Managing Pulmonary Edema and Skin Swelling in Elderly Patients
Pulmonary edema in the elderly? I would like to ask you, if an elderly person has a history of stroke and diabetes, and is currently experiencing symptoms such as skin edema and pulmonary edema, should we force them to cough up phlegm if they express that they have chest and abdo...
Dr. Lin Shunfa Reply:
Hello, TO Han: Elderly patients suffering from pulmonary edema, edema, and multiple chronic diseases should seek further evaluation and treatment from a cardiologist or pulmonologist at a hospital. If necessary, hospitalization for treatment would be appropriate.[Read More] Managing Pulmonary Edema and Skin Swelling in Elderly Patients
Understanding Autoimmune Arthritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Polyarthritis 1. I have an ASLO index of 247 (or 274?). Is this caused by genetics or an infection? My family has a history of almost all hereditary diseases, including lupus erythematosus, ankylosing spondylitis, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, kidney stones, kidney disease, stroke,...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello Ms. Yang, I hope this message finds you well. Your questions are somewhat complex, and since I haven't actually seen you, many of my thoughts are merely speculation. It is best for you to discuss these matters with a physician who has examined you in person. Here are m...[Read More] Understanding Autoimmune Arthritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Can I Take Circulin with Aspirin and Diabetes Medications?
Currently taking medication for diabetes, hypertension, Coenzyme Q10, and Aspirin. Is it safe to take Circulin? I have been managing my hypertension, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia for many years with Glucomet (Metformin) and Vytorin (Ezetimibe/Simvastatin), and my blood press...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Dear Mr. Yao: Since you are already taking Aspirin, it is not recommended for you to use Clopidogrel to avoid increasing the risk of side effects. Aspirin has been proven to reduce the likelihood of cardiovascular diseases, while Clopidogrel has not been confirmed to do so. It is...[Read More] Can I Take Circulin with Aspirin and Diabetes Medications?
Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: When to Test for Diabetes
Blood sugar issues Hello, doctor. Here are my fasting, pre-meal, and post-meal blood glucose readings from my glucose meter for September 9 and 10. On September 9: - Morning blood glucose: 77 (fasting, 10:00 AM), 85 (12:00 PM) - Afternoon blood glucose: 105 (1:00 PM), 108 (3:00...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. Generally, a normal fasting blood glucose level is <100 mg/dL. 2. A fasting blood glucose level between 100 mg/dL and 126 mg/dL indicates an increased risk for diabetes. 3. A fasting blood glucose level ≥126 mg/dL suggests possible diabetes. 4. A hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) l...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: When to Test for Diabetes
Understanding Postprandial Blood Sugar Testing: Timing and Methods Explained
Postprandial blood glucose measurement at two hours? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you whether the measurement of postprandial blood glucose starts from the moment the first bite of food is swallowed or after the entire meal is finished. Is it two hours? Also, when testing w...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. According to medical definitions, the plasma glucose level measured two hours after a meal refers to the blood sugar level taken two hours after the start of eating. Generally, this is when blood sugar levels peak, which is also relevant for clinical comparisons. This is what ...[Read More] Understanding Postprandial Blood Sugar Testing: Timing and Methods Explained
Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Signs of Potential Diabetes
Unsure if diabetes has already developed? Hello, Doctor. Recently, I measured my fasting blood glucose at home using a glucometer, and it was 91 mg/dL (after fasting for about 10-12 hours). After eating curry rice (starting the timer from the first bite), my blood glucose one hou...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. If your weight is 92 kg and your height is 160 cm, your Body Mass Index (BMI) is 35.9 kg/m². According to the classification by Taiwan's Ministry of Health and Welfare, since it exceeds 27 kg/m² and is over 35 kg/m², it falls into the category of severe obesity. Additiona...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Signs of Potential Diabetes
How to Lower Hemoglobin A1c Levels for Better Diabetes Management
Diabetes issues Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask about my fasting (8 hours) blood test for hemoglobin A1c. I have seen online that normal levels are between 4% to 6%, but my report shows 5.6%, which is slightly elevated. What can I do to improve this and lower my hemoglobin A1c...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, the normal range for glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in healthy individuals is approximately 4-6%. Your report of 5.6% falls within the normal range. Maintaining your current avoidance of sweets and sugary beverages, along with daily exercise, should be fine. Thank you for you...[Read More] How to Lower Hemoglobin A1c Levels for Better Diabetes Management
Understanding Fasting Blood Sugar and Diabetes Diagnosis Standards
Questions regarding fasting duration and the diagnostic criteria for diabetes? Hello, doctor! I would like to ask a few questions. 1. My blood test requisition states that I need to fast for 12 hours before having my fasting blood glucose drawn (along with a lipid panel). I wou...
Dr. Chen Qingbin Reply:
Hello, blood tests require fasting for more than 8 hours (either 8 or 12 hours is acceptable). For two blood tests, they should be spaced at least one week apart.[Read More] Understanding Fasting Blood Sugar and Diabetes Diagnosis Standards
Understanding Diabetes: Concerns and Management for Young Adults
Diabetes issues Hello, Doctor: Today I am going to the hospital to have my blood drawn, and they will test my hemoglobin A1c! I'm really afraid that the report will show elevated levels and that I might have diabetes. I am currently overweight, and my grandmother also has di...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, dear user: Please try not to worry until you receive your report. Moreover, early-stage diabetes can be improved with diet and exercise. Medical advancements are rapid, and managing diabetes is not difficult. You might be overthinking it. Wishing you good health. Thank you...[Read More] Understanding Diabetes: Concerns and Management for Young Adults
Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Interpreting Your Test Results
Inquiry about blood sugar issues? Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask you a question. During my company's health check-up this year, the HR department informed me that fasting was not required. Therefore, I had breakfast on the day of the check-up and had my blood drawn about...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, if any of the following three criteria are met (at least twice), a diagnosis of diabetes can be made: a. Fasting plasma glucose level equal to or greater than 126 mg/dL. b. Presence of classic diabetes symptoms (such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, increased h...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Interpreting Your Test Results
Understanding Symptoms: Breathing Issues, Weight Loss, and Diabetes Concerns
Could you please provide more details about the symptoms? I would like to ask the doctor a few questions. 1. I have experienced occasional shortness of breath and difficulty breathing since middle school. Sometimes these symptoms disappear for a while, but recently they have be...
Dr. Chen Qingbin Reply:
Hello: It is recommended that you visit a hospital for further examination of hyperthyroidism and other related conditions, which require blood tests. Additionally, issues related to sexual dysfunction should be evaluated by a urologist for proper diagnosis. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Symptoms: Breathing Issues, Weight Loss, and Diabetes Concerns
How to Effectively Manage Blood Sugar Levels: Tips and Insights
How to control blood sugar levels? Hello Dr. Hsiao, On July 9, 2015, I had a blood test that showed a blood sugar level of 124. Additionally, my triglycerides and LDL cholesterol were elevated. At that time, my weight was 91 kg, and I currently weigh 84 kg. I measure my fasting ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. On July 9, 2015, your fasting blood glucose level was found to be 124 mg/dL; your lipid levels and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol were elevated. At that time, your weight was 91 kg, and it is now 84 kg. Currently, your average fasting blood glucose levels after 8 ho...[Read More] How to Effectively Manage Blood Sugar Levels: Tips and Insights
Is Drinking Milk at Night Safe for Diabetics?
Waking up at night to drink milk for diabetes? Hello, doctor. My father has diabetes, and he often gets up in the middle of the night to drink milk before going back to sleep. Is this good for his health? Thank you.
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Generally speaking, a 250 ml cup of fresh milk contains approximately 150 calories, which includes carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and other nutrients. Currently, there is no information available to explain why someone might wake up in the middle of the night to drink milk; it co...[Read More] Is Drinking Milk at Night Safe for Diabetics?
Understanding Churg-Strauss Syndrome: Prognosis and Recovery Insights
CSS vasculitis Hello doctor, my brother has been diagnosed with severe vasculitis. Initially, the cause was unknown, but now he has developed numbness and swelling in one foot, along with purpura, abdominal pain, and ulcers. He has just been diagnosed with Churg-Strauss syndrome ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, I hope this message finds you well. Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) is a challenging condition, but there are increasingly more treatment options available for this type of vasculitis, leading to a more optimistic prognosis than in the past. However, treatment for CSS or othe...[Read More] Understanding Churg-Strauss Syndrome: Prognosis and Recovery Insights
Understanding Fluctuating Morning Blood Sugar Levels: What Do They Mean?
The blood glucose levels measured in the morning were different on two occasions? Hello, last year my blood sugar level was 87 during the health check, and this year it was 97. I have a blood glucose meter at home, and I measured it myself: the first reading was 96, the second wa...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. If last year's fasting plasma glucose level was 87 mg/dL and this year's fasting plasma glucose level is 97 mg/dL, both values are actually less than 100 mg/dL; theoretically, they are considered normal. 2. If the glucose meter shows a fasting capillary blood glucose...[Read More] Understanding Fluctuating Morning Blood Sugar Levels: What Do They Mean?
Understanding Fasting Blood Sugar Levels: Key Questions Answered
Fasting blood glucose level of 136? Hello, doctor. Currently, I measured my fasting blood glucose at a nearby pharmacy, and it was 136 (using a blood glucose meter). Question 1: I fasted for 8 hours (with water), and I finished eating at 1:00 AM. I was fasting from 1:00 AM unti...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Question 1: No problem. Question 2: According to the standards published by the American Diabetes Association (ADA, 2011), a fasting plasma glucose level of ≥ 126 mg/dL after fasting for more than eight hours should raise the suspicion of diabetes. Question 3: Although I haven&#x...[Read More] Understanding Fasting Blood Sugar Levels: Key Questions Answered
Consulting a Doctor: Is My Blood Sugar Testing Schedule Appropriate?
I would like to ask the doctor if there are any issues with the following examination methods? Hello, Doctor! I would like to ask if there are any issues with my following testing methods? Testing method: For example, on August 1st, I had a fasting blood glucose test, and then I ...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: Your first day's examination was a standard check-up, and the purpose of the second day's examination is to understand the impact of your usual diet on postprandial blood glucose levels, which is perfectly reasonable. Thank you for your question![Read More] Consulting a Doctor: Is My Blood Sugar Testing Schedule Appropriate?
Can Diabetes Cause Foreskin Cracking and Skin Breaks?
Can diabetes cause skin breakdown of the foreskin? My friend is currently 24 years old and has diabetes, but he occasionally experiences cracking and skin breakdown in the area of the foreskin. Is this normal? (Sexually transmitted infections and other conditions have been ruled ...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: Your friend may have diabetes complicated by balanitis. It is recommended that your friend control their blood sugar levels and consult a urologist. Thank you for your inquiry![Read More] Can Diabetes Cause Foreskin Cracking and Skin Breaks?
Understanding the 2-Hour Oral Glucose Tolerance Test and Diabetes Screening
Oral glucose tolerance test at the 2-hour mark and others? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask a few questions: 1. To check for diabetes, should I perform the 2-hour blood glucose test after a 75g oral glucose tolerance test, or should I do a 2-hour postprandial blood glucose te...
Dr. Chen Qingbin Reply:
The diagnostic criteria for diabetes mellitus are as follows: 1. Fasting blood glucose (after fasting for more than 8 hours) > 126 mg/dL 2. Postprandial blood glucose (2 hours after a meal) > 200 mg/dL 3. Hemoglobin A1c > 6.5% 4. Glucose tolerance test: blood glucose >...[Read More] Understanding the 2-Hour Oral Glucose Tolerance Test and Diabetes Screening
Concerns Over Nursing Home Care: Uncontrolled Diabetes and High Blood Sugar Levels
Blood glucose levels have been consistently around 300 for a month in a patient with diabetes? My mother was admitted to a nursing home on April 21, 2013. I informed the nursing home that my mother has diabetes and that her blood sugar levels needed to be monitored. The nursing h...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear Mr. Wu, 1. Your mother has been hospitalized in our facility three times: (1) May 2013, (2) July 2013, and (3) from June to July 2014. 2. She has a history of old cerebrovascular accident with bed rest, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. During her hospitalization, her bl...[Read More] Concerns Over Nursing Home Care: Uncontrolled Diabetes and High Blood Sugar Levels