Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: When to Test and What to Know
Blood sugar issues? Hello Doctor, I have been feeling a bit uncomfortable and dizzy after meals recently. Four months ago, I had my hemoglobin A1c tested, which was 5.4, and my fasting blood glucose was 97. I did not have a postprandial blood glucose test done. A few days ago, I ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, sir, thank you for your question. Although diabetes has a genetic component, for type 2 diabetes, the chance of children of affected individuals developing diabetes is around 15%. Therefore, there is no need to be overly anxious. In other words, if you pay attention to you...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: When to Test and What to Know
Understanding HbA1c Testing: Impact of Blood Donation and Accuracy Concerns
Glycated Hemoglobin Test (HbA1c Test) Hello Doctor: Recently, I have been experiencing intermittent itching around the skin near my ankles. I found online that this could be a symptom of peripheral neuropathy related to diabetes. Two years ago, my company's health check repo...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Xiao Lu: 1. The diagnosis of diabetes has consensus standards in medicine: According to the diagnostic criteria from the American Diabetes Association, a. Fasting plasma glucose level ≥126 mg/dL after at least 8 hours of fasting, b. 2-hour plasma glucose level ≥200 mg/d...[Read More] Understanding HbA1c Testing: Impact of Blood Donation and Accuracy Concerns
Could These Symptoms Indicate Diabetes? Expert Insights on Testing
Is it possible that this could be diabetes? Hello Dr. Lee! Recently, I have been experiencing the following conditions: 1. Frequent urination (I often wake up in the middle of the night to urinate, about 1-2 times per night). 2. Weight loss from 63.5 kg to 60.5 kg (over about one...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello, regarding your inquiries: 1. The measurements of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) before and after meals are the same. 2. According to your routine health check data from June, there are no signs of diabetes. If you are still concerned, you can have your fasting blood glucose a...[Read More] Could These Symptoms Indicate Diabetes? Expert Insights on Testing
Effective Weight Loss Strategies: Overcoming Common Challenges
Struggling to lose weight? Hello, Doctor: My height is 161.5 cm, weight is 70 kg, and my BMI is 26.83. I have read several weight loss books, and the doctor has mentioned to eat less and exercise more, but when I exercise more, I tend to eat more! Just relying on the phrase "...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. Your height is 161.5 cm, weight is 70 kg, and your BMI is 26.83 kg/m², which classifies you as overweight. In medicine, there are various weight loss methods; however, there is no single method that is universally effective for everyone. Since obesity can lead to insulin resis...[Read More] Effective Weight Loss Strategies: Overcoming Common Challenges
Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Do I Need Diabetes Medication?
Blood sugar issues Hello, Director Hsiao. A week ago, I had a fasting blood test at the hospital to check my blood sugar levels. Today, the outpatient physician informed me that my fasting blood sugar of 70 is a precursor to diabetes and that I need to take medication. This has l...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Gao Xing, 1. The treatment of diabetes primarily involves dietary control, regular exercise, and medication. Unless dietary control and regular exercise can completely manage the progression of diabetes, continuing medication is necessary. Do not discontinue medication ...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Do I Need Diabetes Medication?
Can GTF (Glucose Tolerance Factor) Significantly Improve Blood Sugar in Type 2 Diabetes?
Can taking GTF (Glucose Tolerance Factor) significantly improve blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes? Hello, doctor: I saw an article online stating that consuming GTF (Glucose Tolerance Factor) can significantly improve blood glucose levels in patients with type...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Tom: 1. The term "glucose tolerance factor" generally refers to substances that contain trace elements of chromium. Chromium exists in several forms, including divalent chromium, trivalent chromium, and hexavalent chromium; divalent chromium is highly unstable...[Read More] Can GTF (Glucose Tolerance Factor) Significantly Improve Blood Sugar in Type 2 Diabetes?
Should Diabetic Patients Supplement Lutein for Eye Health?
Supplementing with lutein for diabetes? My mother is currently in the prediabetic stage and is taking prescribed medication to lower her blood sugar. Recently, I heard that supplementing with lutein can help prevent eye diseases, so I went to the pharmacy and bought lutein. I wou...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Wang: 1. In terms of biological knowledge, lutein is primarily found in the chloroplasts of plants and is one of the main pigments in plants. It is also one of the primary pigments that make up the macula of the human retina. Sometimes it is used by humans as an antiox...[Read More] Should Diabetic Patients Supplement Lutein for Eye Health?
Does Drinking Sugary Beverage Before Fasting Blood Test Affect Results?
Drank a sip of sugary beverage before blood draw? Fasting for 8 hours before a blood draw is typically required for accurate results, especially for tests related to blood glucose levels. Drinking a small amount of sugary beverage at 7 AM before a 9 AM blood draw may affect the r...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Lee: 1. According to the diagnostic criteria for diabetes set by the American Diabetes Association: a. Fasting plasma glucose level ≥ 126 mg/dL after fasting for at least 8 hours. b. Plasma glucose level ≥ 200 mg/dL during a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test. c. HbA1c ...[Read More] Does Drinking Sugary Beverage Before Fasting Blood Test Affect Results?
Understanding the Discrepancy Between Blood Glucose Meter and Lab Results
Questions about blood glucose meters? Hello Doctor: Recently, a family member noticed that urination attracted ants, so they went to the clinic for a blood test. On the same day, after the nurse drew blood, she used the venous blood to measure fasting blood glucose with a Roche A...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Wang Su-Chen: 1. According to the diagnostic criteria for diabetes set by the American Diabetes Association, a. a fasting plasma glucose level of ≥126 mg/dL after fasting for more than 8 hours, b. a 2-hour plasma glucose level of ≥200 mg/dL during an oral glucose tolera...[Read More] Understanding the Discrepancy Between Blood Glucose Meter and Lab Results
Understanding Creatinine Levels and Kidney Function: What You Need to Know
Creatinine and Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) Hello, doctor. During this year's company health check, all results were normal except for my creatinine level, which is 1.3 (normal range 0.7-1.2 mg/dL). There is no proteinuria or hematuria. I am 28 years old; does this mean ...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
According to the report you provided (creatinine 1.3), the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is only 66 mL/min/1.73m², which is indeed low (normal is greater than 90 mL/min/1.73m²). This indicates stage 2 chronic kidney disease. It is recommended to consult a nephrologi...[Read More] Understanding Creatinine Levels and Kidney Function: What You Need to Know
Managing Diabetes: Should My Father Be Hospitalized or Treated at Home?
Diabetes issues My father, 46 years old, male, has no family history of diabetes. He was recently diagnosed with diabetes and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) after a hospital visit where his blood glucose level was measured at 486 mg/dl. Due to a lack of available beds in the hospita...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Chen, Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is classified as a hyperglycemic emergency. Key diagnostic points include hyperglycemia, the presence of ketones in urine or blood, and a significant acidotic blood pH. The symptoms can vary widely and may include dehydration, abdominal...[Read More] Managing Diabetes: Should My Father Be Hospitalized or Treated at Home?
Understanding Unexplained Limb Tingling and Numbness: Causes and Solutions
Tingling sensation in the limbs? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask a question. I have been experiencing unexplained sharp pain on my body for a week now, which feels like being bitten by ants, occurring sporadically. In the last three days, I have also noticed a tingling sensatio...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your described symptoms, there are typically two possibilities. First, a neuromuscular issue, such as carpal tunnel syndrome. If you have diabetes, it can also cause the tingling sensation you mentioned; however, theoretically, these abnormalities should be visibl...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Limb Tingling and Numbness: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Elevated Blood Sugar: Is 104 mg/dl a Warning Sign?
Regarding elevated blood sugar levels? Hello doctor, I would like to ask if a fasting blood glucose test result of 104 mg/dL indicates that I am in a prediabetic state? Or could my recent consumption of ice cream and sweets during the summer have affected this value?
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello Ms. Lin: According to the definition, a fasting blood glucose level of 104 mg/dL is considered "prediabetes." However, a single test result is not sufficient for a diagnosis. It is recommended that you reduce your intake of sugary foods and follow up in three mont...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Blood Sugar: Is 104 mg/dl a Warning Sign?
Understanding Diabetes: Key Questions About Diagnosis and Management
Diabetes concerns? Hello Doctor: My son is 26 years old and has been attracting ants with his urine. He went to the clinic for a blood test, which showed a fasting blood glucose level of 266 mg/dL and a hemoglobin A1c of 10.58%. There is a family history of diabetes (both of my p...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Wang Su-Chen: 1. According to the diagnostic criteria for diabetes set by the American Diabetes Association, a. a fasting plasma glucose level ≥126 mg/dL after fasting for more than 8 hours, b. a 2-hour plasma glucose level ≥200 mg/dL during an oral glucose tolerance t...[Read More] Understanding Diabetes: Key Questions About Diagnosis and Management
Why Switching to Brown Rice May Cause Hunger and Weakness Symptoms
After switching to brown rice, I feel hungry quickly and often experience cold sweats from hunger? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about my situation. I usually have white rice as the main staple for dinner, but I recently switched to a mixture of brown rice and white rice. Sin...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, it does indeed sound like symptoms of hypoglycemia. This may be related to abnormal insulin secretion or dietary factors. I recommend that you visit a hospital and consult with a specialist in Metabolism (Endocrinology), as it would be more appro...[Read More] Why Switching to Brown Rice May Cause Hunger and Weakness Symptoms
Understanding Abnormal Urinalysis Results: When to Seek Medical Advice
Health examination report issues? Hello, I would like to inquire about a health check report. The urine test shows ketones at 3+ and protein at +/-; the blood test indicates neutrophil percentage at 76.2% and lymphocyte percentage at 18.4%, with the rest being normal. I'm un...
Dr. Wang Weijie Reply:
Dear Patty, Ketones are metabolites produced from fat utilization when there is a lack of insulin. They can appear positive in conditions such as diabetes, starvation, diarrhea, and vomiting. Ketones are formed when fat metabolism is incomplete; normally, there are no ketones in...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Urinalysis Results: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Mild Chronic Kidney Dysfunction: Key Insights and Lifestyle Tips
Kidney function issues? Hello: In my recent health check-up in June, my serum creatinine (Cr) level was 1.01, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) was 10, and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was 85. An ultrasound examination revealed a right renal cyst (0.7 cm) and bilateral renal calculi ...
Dr. Wang Weijie Reply:
Mr. Tsao: Hello, the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is calculated based on your serum creatinine level along with your age, gender, and weight. Your value falls within stage 2 of chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, based on your description of the kidney ultrasound report an...[Read More] Understanding Mild Chronic Kidney Dysfunction: Key Insights and Lifestyle Tips
Differentiating Diabetic Foot from Cellulitis: Key Insights
The difference between diabetic foot and cellulitis? How can we differentiate between diabetic foot and cellulitis in the early stages? Thank you, doctor.
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the differentiation between diabetic foot and cellulitis, here are the responses: 1. Patient history: The former is typically seen in individuals with a history of diabetes or a family history of diabetes, while the latter is not limited to such backgro...[Read More] Differentiating Diabetic Foot from Cellulitis: Key Insights
Managing High HbA1c Levels: Tips for Diabetes Prevention and Care
Health check values Hello doctor, there is a family history of diabetes in my household, and I have had consistently high HbA1c levels for the past three months, with values of 6.0, 5.8, and 5.8. My fasting blood sugar levels are 90 and 116, but I forgot the third measurement. Ad...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: Based on your test results, you are currently in the "prediabetes" stage, and there is a significant risk of progressing to diabetes. It is recommended that you consult an endocrinologist to guide you in weight management and other lifestyle changes to prevent th...[Read More] Managing High HbA1c Levels: Tips for Diabetes Prevention and Care
Understanding Postprandial Blood Sugar Levels During Pregnancy
Abnormal blood glucose levels Hello Doctor: I would like to ask why my blood sugar level two hours after a meal is higher than one hour after the meal? I did not eat anything in between. For example, my blood sugar before lunch was 85, one hour after lunch was 127, and two hours ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Lulu: 1. Generally speaking, blood sugar levels rise gradually after eating, peaking around two hours postprandially, and then gradually decline. If high-sugar or high-calorie foods are consumed and there is sufficient insulin secretion in the body, blood sugar levels m...[Read More] Understanding Postprandial Blood Sugar Levels During Pregnancy