Essential Health Checks for High Blood Sugar: What Tests to Consider
Health check-up If my father has never had a health check-up but has experienced high blood sugar levels, what tests should he undergo?
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
You can arrange for a blood glucose test at the hospital outpatient department, and the National Health Insurance Administration's adult health check also includes a blood glucose testing item.[Read More] Essential Health Checks for High Blood Sugar: What Tests to Consider
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?
Understanding Back Pain Near the Kidneys: Signs and Concerns
Back pain near the kidneys? I have a strong aversion to drinking water, and I typically consume about three bowls of soup and one cup of milk each day, occasionally adding a 600cc bottle of sports drink. I've had no issues throughout my life, but since I started working as a...
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, it was mentioned that your daily fluid intake is less than 2000cc, and due to work-related factors, you urinate infrequently, resulting in darker yellow urine. This is a mechanism by which the kidneys concentrate urine to retain sufficient bod...[Read More] Understanding Back Pain Near the Kidneys: Signs and Concerns
Effective Dietary Control for Diabetes Management: Tips and Guidelines
How to control your diet? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about my father, who is a moderately overweight diabetic patient. He is currently taking traditional Chinese medicine, specifically Xianfengcao (Salvia miltiorrhiza). The preparation method involves placing the herbal pa...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your questions. 1. The treatment of diabetes includes both pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches. The former includes sulfonylureas, biguanides, meglitinides, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, insulin sensitizers, and various forms of insulin; the l...[Read More] Effective Dietary Control for Diabetes Management: Tips and Guidelines
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?
Does Hypertension Medication Increase Diabetes Risk in Seniors?
Do antihypertensive medications cause diabetes? Hello! I am 72 years old and have been on antihypertensive medication for over a decade. Recently, I had a check-up, and my blood sugar was 198, with the presence of glucose in my urine. Is this diabetes caused by high blood pressur...
Dr. Shi Guangzhong Reply:
There are many causes of diabetes, and it cannot be definitively determined whether hypertension or medication is the cause. In any case, a blood sugar level of 198 needs to be controlled. Regarding whether dental inflammation on the day of testing affects blood sugar levels, for...[Read More] Does Hypertension Medication Increase Diabetes Risk in Seniors?
Understanding High Blood Sugar in Diabetes: Causes and Dietary Solutions
Diabetes Care and Nutrition Hello Dr. Shi: My father is 62 years old and has a history of diabetes for ten years. Recently, for more than three months, his postprandial blood sugar levels have been high, reaching 280 and 300. It is puzzling because he does not eat snacks, has nor...
Dr. Shi Guangzhong Reply:
The target for good blood sugar control should be maintained at 80-120 mg/dL before meals and less than 160 mg/dL two hours after meals. Your father's blood sugar levels of 280 and 300 mg/dL are too high. If he is already managing his diet and exercising but his blood sugar ...[Read More] Understanding High Blood Sugar in Diabetes: Causes and Dietary Solutions
Managing Blood Sugar and Hypertension: Diet, Exercise, and Medication Side Effects
Will there be any symptoms triggered? Hello Doctor: My mother is 60 years old and currently has a blood sugar level of 180. She also has hypertension. May I ask if it is possible to control her condition with diet and exercise first (without medication)? If medication is necessar...
Dr. Shi Guangzhong Reply:
According to the American Diabetes Association, the blood sugar control standards for diabetes patients are 90-130 mg/dL before meals and below 180 mg/dL two hours after meals. Therefore, if your mother's blood sugar is 180 mg/dL, it is important to first confirm whether it ...[Read More] Managing Blood Sugar and Hypertension: Diet, Exercise, and Medication Side Effects
Understanding Diabetes Medications: Safety Levels During Pregnancy
Classification of Diabetes Medications Hello, I am a diabetic patient currently taking Amaryl and Metformin. My period is 13 days late, and I am worried about the possibility of being pregnant. I would like to know the FDA pregnancy categories for these two medications: which cat...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question. According to reports from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and clinical medicine: 1. Amaryl (Glimepiride) is classified as Category C, indicating that animal studies have shown potential harm to the fetus; however, there is a lack o...[Read More] Understanding Diabetes Medications: Safety Levels During Pregnancy
Feeling Tired After Sleep: Possible Causes and Solutions
Waking up feeling unrested? I have recently been feeling like I haven't had enough sleep after getting out of bed in the morning, and I feel a bit dizzy. I don't have trouble falling asleep at night, but sometimes I wake up around 1 or 2 AM and then go back to sleep. In...
Dr. Chen Qingbin Reply:
Your total cholesterol is elevated, so you should pay attention to your diet and avoid excessive fats. It's important to engage in regular exercise. You are experiencing sleep disturbances, and it would be best to consult a psychiatrist or a mental health specialist at a hos...[Read More] Feeling Tired After Sleep: Possible Causes and Solutions
Is OPC Supplement Safe for Patients with Reduced Kidney Function?
Hyperkalemia Hello, I would like to ask if patients with approximately 50% kidney function remaining are suitable for consuming OPC health supplements. The OPC product contains antioxidant components such as grape seed extract at about 25 mg and red wine extract at about 25 mg pe...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Hello Ms. Lin, 1. Regarding your question about the health supplement OPC, I apologize that I am not familiar with it. As you mentioned, if kidney function is reduced to half, aside from collaborating with a physician (such as controlling blood pressure, blood sugar, and reducin...[Read More] Is OPC Supplement Safe for Patients with Reduced Kidney Function?
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
Understanding Stroke Risks and Blood Sugar Monitoring for Diabetic Patients
Medical Knowledge (Forwarded from the Director's Mailbox) Dear Director: 1. For long-term diabetes patients, does poor blood sugar control increase the risk of stroke? 2. For long-term diabetes patients currently experiencing a second stroke (under treatment), is daily bl...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Diabetes increases the risk of stroke, and poor diabetes control further elevates this risk. Whether daily monitoring is necessary depends on the treatment method and blood glucose control status. If insulin injections are used and blood glucose is poorly controlled, daily monito...[Read More] Understanding Stroke Risks and Blood Sugar Monitoring for Diabetic Patients
Managing Diabetes: Addressing Nerve Issues and Rehabilitation Options
Diabetes issues Hello Doctor: My mother has had diabetes for 9 years and has been taking medication to control her blood sugar. Recently, she has been experiencing numbness in her right hand and foot. I have seen your responses to other patients and understand that this is caused...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question. 1. Diabetic neuropathy may affect peripheral nerves, leading to symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and pain in the distal extremities, typically in the hands and feet. It can also cause soreness and weakness in proximal muscles, such as th...[Read More] Managing Diabetes: Addressing Nerve Issues and Rehabilitation Options
Understanding Hypoglycemic Encephalopathy: Causes and Implications for Elderly Patients
Hypoglycemic encephalopathy What is hypoglycemic encephalopathy, Dr. Chen? What are its causes? My grandmother (86 years old) was recently rushed to the hospital due to a coma, and the doctor diagnosed her with altered consciousness, suspecting hypoglycemic encephalopathy. The do...
Dr. Chen Qingbin Reply:
Hello Yongchang: The human brain can only use glucose as its sole source of energy. If blood sugar levels drop too low, it can lead to neuronal damage, altered consciousness, and even coma, a condition known as hypoglycemic encephalopathy. Elderly patients with diabetes are more ...[Read More] Understanding Hypoglycemic Encephalopathy: Causes and Implications for Elderly Patients
Understanding Unusual Body Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Advice
Abnormal physical phenomena My life is simple, and I usually go to bed late (around one or two in the morning). Since childhood, I have been prone to bruising (I get bruises easily from minor bumps) and my mouth sores take longer to heal. Recently, I have noticed some unusual sym...
Dr. Wang Fangli Reply:
In addition to consulting an otolaryngologist, it is also important to check blood glucose, platelet count, red blood cell count, hemoglobin, and white blood cell count.[Read More] Understanding Unusual Body Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Advice
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
Should I Take Medication for Diabetes? Exploring Treatment Options
Is medication necessary? I have been diagnosed with diabetes for a year and a half. During this time, my fasting blood sugar levels have ranged from 140 to 160 mg/dL, and my postprandial blood sugar levels have been between 180 and 200 mg/dL. My HbA1c levels are between 7.0% and ...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Generally, a hemoglobin A1c level below 7.0% is considered acceptable, while a level above 8.0% necessitates intervention. Since your level is currently between these two thresholds, you can try to enhance your diet and exercise as non-pharmacological treatments. However, if you ...[Read More] Should I Take Medication for Diabetes? Exploring Treatment Options
Understanding Diabetes Complications: Symptoms and Management Tips
Complications of diabetes mellitus? Hello Dr. Shi: My father is currently 60 years old and has been diagnosed with diabetes for nearly 20 years. He has been managing his blood sugar levels with insulin injections. Recently, we have noticed that his feet are swollen and his vision...
Dr. Shi Guangzhong Reply:
Your father has been suffering from diabetes for 20 years, and symptoms like edema and blurred vision are typically among the complications of diabetes. He should pay attention to potential issues such as nephropathy, retinopathy, and cardiovascular complications. Regarding the w...[Read More] Understanding Diabetes Complications: Symptoms and Management Tips