the morning, her le...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. There are many types of insulin, primarily including ultra-rapid acting, rapid acting, intermediate acting, and long acting. The timing of their peak effect and duration of action varies. Clinically, it is possible to mix rapid acting and intermediate acting insulins for injec...

Understanding Elevated Postprandial Blood Sugar: Insights and Solutions

Glycated hemoglobin is normal, fasting blood glucose is normal, but postprandial blood glucose is elevated? I undergo a comprehensive health check-up every two years, and my previous blood sugar levels have always been normal. During my recent check-up last month, my fasting bloo...

Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, netizen: Blood glucose levels are a crucial indicator for diagnosing diabetes. In healthy individuals, fasting blood glucose levels after an 8-hour fast should be below 100 mg/dL, and blood glucose levels two hours after a meal should be below 140 mg/dL. If fasting blood g...

Managing Diabetes: Key Questions on Blood Sugar and Diet

Revisiting Diabetes Mellitus? Hello Dr. Hsiao, First of all, thank you for your response last time. Yesterday, I visited the cardiology department to review my blood test results. My fasting blood glucose was 96 mg/dL and my HbA1c was 5.5% (three months ago, my fasting blood glu...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Question 1: Should I still strictly control my intake of starches and sugars? Answer: Strictly controlling the intake of starches and sugars can indeed lower blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin levels, thereby improving conditions such as diabetes or glucose intolerance. In f...

Understanding Blood Sugar Fluctuations in Diabetes Management

About diabetes? Hello Director Hsiao, Over two months ago, I had a blood test at the hospital, and my fasting blood glucose was 130 mg/dL, with a hemoglobin A1c of 6.4%. The doctor did not prescribe medication and advised dietary control instead. I purchased a blood glucose mete...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. Generally, a fasting blood glucose level of 126 mg/dL corresponds to a glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level of approximately 6.5%. Therefore, the test results from two months ago should be reliable. 2. In the classification of diabetes, type 2 diabetes accounts for about 92-95%...

Understanding Hunger-Induced Dizziness and Sleepiness: Blood Sugar Issues?

Feeling hungry, dizzy, and experiencing mood swings, followed by sleepiness after eating, could indicate several issues. These symptoms may suggest fluctuations in blood sugar levels, possibly related to conditions such as hypoglycemia or insulin resistance. It could also be rela...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. According to the conclusions and recommendations of the American Diabetes Association in 2010, a fasting plasma glucose level between 100 and 125 mg/dl is classified as impaired fasting glucose, indicating an increased risk of diabetes. Therefore, if your blood glucose level i...

Managing Blood Sugar During Lower GI Barium Enema Preparation

Lower gastrointestinal (GI) contrast enema examination? Hello Doctor, my mother has diabetes. Due to rectal bleeding, the doctor has recommended a lower gastrointestinal tract barium enema examination. However, for this procedure, she needs to take medication the night before to ...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. Lower gastrointestinal tract imaging has been performed in clinical practice for many years, and every hospital should have a standard operating procedure in place; this also includes considerations for diabetic patients. You and your mother should inquire again with your hosp...

Understanding Unexplained Weight Loss: A Case Study in Mental Health and Lifestyle

Weight loss Hello Doctor: Since April of this year, I have been working full-time collecting scrap metal. I am a person with a mental disability, and finding a job is not easy; therefore, I resorted to recycling. Initially, it was just a hobby, and I would only collect occasional...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. Generally, the most common causes of weight loss include diabetes, hyperthyroidism, chronic illnesses, cancer, and others; it also encompasses physical exertion, depression, anorexia, and so on. Since you have already been evaluated by a physician who ruled out the possibility...

Managing Constipation in Diabetic Patients: Tips and Alternatives

Diabetes and Constipation The doctor would like to ask you, my dad has been experiencing constipation for many days and cannot find a way to relieve it. He has issues with high blood pressure and elevated blood sugar. My dad says that the constipation problem started after taking...

Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: 1. If your father's constipation issue is indeed caused by the blood sugar-lowering medication, please have him inform the prescribing physician so that the doctor is aware. The physician may change the medication or prescribe a stool softener. 2. Hypertension can be ...

Understanding Diabetes Diagnosis Standards and Insurance Implications

Diabetes Diagnosis Criteria Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about my situation. Recently, when I applied for insurance, I was denied coverage because I truthfully disclosed that I had a HbA1c level as high as 9.0. However, since then, I have maintained my HbA1c between 6.0 and...

Dr. Cai Zonglin Reply:
In general, diabetes is diagnosed with a fasting blood glucose level of 126 mg/dL or higher, a hemoglobin A1c level of 6.5% or higher, or a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test result of 200 mg/dL or higher. Early-stage diabetes can achieve good blood glucose control through dietar...

Understanding Weight Loss and Appetite Issues in Diabetic Patients

Diabetes-related issues? The doctor would like to ask, my dad has diabetes and is on medication for control. Recently, he has been losing weight and says he has no appetite; he can't eat the food on the table. Is this related to the medication or could it be a sign of anothe...

Dr. Cai Zonglin Reply:
Some oral medications for diabetes may cause side effects such as abdominal bloating and may also lead to slight weight loss. If the weight loss is significant, it is important to consider whether high blood sugar levels are causing dehydration; however, other conditions may also...

Understanding Diabetes Risk: Home Testing vs. Professional Evaluation

Concerns about diabetes? I have a family history of diabetes; my father and grandmother have it, while my mother's side only has my grandmother. When I was a freshman in college, I had a health check-up, and my fasting blood glucose level was 105 mg/dL, with no glucose in my...

Dr. Cai Zonglin Reply:
Fasting blood glucose levels between 100 and 126 mg/dL indicate impaired fasting glucose, while levels above 126 mg/dL are diagnostic for diabetes. Blood test results are generally more accurate. Capillary blood glucose readings can also be referenced. Individuals with impaired f...

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