How Often Should Diabetics Check Blood Sugar Levels?
Blood glucose testing How often should a person with diabetes measure their blood glucose levels? Does the frequency of testing vary based on the severity of the condition? Under what circumstances should a person with diabetes use insulin for management? Thank you!
Dr. Guo Qinghui Reply:
1) Blood glucose concentration, commonly referred to as blood sugar, fluctuates throughout the day. In healthy individuals, blood sugar levels remain within a normal range, while in people with diabetes, these levels exceed the normal range, necessitating frequent monitoring—idea...[Read More] How Often Should Diabetics Check Blood Sugar Levels?
Natural Sugars for Diabetics: Safe Options and Health Considerations
What types of carbohydrates can diabetes patients consume? Hello, Dr. Hsiao. I would like to ask what types of naturally derived sugars diabetic patients can consume. There are many chemically synthesized sugars available on the market, and consuming too much of them may burden t...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello, in response to your questions: 1. The development of sugar substitutes is primarily aimed at satisfying the human craving for sweetness. Common examples include saccharin, fructose, aspartame, sorbitol, and acesulfame K. If the sweetness of sucrose is rated as 1, then sor...[Read More] Natural Sugars for Diabetics: Safe Options and Health Considerations
Does Eating Sweet Potatoes Raise Blood Sugar Levels and Risk Diabetes?
Does eating sweet potatoes frequently cause an increase in blood sugar levels? Currently, if your fasting blood sugar is 119, regularly consuming sweet potatoes may lead to increased blood sugar levels, potentially contributing to the development of diabetes.
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your questions. 1. There are many causes of diabetes, generally classified into Type 1 and Type 2. The former accounts for 5-10% and is primarily due to the destruction of pancreatic β-cells by autoimmune antibodies or other factors; the latter accounts for ...[Read More] Does Eating Sweet Potatoes Raise Blood Sugar Levels and Risk Diabetes?
Can Diabetes-Related Frequent Urination Cause Constipation?
Can diabetes-related polyuria cause constipation? Dr. Yang: Hello! My husband has been taking medication for hypertension for a long time. He usually urinates a lot, but recently he has lost weight rapidly and feels extremely thirsty. After testing his blood sugar two hours after...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Hello: Diabetes medications may cause gastrointestinal discomfort; sometimes reducing the dosage can help, and other times the body may gradually adapt. If discomfort persists, it may be necessary to adjust the medication. Constipation caused by diabetes medications is relatively...[Read More] Can Diabetes-Related Frequent Urination Cause Constipation?
Managing Persistent Limb Pain: Insights for Diabetes Patients
Experiencing numbness and pain in the limbs? Dear Dr. Chen, Three years ago, I was hospitalized for limb pain (at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital), and during that time, I was diagnosed with diabetes. Since then, my pain has somewhat alleviated, and my blood sugar levels are well c...
Dr. Chen Qingbin Reply:
Hello Wei: Your condition may be peripheral neuropathy caused by diabetes. The symptoms can fluctuate and may not fully improve. It is important to control your blood sugar levels, and appropriate exercise may be beneficial.[Read More] Managing Persistent Limb Pain: Insights for Diabetes Patients
Do I Need a Glucose Tolerance Test with Stable Blood Sugar Levels?
Blood sugar level issues? Hello, Director Hsiao. I have been taking the antihypertensive medication Teromin, and my fasting blood glucose levels have consistently ranged between 90 and 110 (not including 110) during health check-ups over the years. Given this, do I need to underg...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, according to the current concept of "early diagnosis and early prevention" of diabetes, if fasting blood glucose is above 100 mg/dL, it is recommended to perform an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). If the blood glucose level excee...[Read More] Do I Need a Glucose Tolerance Test with Stable Blood Sugar Levels?
Managing Diabetes and Pneumonia: Essential Tips for Caregivers
Diabetes with pneumonia? Dear Dr. Wang, My father has diabetes, and although he measures his blood sugar daily, he enjoys drinking alcohol. Last week, he suddenly developed acute pneumonia, which made him refrain from drinking. However, due to his diabetes and pneumonia, he is h...
Dr. Wang Fangli Reply:
Hello Gina: For diabetic patients, consuming alcohol can lead to poor blood sugar control and increase the risk of infections such as pneumonia or urinary tract infections. When a diabetic patient develops acute pneumonia, it is important to supplement with high-protein foods, su...[Read More] Managing Diabetes and Pneumonia: Essential Tips for Caregivers
Why Am I Still Tired After Sleeping 7-8 Hours?
Feeling tired despite sleeping for a long time and needing to sleep more? Hello, Doctor. I have seen news reports stating that sleeping for at least 7 hours is generally sufficient, so I usually sleep between 7 to 8 hours. However, sometimes I still feel the urge to sleep more. I...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou Reply:
The golden sleep period for humans is from 10 PM to 6 AM. This is when the human circadian rhythm activates at 10 PM, leading to the secretion of growth hormone and melatonin, a slight decrease in body temperature, and a gradual transition of brain waves from high-amplitude alpha...[Read More] Why Am I Still Tired After Sleeping 7-8 Hours?
Post-Amputation Concerns for Diabetic Patients: A Guide
What are some issues after amputation due to diabetes? Hello, Dr. Shi. My mother is 66 years old and has a history of diabetes for 30 years. Six months ago, she accidentally fell and had both of her lower legs amputated. Currently, her wounds have healed, and we are considering p...
Dr. Shi Guangzhong Reply:
Dear Ms. Huang, I apologize for the delayed response as I was abroad. If the wound has healed for more than six months, you may consider getting a prosthesis. If you are experiencing symptoms such as tingling and bouncing in both legs, these are primarily chronic complications of...[Read More] Post-Amputation Concerns for Diabetic Patients: A Guide
Do Diabetes Medications Need to Be Taken for Life? Insights and Alternatives
Regarding blood sugar and blood sugar medications? Dear Doctor, I would like to ask if my current blood sugar levels are high (around 140 mg/dL before meals and over 300 mg/dL after meals), and the doctor has already prescribed medication to lower my blood sugar. Is it true tha...
Dr. Chen Qingbin Reply:
Hello KAREN: I apologize for the delayed response due to my annual leave. We need to first confirm whether you have diabetes; if so, treatment will be necessary. Medication is part of the treatment, but dietary control, exercise, and lifestyle modifications are also essential com...[Read More] Do Diabetes Medications Need to Be Taken for Life? Insights and Alternatives
Understanding Your Dizziness: Is It Related to Liver Health?
Is there a problem with the liver? I've been feeling dizzy for the past few days, with my blood pressure often around 86. However, when I went to the hospital, it was measured at 109, which the doctor said is normal. The doctor also suggested checking if I have a cold, exami...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Hello: Dizziness is a nonspecific symptom that many individuals do not have any correlation with underlying diseases. Generally, it is not significantly related to blood pressure, blood sugar, liver function, or thyroid function.[Read More] Understanding Your Dizziness: Is It Related to Liver Health?
Managing High Blood Pressure: When to Consult a Doctor and Monitoring Tips
Hypertension Hello, 1. My father is 58 years old and has high blood pressure and elevated blood sugar, but he does not have diabetes yet. He is currently on medication, and his blood pressure has been maintained at around 140/70. However, it has recently risen to 180/80, althou...
Dr. Chen Qingbin Reply:
Hello CHI: Your father's blood pressure is unstable. It is best to visit his original physician and provide them with the blood pressure log for reference. There is no limit to how many times blood pressure should be measured; ideally, it should be taken 2 to 4 times a day.[Read More] Managing High Blood Pressure: When to Consult a Doctor and Monitoring Tips
Managing Diet for Hypertension and Diabetes: Can You Eat Sweet Potatoes and Corn?
The patient has experienced significant weight loss over the past six months, but despite eating a lot, they do not feel full? Patients with hypertension and diabetes who are currently on medication should pay attention to the following dietary considerations: 1. **Limit Sodium ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your questions. 1. There are many reasons for weight loss, with common causes including diabetes, hyperthyroidism, cancer, and other diseases. Among these, cancer predominantly involves gastrointestinal disorders. 2. The dietary management for hypertensi...[Read More] Managing Diet for Hypertension and Diabetes: Can You Eat Sweet Potatoes and Corn?
Understanding Diabetes: Insulin Use, Nail Care, and Blood Sugar Control
Confused Diabetes 1. The insulin syringe is traditional; should it be discarded after one use or can it be used for a day with multiple doses? 2. Is it better to trim toenails in a rounded or straight shape, and what are the differences? 3. How much can one unit of insulin lo...
Dr. Guo Qinghui Reply:
1) Insulin syringes should ideally be disposed of after a single use, but this poses significant waste management issues. Therefore, as long as they are kept clean, they can be reused to benefit the environment. 2) Diabetic patients should avoid trimming their toenails themselves...[Read More] Understanding Diabetes: Insulin Use, Nail Care, and Blood Sugar Control
Essential Diabetes Care Tips for Seniors: What to Know
What should people with diabetes pay attention to? Hello Dr. Shi: My father is 66 years old and was diagnosed with diabetes after surgery. Since he doesn't like going to the hospital, what should he pay attention to regarding diabetes management?
Dr. Shi Guangzhong Reply:
Diabetes is a chronic condition that requires regular monitoring, so it is recommended that your father continue to visit the hospital for check-ups. The management of diabetes varies from person to person; some patients can stabilize their blood sugar levels through dietary cont...[Read More] Essential Diabetes Care Tips for Seniors: What to Know
Does Xylitol and Goji Berry Tea Affect Blood Sugar Levels?
Diet for Blood Sugar Control Hello Dr. Wang, I would like to ask if consuming foods containing 400 mg of xylitol in a day will raise blood sugar levels. Additionally, does drinking goji berry tea every day also affect blood sugar levels? I appreciate your answers to these quest...
Dr. Wang Fangli Reply:
Hello Jerry: Xylitol and goji berries themselves do not raise blood sugar levels. However, it is important to consider the effects of other components in foods or goji berry tea on blood sugar. Dr. Wang Fangli, Department of Internal Medicine, Hualien Hospital, Ministry of Health...[Read More] Does Xylitol and Goji Berry Tea Affect Blood Sugar Levels?
Dietary Guidelines for Managing Diabetes and Liver Cirrhosis
Inquiring about the diet for diabetes and cirrhosis? Hello Dr. Chen, I would like to ask about my mother's recent diagnosis of diabetes and cirrhosis. What dietary considerations should we be aware of? I have no knowledge about what foods are suitable or unsuitable for her...
Dr. Chen Qingbin Reply:
Hello Lulu: Diabetes and cirrhosis are chronic diseases that require long-term outpatient follow-up and treatment. In terms of diet, it is important to maintain a low-sodium, low-fat, low-sugar, and high-fiber diet. Regular exercise is also necessary. Purchasing a blood glucose m...[Read More] Dietary Guidelines for Managing Diabetes and Liver Cirrhosis
Should You Take Blood Sugar Medication Before Fasting Blood Tests?
Questions about fasting blood tests? Hello, doctor: If I need to fast for a blood test on the same day, should I fast for more than 8 hours? Should I take my blood sugar-lowering medication before the meal? Thank you for your response!
Dr. Shi Guangzhong Reply:
Dear: Fasting blood tests should be done after fasting for at least eight hours. Blood should be drawn first, followed by taking blood sugar-lowering medication, and then eating.[Read More] Should You Take Blood Sugar Medication Before Fasting Blood Tests?
Should You Take Blood Sugar Medications Before Fasting Blood Tests?
Questions about fasting blood tests? Hello, doctor: If I need to fast for blood tests (blood glucose) on that day, which requires fasting for more than eight hours, should I take the "pre-meal" blood sugar medication?
Dr. Guo Qinghui Reply:
Fasting blood tests require a fasting period of at least eight hours. Blood should be drawn first, followed by taking blood sugar-lowering medication, and then eating. Guo Qinghui[Read More] Should You Take Blood Sugar Medications Before Fasting Blood Tests?
Understanding Normal Blood Sugar Reduction Rates in Diabetes Management
What is the normal rate of decline in blood glucose levels during the early stages? My older brother, who is 44 years old, was diagnosed with diabetes on November 21, with a fasting blood sugar level of 365. He started medication and dietary control on November 23, and his fastin...
Dr. Shi Guangzhong Reply:
The rate of blood sugar decline does not have a specific standard; it is only important whether it is maintained within a good range. Your brother has already started medication and dietary control, and his blood sugar will gradually decrease. It has dropped from over 300 to over...[Read More] Understanding Normal Blood Sugar Reduction Rates in Diabetes Management