Understanding Blood Sugar Issues: Insights on PCOS and Metabolic Health
Blood sugar issues Question 1: Recently, due to polycystic ovary syndrome, I was prescribed oral metformin and SGLT2 inhibitors. Although these are not for diabetes treatment, I underwent blood tests due to gynecological examinations revealing metabolic issues. My fasting blood g...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
1. On the day of fasting blood glucose testing, do not eat or take any medications. 2. Fasting blood glucose is 106 mg/dL, and hemoglobin A1c is 6.2%, indicating prediabetes. 3. Avoid all types of sugars, including brown sugar, black sugar, white sugar, cube sugar, fructose, and ...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Issues: Insights on PCOS and Metabolic Health
Understanding PEP Treatment: When to Test for HIV Infection
Questions regarding testing after Pep administration? Hello Doctor, I apologize for the interruption. I started Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) on June 11 due to engaging in high-risk sexual behavior and completed the full course of medication on July 8. However, I mistakenly had...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, this question indeed does not have a standard answer because currently, there are different practices internationally based on various studies and treatment guidelines, including the use of different reagents, which can affect sensitivity. Therefore, each hospital will hav...[Read More] Understanding PEP Treatment: When to Test for HIV Infection
Understanding Elevated Lymphocytes: Should You Worry About Leukemia?
Blood disorders Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you a few questions. Two weeks ago, I went to the emergency room at Chang Gung Hospital due to dizziness, general weakness, and nausea. My blood test results showed low potassium levels, mild jaundice, and elevated lymphocyte cou...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding the lymphocyte part, since I don't have the exact numbers, I infer from your description that what the doctors mentioned is likely a higher "lymphocyte percentage" rather than an increase in lymphocyte count. The lymphocyte percentage can vary due ...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Lymphocytes: Should You Worry About Leukemia?
Does Long-Term Use of Finasteride Affect HbA1c Levels?
Will long-term use of Posca affect glycosylated hemoglobin levels? Hello Dr. Chen, I would like to ask a question. Due to a family history of diabetes, I recently went to the hospital for a blood test. However, I have male pattern baldness and have been taking finasteride. I am...
Dr. Chen Jianyu Reply:
No, there is no such information mentioned in the package insert.[Read More] Does Long-Term Use of Finasteride Affect HbA1c Levels?
Understanding Discrepancies Between Blood Sugar Tests and Home Monitoring
The blood glucose test results from the lab are normal, but self-monitoring shows elevated levels? Hello, Doctor. Thank you for taking the time to read my lengthy description. About four weeks ago, I visited the hospital's endocrinology department due to concerns about my bl...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Your condition may indicate impaired glucose tolerance, which may not yet meet the criteria for a diabetes diagnosis. It is recommended to manage your diet and exercise for a period of time, and then follow up at the hospital. If you experience any symptoms, seek immediate follow...[Read More] Understanding Discrepancies Between Blood Sugar Tests and Home Monitoring
Understanding Thyroid Enlargement: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Goiter Hello Dr. Lin, I recently visited an endocrinologist after my physical therapist mentioned that my thyroid might be enlarged. The doctor performed a physical examination and noted a thyroid enlargement of grade I-II. My blood test results were Free T4 (1.32), TSH (1.31), a...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
1. The symptoms mentioned above are similar to those of hyperthyroidism. The dosage of Eltroxin can also affect the severity of symptoms; some doses may exacerbate symptoms while others may not. 2. There are several different types of thyroid enlargement, so it is advisable to ...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Enlargement: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Anxiety Symptoms: Why Do I Feel Nervous and Sweaty?
Easily anxious? Hello, doctor. I often feel very anxious, sweat a lot, have a rapid heartbeat, experience diarrhea, and my neck feels a bit swollen. However, after seeing a doctor and having blood tests, everything came back normal, and there is no hyperthyroidism. Why do I still...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
The symptoms mentioned above are not exclusive to hyperthyroidism. Other diseases may also present similar symptoms. It is also possible that no abnormalities are detected upon examination.[Read More] Understanding Anxiety Symptoms: Why Do I Feel Nervous and Sweaty?
Understanding SLE Symptoms: Low Fever, Fatigue, and Skin Issues
It seems like your message is incomplete. Could you please provide Hello, Doctor Gao. I am the one who inquired about SLE a week ago. Recently, I have been experiencing low-grade fevers, weakness, loss of appetite, and about ten oral ulcers. I have also noticed a few red spots, a...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The presence of a rash on the skin, along with mouth ulcers and a mild fever, may indicate disease activity. We do not solely rely on blood test results to assess whether a disease is active; clinical symptoms remain very important. Please sched...[Read More] Understanding SLE Symptoms: Low Fever, Fatigue, and Skin Issues
Thyroid Levels and Their Impact on Altitude Sickness: Key Insights
Thyroid levels and altitude sickness issues? Hello, I would like to ask about my condition. I have been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and have been on medication for over two years. For the past year, both my TSH and FT4 levels have been within the normal range. However, my most...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
1. During the medication period for hyperthyroidism, this situation may occur. You can discuss with your attending physician whether a medication adjustment is necessary. 2. Being in a state of physical and mental stress, having irregular routines, or experiencing environmental c...[Read More] Thyroid Levels and Their Impact on Altitude Sickness: Key Insights
Understanding Thyroid Issues: When to Follow Up After Abnormal Tests
Thyroid issues Long-term abdominal bloating and back pain led to a visit to the hospital. The patient has an adrenal tumor and underwent various tests, including blood tests, which showed low thyroid hormone levels. The physician scheduled a follow-up blood test and a 24-hour uri...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the usual diagnostic approach for adrenal tumors involves reviewing CT or MRI reports. If the tumor is malignant, further consideration for surgery or chemotherapy is necessary. If it is benign, it is important to confirm whether it is a functional tumor. Based on your des...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Issues: When to Follow Up After Abnormal Tests
Understanding Post-Meal Blood Sugar of 201: Risks and Management Strategies
A postprandial blood glucose level of 201 mg/dL is considered elevated. It is important to evaluate this result in the context of the individual's overall health, medical history, and potential symptoms. Here are some considerations and actions to take: 1? Hello, doctor. Th...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
1. Generally speaking, a random blood glucose level of 201 mg/dL increases the likelihood of diabetes compared to normal individuals. However, at that time, you also had a cold, which could affect blood glucose levels. It is recommended to visit the endocrinology clinic after rec...[Read More] Understanding Post-Meal Blood Sugar of 201: Risks and Management Strategies
Managing SLE: Understanding Pain and Treatment Options for Patients
Regarding SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) Hello, doctor. I am a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). I was diagnosed at the age of 22, and it has been 18 years since then. Over the years, I have been taking steroids and quinine, without adding any other medications...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello Julia, in assessing the disease activity of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), in addition to evaluating blood test results, it is also important to consider the patient's symptoms. Joint pain and swelling are common in SLE but are generally considered mild manifestat...[Read More] Managing SLE: Understanding Pain and Treatment Options for Patients
Understanding Syphilis and Wart Transmission Risks: A Doctor's Insight
Please, doctor? Hello, Doctor. Thank you for your previous response. 1. I read online that there is a possibility of syphilis infection through contact with wounds, but I'm unsure if this is true. Does the wound need to be large for this to happen? I would like to ask if t...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
The chance of contracting syphilis through wound contact is very low; it primarily spreads through sexual intercourse and blood exposure. It is advised not to believe misleading information found online. There is no need to go to the hospital for blood tests regarding this. As fo...[Read More] Understanding Syphilis and Wart Transmission Risks: A Doctor's Insight
Understanding the Risks of Warts and STIs: Your Questions Answered
149770 follow-up question 1. Hello Doctor, I have a question. My colleague has a viral wart, but he has already undergone cryotherapy twice, and the doctor told him to just observe it afterward. However, the area where he was treated has not completely healed, and there is anothe...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Viral warts must be assessed through a direct examination of the skin condition, and it is not possible to answer hypothetical questions regarding your colleague's situation. It is recommended that if you have any abnormal skin conditions, you seek consultation with a dermat...[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Warts and STIs: Your Questions Answered
Understanding Syphilis Infection Risks: Common Questions Answered
Risk of Syphilis Infection 1. Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask if contact with a wound can lead to syphilis infection. I am unsure if the term "wound" includes minor cuts. I have acne on my cheek and small cuts from shaving. If I come into contact with someone else&#x...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection primarily transmitted through sexual intercourse. In contrast, genital warts require direct contact with the lesions for a higher chance of infection. Currently, evidence-based medicine cannot address too many hypothetical questions. I...[Read More] Understanding Syphilis Infection Risks: Common Questions Answered
Understanding HIV Testing and PEP: Key Concerns and Insights
HIV testing issues Hello Doctor, I apologize for bothering you. Last month, I decided to undergo a PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) medication regimen at the infectious disease department, and I just completed this regimen two weeks ago. In another two weeks, I will return to the ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, the issue seems to be related to "false positives" from the rapid test. Most rapid tests utilize an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA or EIA) method to detect HIV, which has a specific reading time. Accurate results can only be obtained...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing and PEP: Key Concerns and Insights
Understanding the Risks of Skin-to-Skin Contact and HIV Transmission
Wound-to-wound contact? Hello, doctor. I would like to inquire about the following: 1. A few days ago at a gathering, a pole dancer hugged me and rubbed her chest against my cheek. I was concerned because I have acne and some shaving cuts on my face, and she also had some wound...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
The contact you described does not pose a risk of infection, and there is no need for blood tests to rule it out. Recommendations should focus on preventing unsafe sexual behaviors rather than assuming whether everyday activities could lead to infection.[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Skin-to-Skin Contact and HIV Transmission
Understanding Mucosal Structure and HIV Infection Risks: Key Insights
Mucosal structure 1. The innermost layer is indeed the mucosal layer, the middle layer is the muscular layer, and the outer layer is the fibrous layer. Therefore, when touching the external surface of the urethral opening, you are only touching the fibrous layer and not the mucos...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Your understanding of mucous membranes is correct, but the scenarios you are imagining are hypothetical. It is not advisable to undergo screening unless there has been actual sexual activity. Most screening facilities also recommend testing primarily when there has been unsafe se...[Read More] Understanding Mucosal Structure and HIV Infection Risks: Key Insights
Understanding Bloodborne Infection Risks: HIV, Syphilis, and Gonorrhea Concerns
Blood infection issues? Hello Doctor, I am the person who previously had a small abrasion near the penile frenulum due to masturbation. I am concerned that while using the restroom at work, my hands might touch external surfaces like the restroom doorknob or faucet, and then inad...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
1 and 2: Yes 3 and 4: It depends on the situation 5 to 12: No, because there are currently no clinical cases like this 13: The situation varies; your condition will not 14: No 15: There is no definitive conclusion; it depends on the situation 16: Not necessary[Read More] Understanding Bloodborne Infection Risks: HIV, Syphilis, and Gonorrhea Concerns
Understanding Gonorrhea Risks: Can You Get Infected from Indirect Contact?
Gonococcal infection issues? I'm the person who previously had a small abrasion next to the penile frenulum due to masturbation, and I'm concerned about the possibility of contracting HIV, syphilis, or gonorrhea from touching external surfaces like bathroom doorknobs or...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
1. No. 2. Not necessarily; it depends on the actual situation. 3. Can be ruled out. 4. Will not be infected. 5. Will not be infected. 6. Not needed, because there will be no infection. 7. Testing is only required if there is unsafe sexual behavior. 8. None. 9. Not...[Read More] Understanding Gonorrhea Risks: Can You Get Infected from Indirect Contact?