Diabetes, Internal Medicine FAQ

Share to:
Understanding Diabetes Test Results: A Guide for Patients

Diabetes test results inquiry? When I was 23 or 24 years old, during a company health check, I was found to have elevated fasting blood glucose levels. I then went to a large hospital where my postprandial blood glucose reached 395 mg/dL, and my HbA1c was 9.1, which led to a diag...


Dr. Li Jian Reply:
The normal ranges for test values may vary slightly between different testing laboratories. Please return to the original testing hospital for follow-up consultations. Thank you for your inquiry.

[Read More] Understanding Diabetes Test Results: A Guide for Patients


Managing COVID-19 in Patients with Sjögren's Syndrome: Treatment Insights

After being diagnosed with COVID-19 three times, the patient has been unable to test negative for an extended period following the most recent diagnosis? Hello Doctor, my mother has been diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome for over ten years. Currently, she is taking one pill ...


Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. I would like to ask whether antiviral medication is necessary, or if there is a need for antiviral medication for patients with Sjögren's syndrome? (I am not opposed to taking it; if possible, I hope the physicia...

[Read More] Managing COVID-19 in Patients with Sjögren's Syndrome: Treatment Insights


Understanding Pre-Diabetes and Cholesterol Management: Key Insights

Blood sugar/lipid issues Hello Doctor: Recently, my fasting blood glucose was 101 mg/dL, glycated hemoglobin was 5.5%, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) was 161 mg/dL, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) was 37 mg/dL. There is no family history of diabetes. The day before the test, I ...


Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Fasting blood glucose levels exceeding 100 mg/dL indicate prediabetes. Strengthening dietary control may help restore normal levels. Reducing the intake of red meat may help lower cholesterol. Thank you for your inquiry.

[Read More] Understanding Pre-Diabetes and Cholesterol Management: Key Insights


Understanding Your Blood Sugar Levels: Are You at Risk for Prediabetes?

Both pre-meal and post-meal blood glucose levels are at the threshold? Doctor, my hemoglobin A1c is 5.2, my fasting blood sugar is 99, and my postprandial blood sugar is 140. Since both values are at the borderline, am I considered to have prediabetes? Also, how much should I eat...


Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: Based on the data you provided, a glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level of 5.2% falls within the normal range (generally, the normal range is less than 5.7%). The normal range for fasting blood glucose is 70-99 mg/dL, while the normal range for postprandial blood glucose (two ...

[Read More] Understanding Your Blood Sugar Levels: Are You at Risk for Prediabetes?


Feeling Hungry Soon After Eating: Stress or Endocrine Issues?

Feeling hungry shortly after eating? About one to two weeks ago, I started feeling hungry again about 1-2 hours after eating, to the point where my stomach growls. However, sometimes I don't really feel like eating psychologically, even though physiologically I feel hungry. ...


Dr. Li Jian Reply:
We recommend that you visit the Metabolism Department. Thank you for your inquiry.

[Read More] Feeling Hungry Soon After Eating: Stress or Endocrine Issues?


Understanding Blood Sugar Fluctuations: Insights from Continuous Glucose Monitoring

I have some questions regarding the use of continuous glucose monitoring devices? Hello Doctor, I am 42 years old. Last August, my health check revealed a fasting blood glucose level of 115 mg/dL and a hemoglobin A1c of 5.8%. Since then, my fasting blood glucose has remained elev...


Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, your question falls within the specialty of endocrinology, and the physician may need to ask you additional questions related to your diet and exercise in order to have a discussion. Therefore, it is recommended that you visit the hospital to consult with the endocrinology...

[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Fluctuations: Insights from Continuous Glucose Monitoring


Understanding Your Blood Sugar Levels: Do You Have Diabetic Dermopathy?

Is it a diabetic spot? Hello Doctor, my BMI is 21. I have been consistently engaging in aerobic exercise and maintaining a healthy diet, but I have been troubled by diabetes issues recently. At the end of February this year, my fasting blood glucose was 89, but by the end of Marc...


Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Currently, blood sugar levels are normal. Regarding skin lesions, you can consult a dermatologist. Thank you for your inquiry.

[Read More] Understanding Your Blood Sugar Levels: Do You Have Diabetic Dermopathy?


Understanding Hypoglycemia: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

Hypoglycemia Report [Radioimmunoassay Nuclear Medicine Test] Hypoglycemia Report Date: 01/08/2021 [Thyroglobulin] 25.51 ng/ml [hGH] 11.13 ng/ml [C-Peptide] 1.01 ng/ml [Insulin] 2.52 uIU/ml [Cortisol] 15.35 (17:39) µg/dl [Free T4] 1.06 ng/ml [TSH] 2.44 uIU/ml [Ab-T...


Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: 1. The above report cannot determine whether it is hypoglycemia or type 1 diabetes; it seems to be looking for causes of hypoglycemia. 2. In the early or pre-stage of diabetes, due to abnormal insulin secretion in the body, postprandial hypoglycemia may occur. The assessme...

[Read More] Understanding Hypoglycemia: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options


Understanding Glomerular Filtration Rate: What High Levels Mean for Diabetics

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) Hello Dr. Chang, I am a diabetes patient. Recently, my blood test report showed the following: estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR): 143, creatinine: 0.65, urine microalbumin-to-creatinine ratio: 84, urine occult blood: 1+. Is a higher glom...


Dr. Zhang Shixin Reply:
Hello: 1. Regarding the glomerular filtration rate, if your blood pressure and blood sugar are well-controlled, it is recommended to monitor the trends. 2. Diabetic nephropathy is usually accompanied by proteinuria; therefore, maintaining stable blood sugar and blood pressure is ...

[Read More] Understanding Glomerular Filtration Rate: What High Levels Mean for Diabetics


Is Smoking in Intervals Worse for Diabetics? Understanding the Risks

Smoking and then relighting (more than once)? Hello doctor, my family member has diabetes and wants to smoke but doesn't want to smoke too much. They take a few puffs, extinguish the cigarette, then smoke again after a while... Is this more harmful to the body compared to sm...


Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Smoking and diabetes can both lead to vascular stiffness. It is recommended to quit smoking as much as possible. Thank you for your inquiry.

[Read More] Is Smoking in Intervals Worse for Diabetics? Understanding the Risks


Unexplained Hand Swelling: Seeking Answers for Persistent Symptoms

I would like to inquire about unexplained swelling on the back of the hand? Hello Doctor: I would like to inquire about my father (in his 60s). He previously went to the emergency room and was diagnosed with cellulitis. His symptoms included swelling and pain in his hand without ...


Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If your hand is swollen and you are unable to exert strength, you can consult either an orthopedic specialist or a neurologist. Thank you for your inquiry.

[Read More] Unexplained Hand Swelling: Seeking Answers for Persistent Symptoms


Unexplained Hand Swelling: Seeking Answers for Persistent Symptoms

I would like to inquire about unexplained swelling on the back of the hand? Hello Doctor, I would like to inquire about my father, who is in his 60s. He previously went to the emergency room and was diagnosed with cellulitis. His symptoms included swelling and pain in his hand ...


Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If your hand is swollen and you are unable to exert strength, you can consult either an orthopedic specialist or a neurologist. Thank you for your inquiry.

[Read More] Unexplained Hand Swelling: Seeking Answers for Persistent Symptoms


Understanding Hemoglobin A1c: Concerns About Blood Sugar and Anemia

Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) Hello Doctor, I have some questions I would like to ask you: I had a blood test done in December. Since both of my parents have diabetes and my weight has decreased from 64 kg in mid-August to only 59 kg recently, I am very anxious about my blood sugar...


Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is an indicator of the average blood glucose levels over the past three months. The most significant factor affecting it is the blood glucose level itself. The primary influences on blood glucose are diet and lifestyle. Mild anemia does not have...

[Read More] Understanding Hemoglobin A1c: Concerns About Blood Sugar and Anemia


Understanding Fasting Blood Sugar Levels: What Does 97 Mean?

Fasting blood glucose issues Hello Doctor, I recently received my health check report, which shows that my fasting blood glucose level is 97, which is close to the maximum reference value of 100. The night before the test, I was too busy and only ate two tea eggs for dinner, and ...


Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Currently, it is considered normal. If there is a family history of diabetes or if you are overweight, you may consider testing for hemoglobin A1c. Thank you for your inquiry.

[Read More] Understanding Fasting Blood Sugar Levels: What Does 97 Mean?


Can Stage 3a Chronic Kidney Disease Be Reversed? Medications and Tests Explained

Can stage 3a chronic kidney disease be reversed? What medications are available? The patient has diabetes with a glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level maintained at 6.5%. Triglycerides are at 110 mg/dL, uric acid at 4.6 mg/dL, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol at 88.2 mg/dL, ...


Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
Hello Ms. Paul, your creatinine level is 135 mg/dL, and the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is listed as 1.35 mg/dL, which seems to be incorrect. Please provide the correct values, thank you! (The unit for glomerular filtration rate is ml/min/1.73 m², not mg/dL.) Additionally, a...

[Read More] Can Stage 3a Chronic Kidney Disease Be Reversed? Medications and Tests Explained


Managing Slightly Elevated Cholesterol: Medication or Lifestyle Changes?

Slightly elevated total cholesterol? Hello doctor, I recently received my cholesterol test results as follows: Total cholesterol 228, triglycerides 155, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) 102.3, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) 107.8, and atherosclerosis risk index 2.23. Should I take m...


Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: If there is no diabetes or cardiovascular disease, improvements can be made through diet and exercise. However, if such conditions are present, medication may be necessary for management. Thank you for your message!

[Read More] Managing Slightly Elevated Cholesterol: Medication or Lifestyle Changes?


Understanding Fluctuations in Glycated Hemoglobin Over One Month

Fluctuations in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels within one month? Hello Doctor: Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions despite your busy schedule. In my family, besides my parents, my aunts, uncles, and both sets of grandparents have diabetes, so I am particularl...


Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Weight loss can also be evaluated by testing thyroid function. Currently, there are no significant abnormalities in blood glucose levels, so testing once every 1-2 years is sufficient. Thank you for your inquiry.

[Read More] Understanding Fluctuations in Glycated Hemoglobin Over One Month


Understanding Gout Symptoms: Is Morning Discomfort a Sign of Flare-Up?

Regarding the recent cold weather, I have been experiencing a dull sensation in my big toe, which has a history of gout, upon waking up in the morning. However, after urinating, the discomfort significantly decreases? Hello, Director Gao! I apologize for bothering you, but I have...


Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, this question has been asked before, so I will repost my response. If your uric acid levels remain consistently normal, I don't believe it is a gout attack. Previously affected joints from arthritis may leave some residual effects, making them more sensitive to change...

[Read More] Understanding Gout Symptoms: Is Morning Discomfort a Sign of Flare-Up?


Understanding Gout Symptoms: Is Morning Discomfort a Sign of Flare-Up?

Regarding the recent cold weather, I have been experiencing a feeling of heaviness in my big toe, which previously had gout, upon waking up in the morning. However, after urinating, the sensation decreases significantly? Hello, Director Gao! I apologize for bothering you, but I h...


Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. If your uric acid levels remain consistently normal, I don't believe this is a gout attack. Joints that have previously experienced arthritis may leave some residual effects, making them more sensitive to changes in humidity and climate. Y...

[Read More] Understanding Gout Symptoms: Is Morning Discomfort a Sign of Flare-Up?


Managing Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Drops During Dialysis: A Patient's Guide

When blood pressure drops during dialysis and heart rate also decreases, how should it be managed? Hello, Doctor Wu: I have been a dialysis patient for over a year and have hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes. I also have coronary artery disease and mild arrhythmia. Last y...


Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
For heart-related issues, please consult a cardiologist. In cases of hypotension during dialysis, the on-site nephrologist should provide immediate feedback. Each situation is different, so please respond according to the circumstances at that time. Common management strategies i...

[Read More] Managing Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Drops During Dialysis: A Patient's Guide


Page Next