Understanding Elevated Fasting Blood Sugar with Normal HbA1c Levels
Elevated fasting blood glucose with normal glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c)? Hello, doctor. I usually have a blood test every month to check my fasting blood glucose levels. In the past few tests, my levels were around 80 to 90, but in the last two months, they were 101 and 124. I als...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, fasting blood sugar reflects the current blood sugar level, while glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) indicates the average blood sugar over the past three months. Based on your values, it suggests that your average blood sugar is good; however, there may be occasional spikes in b...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Fasting Blood Sugar with Normal HbA1c Levels
Understanding Persistent Throat Issues: Causes and Solutions
My throat feels increasingly strange? Hello Doctor: About 5 or 6 years ago, I started coughing frequently due to sensitivity to the air, which seemed to have caused some old injuries. However, after visiting doctors for about 1 or 2 years, nothing was found. Now, I generally feel...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Based on your description, it seems to be symptoms of tonsil stones; however, this needs to be confirmed by an otolaryngologist. 2. According to your description, I am unsure if you have diabetes or are using steroids, which could suggest a possible oral candidiasis ...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Throat Issues: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Gout Symptoms: Normal Uric Acid Levels and Foot Discomfort
Regarding normal uric acid levels but slight discomfort in the big toe? Hello Director Gao, I apologize for disturbing you, but I would like to consult you regarding a patient. About ten years ago, the patient experienced sudden severe pain in the foot and was diagnosed with gou...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Can gout occur even with normal uric acid levels? For example, if someone suddenly consumes a large amount of seafood or red meat, or if they haven't been drinking enough water recently, could this trigger a mild...[Read More] Understanding Gout Symptoms: Normal Uric Acid Levels and Foot Discomfort
Understanding Coughing Up Blood: Causes and Medical Guidance
For vomiting blood or coughing up blood, which medical specialty should be consulted? I would like to ask about my father, who is 67 years old and has been coughing up blood. He was hospitalized in the chest medicine department for two weeks. After returning home, he seemed to re...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, I would like to ask if your father often experiences severe coughing or frequently produces phlegm? If so, this could be due to damage to the mucosal epithelium causing bleeding, which needs to be addressed along with the original cough issue and reducing the frequency of ...[Read More] Understanding Coughing Up Blood: Causes and Medical Guidance
Understanding Acanthosis Nigricans and Blood Sugar Levels: A Guide
Blood sugar exceeds? Hello, doctor. I am currently 176 cm tall and at my heaviest, I weighed 103 kg. I have now reduced my weight to 89 kg and am continuing to lose weight. My body fat percentage is 23% (down from 32% at my heaviest) and my visceral fat is 12 (down from 16 at my ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Hello: If you have acanthosis nigricans, it is recommended to test for hemoglobin A1c. If the result is between 5.7 and 6.4, it indicates prediabetes.[Read More] Understanding Acanthosis Nigricans and Blood Sugar Levels: A Guide
Managing Diarrhea in Long-Term Diabetes Patients: A Guide for Caregivers
Diarrhea in diabetic patients? My father has been a diabetes patient for 30 years and is now 77 years old. He controls his blood sugar with insulin injections, and his hemoglobin A1c levels have been normal during his quarterly check-ups. However, since the beginning of March, he...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
The blood sugar medications that are more likely to cause diarrhea are metformin and acarbose. If the diarrhea is not caused by these medications, further follow-up with a gastroenterologist is still necessary.[Read More] Managing Diarrhea in Long-Term Diabetes Patients: A Guide for Caregivers
Managing Mild COVID-19 Symptoms: Treatment Options and Recovery Explained
Treatment for mild COVID-19? Hello: Recent news reports indicate that mild COVID-19 patients can take acetaminophen for treatment. I would like to ask: 1. Besides taking acetaminophen, do mild cases need to take antiviral medications or other drugs? 2. While acetaminophen can all...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. For mild patients, if there are no significant underlying conditions such as diabetes, kidney failure, cancer, etc., only symptomatic treatment is needed, and there is no requirement for specific antiviral medications. 2. Acetaminophen can only alleviate symptoms; t...[Read More] Managing Mild COVID-19 Symptoms: Treatment Options and Recovery Explained
Understanding Cholesterol and Blood Sugar Levels: Your Health Questions Answered
Inquire about blood lipid and blood glucose issues? Hello: I have a lipid issue and have been taking traditional Chinese medicine and Lipitor for about six months. My last blood test results on February 21 showed: LDL: 185, HDL: 60, total cholesterol: 249, triglycerides: 67, bloo...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: Your blood glucose is currently within the fasting range of 70-100 mg/dL, and your hemoglobin A1c is between 4-6%. Whether there are issues with your blood vessels can be determined based on your symptoms or through examinations. Generally, these conditions require long-te...[Read More] Understanding Cholesterol and Blood Sugar Levels: Your Health Questions Answered
Does Ankylosing Spondylitis Increase Severe COVID-19 Risk?
Do patients with ankylosing spondylitis have a higher risk of developing severe COVID-19? Hello doctor, may I ask if patients with ankylosing spondylitis are more likely to develop moderate to severe symptoms after contracting COVID-19? Thank you, doctor.
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Whether patients with rheumatic diseases develop severe illness after infection is related to their overall health status at the time of infection. Factors such as whether the rheumatic disease is well-controlled, the current condition of the d...[Read More] Does Ankylosing Spondylitis Increase Severe COVID-19 Risk?
Understanding Glucose Tolerance Test Results and Diabetes Risk
Glucose tolerance test Dear Doctor, I recently underwent a glucose tolerance test at the hospital, and the results are as follows: Hemoglobin A1c 5.5%, OGTT: Fasting—96 mg/dL; 30 minutes—167 mg/dL; 60 minutes—212 mg/dL; 90 minutes—174 mg/dL; 120 minutes—132 mg/dL. The outpatient...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) is more closely associated with early and late insulin secretion deficiencies. If there are abnormalities in the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), it can be confirmed again the next day. The diagnostic criteria for diabetes are: (1) sympt...[Read More] Understanding Glucose Tolerance Test Results and Diabetes Risk
Understanding Blood Sugar, HbA1c, and Their Impact on Thalassemia
Blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, and Mediterranean anemia? Hello, I had a company health check before the New Year, and my hemoglobin A1c was 5.6 and my blood glucose was 86. At the end of March, due to feeling unwell, I tested my postprandial blood glucose and it was 155. The...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If there are concerns that hemoglobin A1c levels may be affected by anemia, glycated albumin can be tested; the impact of anemia on hemoglobin A1c levels is difficult to estimate.[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar, HbA1c, and Their Impact on Thalassemia
Managing Diabetes: Weight Loss, Diet, and Cholesterol Control
Diabetes, Weight, and Diet Last October, I was diagnosed with diabetes and started medication—Metformin. At the end of November, I began intermittent fasting (16:8) to lose weight, eating only lunch and dinner. During my follow-up appointment in February, my weight decreased from...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: Avoid consuming items that contain refined sugars, such as candies, sodas, cakes, etc. Instead, try to choose less sweet fruits, such as firm guavas and large tomatoes. You should also discuss with your physician how many calories you can reasonably consume each day based ...[Read More] Managing Diabetes: Weight Loss, Diet, and Cholesterol Control
Should Stable Type 2 Diabetes Patients Continue Visiting Medical Centers?
Do patients with stable type 2 diabetes still need to continue follow-up visits at a medical center? Hello Doctor, I apologize for the interruption! I would like to ask you a question. I have been living with type 2 diabetes for over seven years. After discovering this issue duri...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If blood sugar levels can be consistently controlled, it is recommended that you transfer to a primary care medical facility for management. It is best to choose a facility that has a physician specializing in metabolic disorders or one that is part of a diabetes collaborative ca...[Read More] Should Stable Type 2 Diabetes Patients Continue Visiting Medical Centers?
Understanding U-PCR and Urinary Protein: Implications for Kidney Health
The relationship between U-PCR (Urine Protein-to-Creatinine Ratio) and kidney function? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about a recent health check-up for a 72-year-old male. The U-PCR result is 1336.47, indicating significant proteinuria (+++). Is this indicative of a problem...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, U-PCR 1336.47 or urine bag protein 3+ are both indicators of proteinuria, which is most commonly associated with diabetes, but may also indicate other intrinsic kidney issues. Your overall kidney function is currently normal, but it is still recommended to schedule an appo...[Read More] Understanding U-PCR and Urinary Protein: Implications for Kidney Health
Managing High Fasting Blood Sugar and Cholesterol Levels: A Guide
Health check-up shows elevated fasting blood glucose levels? Hello Doctor, I had a health check-up in 2021 with a fasting blood glucose level of 100 mg/dL and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol of 139 mg/dL. On January 15, 2022, my fasting blood glucose was 112 mg/dL and t...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to avoid foods and beverages that contain alcohol. Fruits and carbohydrate-rich foods, such as desserts, can also lead to issues with blood sugar and blood lipids. It is advised to have a controlled diet for breakfast, and to exercise regularly and consis...[Read More] Managing High Fasting Blood Sugar and Cholesterol Levels: A Guide
Can You Safely Combine Aldactin and Jardiance for Diabetes?
Medication issues? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if it is safe to take Aldactone and Jardiance together. Do these two medications harm the kidneys? Is Aldactone suitable for people with diabetes?
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: 1. When there are no contraindications, they can be used simultaneously. 2. When used correctly, they are unlikely to harm the kidneys. 3. Diabetic patients can use Aldactone if necessary.[Read More] Can You Safely Combine Aldactin and Jardiance for Diabetes?
Understanding Kidney Issues: Rising Urine Protein Despite Improved Creatinine Levels
Kidney problems On 03/19/2011, creatinine was 1.18, urine protein was 5, urine creatinine was 53.12, and urine protein-to-creatinine ratio (uPCR) was 94.12. On 10/09/2010, creatinine was 1.26, urine protein was 17, urine creatinine was 108.7, and uPCR was 156.11. On 11/03/200...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
According to your inquiry, although the serum creatinine levels show little variation (ranging between 60-70), the urinary protein levels are gradually increasing. In addition to pharmacological management of hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia, the prevention and treatmen...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Issues: Rising Urine Protein Despite Improved Creatinine Levels
Can Diabetic Patients Safely Combine Empagliflozin/Metformin with Aldactone?
Medication Consultation Hello Doctor: I would like to ask if it is safe for a diabetes patient to take Empagliflozin/Metformin along with Aldactone. Could this combination harm the kidneys?
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, these two medications have low intrinsic toxicity to the kidneys; however, they are not recommended for patients with impaired renal function due to a higher likelihood of side effects. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Can Diabetic Patients Safely Combine Empagliflozin/Metformin with Aldactone?
Understanding Blood Sugar Fluctuations: Dawn Phenomenon or Poor Sleep?
Diabetes issues Hello Doctor, I was diagnosed with diabetes in early February. I would like to ask you about my blood sugar levels. On the evening of February 23rd, after taking my blood sugar medication following dinner, my blood sugar was 94 two hours post-meal. However, my fas...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
This is typically referred to as the dawn phenomenon, which is commonly observed in patients with diabetes.[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Fluctuations: Dawn Phenomenon or Poor Sleep?
Possible Causes of Swelling and Pain in the Right Ring Finger Joint
The possible causes of swelling and pain in the first joint of the right hand's ring finger may include: 1. **Osteoarthritis**: Degenerative joint disease that can cause pain and swelling in the joints. 2. **Rheumatoid Arthritis**: An autoimmune condition that leads to infl...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Based on your symptoms, I suspect you may have trigger finger, and I recommend having another physician take a look. The occurrence of trigger finger is related to overuse of the fingers, but in some cases, the cause remains unclear. Additionall...[Read More] Possible Causes of Swelling and Pain in the Right Ring Finger Joint