Managing Diabetes: Key Questions on Health, Exercise, and Supplements
Diabetes-related issues Hello Doctor: I have had diabetes since the first year of junior high school, primarily due to being overweight and consuming a lot of junk food from a young age (with a family history of diabetes). I have previously struggled with blood sugar control, but...
Dr. Cai Zonglin Reply:
When muscles are not contracted, they remain in a softer state. It is advisable to consult a sports medicine specialist or a rehabilitation physician regarding diabetes, which primarily involves issues with the pancreatic islet cells. Poor blood sugar control can lead to complica...[Read More] Managing Diabetes: Key Questions on Health, Exercise, and Supplements
Understanding Blood Sugar and Low Urea Nitrogen Levels: What You Need to Know
Blood glucose & blood urea nitrogen (BUN) The school conducted a blood test for a health check... my blood glucose level is 106... The normal range I found online is 70-110, so... am I normal or abnormal? My blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level is 6, which is low. What effects can...
Dr. Wang Fangli Reply:
If the fasting blood glucose is 106, it needs to be monitored; however, if the postprandial blood glucose is 106, it is considered acceptable. A urea nitrogen level of 6 is not a concern. Dr. Wang Fangli, Internal Medicine, Department of Health, Executive Yuan.[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar and Low Urea Nitrogen Levels: What You Need to Know
Understanding Blood Test Results: Anemia and High Platelet Count Explained
Blood report, please help me interpret it? White blood cell count: 4.7, red blood cell count: 4.73, hemoglobin: 6.5, MCV: <50, MCH: 13.7, MCHC: 27.7, platelet count: 481, neutrophil percentage: 60.0, lymphocyte percentage: 32.8. Is this indicative of anemia? Could continuous...
Dr. Wang Fangli Reply:
Hello, Xiao-Wen: An MCV of less than 50 indicates two possible conditions: iron deficiency anemia or thalassemia. In iron deficiency anemia, platelet counts tend to increase; however, in thalassemia, they do not. To determine whether it is iron deficiency anemia or thalassemia, f...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: Anemia and High Platelet Count Explained
Could I Have Ankylosing Spondylitis? Understanding Symptoms and Self-Diagnosis
Is it possible to have ankylosing spondylitis? Hello doctor, recently I have experienced occasional heel pain after sitting for long periods (about over an hour). I previously consulted a neurologist, and X-rays revealed osteophyte formation at the L4 and L5 vertebrae, resulting ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, ankylosing spondylitis often presents with chronic back pain, especially when the pain lasts for more than three months. This should be taken seriously. If the symptoms are only short-term, there is no need for excessive concern; however, if the symptoms recur or become pe...[Read More] Could I Have Ankylosing Spondylitis? Understanding Symptoms and Self-Diagnosis
Understanding RPR and TPHA Test Results: What You Need to Know
I am troubled and upset about the issues related to RPR and TPHA! Hello, Dr. Chen! I have been a user of intravenous drugs and have been on methadone for several years. I undergo regular RPR blood tests every six months, and while I have had abnormal results at times, they have r...
Dr. Chen Jianyu Reply:
The text does not mention the RPR value or a series of reports. Since the interpretation of syphilis indices may result in false-positive reports, please consult a specialized infectious disease physician. Thank you![Read More] Understanding RPR and TPHA Test Results: What You Need to Know
Understanding Unexplained Leg and Arm Symptoms: What Could It Be?
Is this symptom rheumatism? I have been experiencing a cool sensation in my left calf and forearm when they are at rest, and if I remain inactive for a long time, I also feel soreness. This has been happening for many years, but it has recently become more severe. I went to the h...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, user: I suggest that you first touch your left calf and forearm, which feel cool, and compare them with the same areas on the right side. If you find that they are significantly colder, it may indicate a vascular circulation issue, and you should consider seeing a cardiolo...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Leg and Arm Symptoms: What Could It Be?
Chest Discomfort: Understanding Treatment Options for Heart Issues
Chest tightness and discomfort with deep breathing? Today, I went to Nanmen Hospital for an X-ray, electrocardiogram (ECG), and blood tests. Dr. Lin prescribed three medications for myocardial infarction, angina, and pain relief. Only the ECG showed abnormalities; the rest were n...
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
Are you saying that only the electrocardiogram (ECG) showed abnormalities while other tests were normal, and then some oral medications were prescribed? Were you informed that you have heart disease? I hope you can clarify two things with your doctor: first, whether the heart dis...[Read More] Chest Discomfort: Understanding Treatment Options for Heart Issues
Understanding Diabetes and Kidney Disease: Key Questions Answered
Diabetes and Kidney Disease Dr. Huang, I would like to ask: My mother is 82 years old and her blood test results show (1) a fasting blood glucose level of 160. Does this indicate typical diabetes? Should she start medication? (2) An eGFR value of 47 indicates chronic kidney disea...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
1. Fasting blood glucose is 160 mg/dL. It may be necessary to measure fasting blood glucose 1-2 more times; if it consistently exceeds 116 mg/dL, diabetes (likely type 2 diabetes) should be considered. It is recommended to consult an endocrinologist for follow-up and to discuss w...[Read More] Understanding Diabetes and Kidney Disease: Key Questions Answered
Managing Diabetes in Seniors: Key Tips for Care and Nutrition
Concerns about diabetes? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about my grandmother, who is 77 years old and has diabetes (not on insulin). In mid-July, her blood sugar spiked to over 200, and she received medication at the clinic, which caused her blood sugar to drop too low. Since...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. The treatment of diabetes includes three main components: diet, exercise, and medication, all of which are essential and cannot be neglected. It cannot be fully explained in just a few words. On the other hand, the complications of diabetes include both acute and chronic condi...[Read More] Managing Diabetes in Seniors: Key Tips for Care and Nutrition
Managing Osteoporosis in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Treatment of Osteoporosis in Kidney Disease Dear Dr. Huang, In March, I inquired about joint pain, and further examinations revealed severe osteoporosis with a T-score of approximately -3.5. My kidney function tests show creatinine at 1 and BUN at 11, which are within normal lim...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
1. Regarding renal function: When the creatinine (Cr) level is 1, the estimated clearance rate indicates that the renal function score should be greater than 60. Changes in urine output are not reliable indicators of renal function changes due to numerous confounding factors; the...[Read More] Managing Osteoporosis in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
How Dr. Lee Diagnoses Thyroid Issues: Key Signs to Watch For
Thyroid issues? How does Dr. Lee identify thyroid issues?
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello Mr. Chen: Thyroid diseases can be classified into two main categories: based on function, there are hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism; based on morphology, there are diffuse goiter and nodular goiter (such as thyroid adenoma, thyroid cyst, and thyroid cancer). When there i...[Read More] How Dr. Lee Diagnoses Thyroid Issues: Key Signs to Watch For
Understanding Bilateral Renal Cysts: Concerns and Management Options
Bilateral renal cysts? Hello, Doctor. Around May, I underwent a health check-up due to frequent feelings of dizziness and lack of energy. An abdominal ultrasound revealed "bilateral renal cysts" and a "right lobe liver mass." Initially, my family medicine phys...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Dear Tesuia: Based on your description (both kidneys are filled with various sizes of cysts), it is possible that you have "hereditary polycystic kidney disease." Fortunately, your blood test results for kidney function are normal, and the urine protein test is (±) pend...[Read More] Understanding Bilateral Renal Cysts: Concerns and Management Options
The Dangers of Phthalates: Health Risks from Microwave Food Containers
The hazards of phthalates? Hello: I eat microwaved food in plastic containers every weekday at noon, and this has been my routine for six months. News reports indicate that microwaving food in plastic containers can release phthalates. I would like to ask: 1. Will this situation ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, if you are concerned about excessive exposure to phthalates in your body, a blood test may be necessary. Our hospital does not currently offer this test, but you can inquire with the Veterans General Hospital or Chang Gung Memorial Hospital's Toxicology Department. Th...[Read More] The Dangers of Phthalates: Health Risks from Microwave Food Containers
Why Can't I Gain Weight? Understanding Metabolism and Health Issues
No matter how much I eat, I can't gain weight! Hello, doctor! I am 174 cm tall and weigh 49 kg. I previously visited a gastroenterologist and had blood tests done, which indicated mild Mediterranean type A anemia (hereditary). A friend suggested I see a metabolic specialist,...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Mild Mediterranean anemia should not be related to low body weight. If the low body weight has been present for a long time and there are no other symptoms, it is mostly not indicative of a disease. However, if there has been a significant recent weight loss, it is necessary to u...[Read More] Why Can't I Gain Weight? Understanding Metabolism and Health Issues
Understanding High Thyroid Antibodies: Implications and Monitoring Guidelines
Thyroid antibodies Due to a slight enlargement in the neck, I went to the hospital for a blood test. The doctor said that all the indices are within the normal range, but my antibody levels are quite high. I would like to ask: (1) If antibody levels are high, what issues could ar...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
If thyroid antibodies are present, there is a higher likelihood of developing thyroid dysfunction in the future. If the previous thyroid function test was normal, blood tests can be repeated in about six months. Blood tests can also be conducted at any time if there are symptoms ...[Read More] Understanding High Thyroid Antibodies: Implications and Monitoring Guidelines
Understanding High Uric Acid Levels: Causes and Management Tips
Hello, Dr. Hsiao? Hello Dr. Hsiao, I have a habit of donating blood, and the blood donation center also checks some health parameters for us. One of these is the uric acid level, which is 7.1. It shows that the normal range for males is 3.5 to 7.2! It is clearly close to being ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question regarding serum uric acid levels, hyperuricemia is defined as a level greater than 7.0 mg/dL in men and greater than 6.0 mg/dL in women. The deposition of monosodium urate crystals in joint synovial fluid or other tissues leads to symptoms know...[Read More] Understanding High Uric Acid Levels: Causes and Management Tips
Will Eye Bulging Improve After Treating Hyperthyroidism?
Thyroid eye disease (TED) or Graves' ophthalmopathy? Hello, doctor. I underwent a military service health examination at Zhudong Hospital before the Lunar New Year. During the ophthalmology check, the eye doctor mentioned that my eyes are protruding, and he suspected I have ...
Dr. Lin Mingfeng Reply:
My experience is that recovery does occur, but the degree of recovery varies.[Read More] Will Eye Bulging Improve After Treating Hyperthyroidism?
Managing Prediabetes: Key Tips for Blood Sugar Control
Precautions for Prediabetes Dear Dr. Hsiao, I had a fasting blood glucose level of 127 mg/dL at the health examination center. After two weeks of paying special attention to my diet and recording it daily, along with maintaining a routine of walking 10,000 steps three times a we...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: Here are the responses to your questions: 1. According to the diagnostic criteria for diabetes published by the American Diabetes Association in 2010, the following criteria are used: (1) Fasting plasma glucose level >= 126 mg/dL after at least 8 hours; (2) 2-hour plas...[Read More] Managing Prediabetes: Key Tips for Blood Sugar Control
Understanding Methylprednisolone: Effects on Liver Enzymes and Potassium Levels
Regarding steroids? Currently, due to vasculitis, I have been using methylprednisolone for three weeks. The initial dosage was an injection twice a day (30 mg each time), administered for three consecutive days, then reduced to half the dosage for another three days, followed by ...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello: Long-term use of steroids can lead to obesity and fatty liver, which may result in a mild increase in GOT (AST) and GPT (ALT) levels. However, it is essential to rule out the possibility of hepatitis B and C. Additionally, this may cause mild hypokalemia and an increase in...[Read More] Understanding Methylprednisolone: Effects on Liver Enzymes and Potassium Levels
Understanding Thyroid Issues: Concerns About Nodules and Treatment Options
Thyroid issues? Hello Dr. Yang, I have a hard lump in my neck. I had it checked two years ago (the doctor inserted a needle into my neck to extract material from the lump), and the doctor said I only need to follow up every six months. However, I am still worried because my gran...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Most patients with thyroid nodules have normal thyroid function. Weight loss is one of the manifestations of hyperthyroidism, and it occurs in only a small number of patients with thyroid nodules. Blood tests are necessary to confirm this. Generally, the effectiveness of medicati...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Issues: Concerns About Nodules and Treatment Options