Managing Edema in Diabetic Patients: A Guide for Caregivers
Diabetic patients with edema issues? Hello, doctor. My grandmother is a 60-year-old diabetic patient with a history of about 10 years. She has been taking medication to control her blood sugar, which is usually stable and does not exceed 180. However, for the past year, she has b...
Dr. Xie Yonghui Reply:
According to your letter, your grandmother's lower back pain may be caused by urinary tract stones, but the most common reason for lower back pain in elderly individuals is degenerative changes in the lumbar spine. It is necessary to consult an orthopedic specialist for furt...[Read More] Managing Edema in Diabetic Patients: A Guide for Caregivers
Understanding Unexplained Pain in Diabetic Patients: A Case Study
Inquiry about unknown ailments? Hello, I would like to inquire about some unexplained pain. Thank you. Patient: Father, male, 68 years old, has been a diabetic for 15 years with blood sugar levels generally controlled around 130, but postprandial levels can rise to about 200. Med...
Dr. Shi Guangzhong Reply:
Your father should not have a potassium level of 102; after hospitalization and receiving saline, it has risen to 127. It should be sodium that is low. Hypokalemia can cause weakness in the legs, but hyponatremia can also lead to leg weakness, as well as low blood pressure, which...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Pain in Diabetic Patients: A Case Study
Managing Diabetic Neuropathy: Solutions for Numbness in Hands and Feet
Diabetes-related peripheral neuropathy issues? Hello Dr. Shih, thank you very much for your detailed response last time. I have another question I would like to ask you again. My mother (63 years old) has been suffering from diabetes for thirty years. She has previously controlle...
Dr. Shi Guangzhong Reply:
The most concerning aspect of diabetes is its chronic complications. Your mother's numbness in her hands and feet is a symptom of neuropathy and is not caused by insulin injections. Insulin is a hormone used to lower blood sugar levels and is not harmful to the body. Therefo...[Read More] Managing Diabetic Neuropathy: Solutions for Numbness in Hands and Feet
Understanding Asymptomatic Diabetes: Risks and Management in Older Adults
There are no noticeable symptoms of diabetes? My father is 74 years old. Six years ago, he underwent surgery due to an accident and was found to have high blood sugar levels. He started taking antidiabetic medications. Initially, he was taking one pill, but now he has increased t...
Dr. Shi Guangzhong Reply:
The symptoms of diabetes are often subtle, so many people with diabetes are unaware of their condition, just like your father who discovered his diabetes by chance. High or low blood sugar levels are not the main concern; what is critical are the chronic complications that arise ...[Read More] Understanding Asymptomatic Diabetes: Risks and Management in Older Adults
Understanding Diabetes: Key Symptoms, HbA1c, and Future Treatments
The three polys of diabetes refer to polyuria (excessive urination), polydipsia (excessive thirst), and polyphagia (excessive hunger). Glycated hemoglobin, also known as HbA1c, is a form of hemoglobin that is chemically linked to glucose. It is used as a marker to Hello Dr. Hsiao...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello, in response to your questions: 1. The normal fasting plasma glucose level for healthy individuals ranges from 70 to 110 mg/dL, while the postprandial glucose level two hours after a meal should be between 80 and 140 mg/dL. Clinically, one of the criteria for diagnosing d...[Read More] Understanding Diabetes: Key Symptoms, HbA1c, and Future Treatments
Understanding Low Blood Sugar: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
My blood sugar seems to be too low? (Blood sugar level: around 70 after meals) Hello, I just finished my graduate school entrance exam and the civil service exam a couple of days ago. My eating and sleeping patterns are normal (I’m actually eating a bit more than before and my ap...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, the normal fasting plasma glucose level for a healthy individual ranges from 70 to 110 mg/dL, while the postprandial blood glucose level two hours after eating should be between 80 and 140 mg/dL. Regarding blood pressure, it is generally desir...[Read More] Understanding Low Blood Sugar: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Do Nasal Mucus Contain Sugar? Exploring Health Concerns and Symptoms
Is it possible for nasal mucus to contain sugar? Is it possible for nasal mucus to contain sugar? I accidentally left some nasal mucus wrapped in tissue and forgot to throw it away, and the next day it attracted ants. Additionally, my waist feels numb. Could this indicate a probl...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
A blood sugar level of 70-80 mg/dL between meals should not indicate a problem with diabetes, and experiencing numbness in the waist is less likely to be a manifestation of kidney disease.[Read More] Do Nasal Mucus Contain Sugar? Exploring Health Concerns and Symptoms
Understanding Diabetes Risk and Cancer Screening: A Patient's Guide
Diabetic constitution 1: If both parents have diabetes, is there a hereditary risk? I am currently experiencing palpitations, dizziness, and shaking when I am hungry, but my blood sugar levels are still normal. What treatment should I pursue? 2: My mother is in the advanced sta...
Dr. Wang Fangli Reply:
Hello, Chtylin: 1. If blood sugar levels are normal, treatment is not necessary; however, if both parents have diabetes, regular blood sugar monitoring and attention to diet and exercise are important. 2. In addition to cancer blood screening, other basic examinations should n...[Read More] Understanding Diabetes Risk and Cancer Screening: A Patient's Guide
Managing High Blood Sugar in Heart Disease Patients: Key Insights and Tips
My father has a history of heart disease and recently his blood sugar level was found to be over 230? Recently, my dad was hospitalized and found to have extremely high blood sugar levels. He also has heart disease. However, his cardiologist once told him that if he develops diab...
Dr. He Niaotong Reply:
1. Yes, you can regularly visit the endocrinology department through the National Health Insurance. As long as your father maintains his blood sugar levels within a good range, it can help reduce the complications associated with diabetes. It is recommended that your father keeps...[Read More] Managing High Blood Sugar in Heart Disease Patients: Key Insights and Tips
Understanding Afternoon Dizziness: Causes and Solutions
Dizziness in the afternoon? Hello, I have been experiencing cold hands and feet in the afternoons. After squatting and standing up, I sometimes feel dizzy, and this can also happen in the mornings. Six months ago, I had a blood test that showed a blood sugar level of 68, which wa...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, the symptoms of dizziness may be related to hypoglycemia or orthostatic hypotension. It is recommended to visit the endocrinology clinic for evaluation and treatment.[Read More] Understanding Afternoon Dizziness: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Diabetes: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management
Diabetes issues Hello Doctor: My mother had an examination recently on January 27 of this year. Her fasting blood sugar was 252. The technician informed her that her blood sugar was too high. My mother is currently taking traditional Chinese medicine. We plan to have her tested a...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your questions... 1. The normal fasting plasma glucose level is 70–110 mg/dL. If the fasting plasma glucose level is ≥126 mg/dL after fasting for more than 8 hours, along with clear symptoms of diabetes such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, increased...[Read More] Understanding Diabetes: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management
Understanding Insulin Use in Diabetes: Risks, Concerns, and Alternatives
What are the potential issues that diabetic patients may encounter when administering insulin? Hello Dr. Shi, my mother (63 years old) has been suffering from diabetes for nearly 30 years (family history). She has been controlling her blood sugar with oral medications, but since ...
Dr. Shi Guangzhong Reply:
Miss Huang: I apologize for the delayed response due to a computer malfunction. Your questions are very professional. 1. There are many causes of diarrhea, and certain oral antidiabetic medications can indeed cause diarrhea (such as Glucobay and Glucophage). You should consult ...[Read More] Understanding Insulin Use in Diabetes: Risks, Concerns, and Alternatives
Should I Take Diabetes Medication? Navigating Treatment Options
Do I need to take medication? In the morning, my fasting blood sugar is around 140, and my HbA1c is 7%. Therefore, my doctor said I could manage without medication, just by controlling my diet and exercising, and I should return for regular check-ups every three months. Later, I ...
Dr. Guo Qinghui Reply:
Currently, the fasting blood glucose level is around 170 mg/dL, which requires treatment. The methods include dietary control, exercise, and medication. For dietary management, it is essential to consult a nutritionist to deepen the understanding of dietary control. Engaging in p...[Read More] Should I Take Diabetes Medication? Navigating Treatment Options
Should My 64-Year-Old Mother Start Medication for High Blood Sugar and Cholesterol?
Do you recommend whether medication is necessary? Dr. Kuo, my mother is 64 years old, obese, and has a postprandial blood sugar level of 142. Recently, her cholesterol was checked at 266 and triglycerides at 198. Do you recommend that she needs medication? Thank you! Sincerely, Y...
Dr. Guo Qinghui Reply:
Is medication necessary? To answer this question, it is important to understand your mother's health status, such as whether she has heart disease or high blood pressure. Therefore, please have your mother visit a nearby healthcare facility for a comprehensive assessment of ...[Read More] Should My 64-Year-Old Mother Start Medication for High Blood Sugar and Cholesterol?
Understanding Symptoms After Starting Insulin Therapy for Diabetes
What are some symptoms that can be triggered by insulin administration? Dr. Yang: Hello, I would like to ask about my mother who has been suffering from diabetes for nearly 30 years (family history). She has been controlling her blood sugar with oral medications, but as the dosag...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Patients who switch from oral medications to insulin due to persistently high blood glucose levels, and then revert back to oral medications, have a low chance of achieving good blood glucose control. The causes of your mother's headaches and dizziness can be numerous and ma...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms After Starting Insulin Therapy for Diabetes
Can Women with Diabetes Safely Get Pregnant?
Can a person with diabetes become pregnant? Dear Dr. Huang, In April of this year, I was admitted to Tunghai University Hospital Wuchi Branch due to gallstones complicated by acute pancreatitis. Following the doctor's advice, I underwent a cholecystectomy and was discharged...
Dr. Huang Maosen Reply:
Hello! It is possible to become pregnant with diabetes; however, special attention must be paid to blood sugar control during pregnancy. According to the information you provided, your blood sugar control is not ideal. Hemoglobin A1c should be maintained below 7, fasting blood su...[Read More] Can Women with Diabetes Safely Get Pregnant?
Exploring Traditional Chinese Medicine for Diabetes Management
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Treatment for Diabetes 1. Can traditional Chinese medicine for diabetes replace oral medications for blood sugar control? 2. Is the "Yangshan Yongquan San" (modified Yuquan Wan) available on the market effective for treatment? 3. H...
Dr. Guo Qinghui Reply:
1) Currently, traditional Chinese medicine for diabetes cannot replace oral hypoglycemic medications. 2) I do not understand what "Yongquan San (modified Yuquan Wan)" consists of and what its effects are. 3) Please consult a dermatologist for treatment. The treatment me...[Read More] Exploring Traditional Chinese Medicine for Diabetes Management
Understanding Afternoon Dizziness: Causes and Remedies for Seniors
Feeling dizzy and faint in the afternoon? I would like to ask the doctor about my grandfather, who has recently been experiencing sudden dizziness in the afternoons, to the point where he feels like he might faint. However, his condition improves significantly after consuming swe...
Dr. Wang Fangli Reply:
Eating sweets may improve low blood sugar, which is often caused by hypoglycemic medications. It is best to take grandpa to the hospital for an examination.[Read More] Understanding Afternoon Dizziness: Causes and Remedies for Seniors
Could I Have Diabetes? Understanding Symptoms and Concerns
Do I have diabetes? Hello Doctor: Sometimes I forget to flush the toilet after urinating, and after a few hours, I find that the toilet is crawling with ants. Occasionally, I also notice ants crawling on me while I sleep (even after showering). I went to the hospital for blood te...
Dr. Shi Guangzhong Reply:
Dear Yu-Feng: 1. The presence of ants in the toilet does not necessarily indicate diabetes, especially considering your fasting blood glucose level is 101 mg/dL. According to standard criteria, your current situation does not classify as diabetes. Further testing of your postpra...[Read More] Could I Have Diabetes? Understanding Symptoms and Concerns
Understanding Hypoglycemia: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Next Steps
Hypoglycemia I experienced excessive thirst, fatigue, blurred vision, and nausea, thinking it might be diabetes. When I went to the hospital for a check-up at 10 AM (after eating bread at 8 AM), my blood sugar level was only 77, and my blood pressure was 124/75. I have not lost a...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
If the blood sugar level is 77 without taking antidiabetic medications, diabetes can be ruled out. If symptoms persist, further evaluation for other diseases should be considered.[Read More] Understanding Hypoglycemia: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Next Steps