Understanding Prediabetes: Causes, Management, and Lifestyle Changes
Prediabetes Hello, doctor. My height is 173 cm and my weight is 42.2 kg. In March, my weight was 45.2 kg. Due to weight loss, I underwent blood glucose and thyroid tests. The results showed fasting blood glucose of 96 mg/dL, hemoglobin A1c of 5.7%, eAG of 117 mg/dL, free T4 of 1....
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: The normal range for fasting blood glucose levels is typically 70 to 100 mg/dL, and the normal range for hemoglobin A1c is 4 to 6%. I'm not sure what your laboratory's standard range is. For prediabetes, dietary changes and exercise can be effective in managing t...[Read More] Understanding Prediabetes: Causes, Management, and Lifestyle Changes
Understanding Cholesterol and Triglyceride Changes in Health Checkups
Health check report: Elevated cholesterol levels, but decreased triglycerides? Hello, doctor. Three years ago, my health check report showed a height of 156 cm and weight of 48.3 kg, with total cholesterol at 202 mg/dL, HDL at 85 mg/dL, LDL at 107 mg/dL, and triglycerides at 50 m...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: The main factors affecting triglycerides include a high-fat, high-calorie diet, overweight and increased waist circumference, diabetes, alcohol consumption, and the use of female hormones. The sources of cholesterol come partly from synthesis and metabolism in the liver an...[Read More] Understanding Cholesterol and Triglyceride Changes in Health Checkups
Understanding Numbness in the Right Big Toe: Causes and Solutions
Numbness on the inner side of the right big toe? I am a 24-year-old male. During the pandemic, I have not gone outside, but today I started to notice numbness in my right big toe, particularly on the side closer to the midline of my body. I have been barefoot at home and have not...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description and the provided images, it is possible that the symptoms you are experiencing are due to nerve compression in the buttocks caused by the material of your chair and prolonged sitting. It is recommended to find a more comfortable chair and to get up and m...[Read More] Understanding Numbness in the Right Big Toe: Causes and Solutions
Adjusting Insulin for Diabetes Management: A Guide for Caregivers
Diabetes management Hello Dr. Lee, I have been taking care of my father who has had diabetes for over 20 years. During this time, due to dietary control, his HbA1c has decreased from 10 to 6.8. I would like to ask if the insulin he takes daily can be adjusted based on his blood g...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Adjusting insulin involves many factors, including the type of insulin used, accompanying oral medications, daily blood sugar fluctuations, renal function, and more. Please discuss this with the prescribing physician.[Read More] Adjusting Insulin for Diabetes Management: A Guide for Caregivers
Understanding Blood Pressure and HbA1c Levels: Key Insights for Patients
Issues related to blood pressure and glycated hemoglobin? 1. My father is 71 years old. During his health check-up, his hemoglobin A1c level was 6.1. The criteria for passing at the clinic is below 6. The physician there mentioned that levels below 6.7 do not qualify as diabetes....
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
A hemoglobin A1c level of 6.5 or higher can diagnose diabetes. If the hemoglobin A1c continues to rise, early intervention with glucose-lowering medications may be considered to prevent the onset of diabetes; however, these medications may require out-of-pocket expenses. For low ...[Read More] Understanding Blood Pressure and HbA1c Levels: Key Insights for Patients
Managing Microalbuminuria in Diabetic Patients: Concerns and Treatments
The issue of microalbuminuria? Dear Doctor Wu, I was diagnosed with diabetes three years ago, and since then I have been controlling my diet and taking medication, maintaining my hemoglobin A1c below 6. My blood pressure before bed has been below 130. However, starting around No...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
ACR is used as a substitute for the 24-hour urine collection method to measure daily protein loss; the former is only an approximate estimation of the latter. Therefore, the accuracy of this estimation is inevitably not completely reliable. If ACR does not significantly increase,...[Read More] Managing Microalbuminuria in Diabetic Patients: Concerns and Treatments
Diabetes and Tongue Pain: Understanding Symptoms and Causes
Diabetes and Glossodynia Three years ago, I started brushing my teeth four times a day due to fear of cavities, whereas I used to brush only twice. Not long after, due to stress and poor sleep, my tongue began to hurt. I brushed for a long time, keeping toothpaste in my mouth for...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Diabetes can indeed cause neurological changes, and it is possible that the condition you mentioned is related to diabetes. However, it is not certain that diabetes is the sole cause. It is advisable to consult an oral specialist. 2. The toothpaste itself has a minim...[Read More] Diabetes and Tongue Pain: Understanding Symptoms and Causes
Understanding Sudden High Blood Pressure and Kidney Hydronephrosis
Sudden onset of elevated blood pressure and hydronephrosis? Hello Doctor: I am 31 years old and have a regular habit of donating blood. My blood pressure has never exceeded the normal range until mid-April this year when my company conducted a health check, and my blood pressure ...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
First, let's define what hypertension is. If you only have hypertension, your target is to maintain blood pressure below 140/90 mmHg. However, if you have comorbidities such as chronic kidney disease or diabetes, the target should be below 130/80 mmHg. Based on your current ...[Read More] Understanding Sudden High Blood Pressure and Kidney Hydronephrosis
Dietary Tips to Increase Low Triglycerides Without Raising Blood Sugar
Dietary Recommendations for Low Triglycerides Hello, doctor. I recently had a health check-up, and my triglyceride level was only 12 (compared to 20 a year ago). My low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels are normal, at 90 and 77, respe...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello JJ: Generally speaking, animal fats, alcohol, and increased dietary calories can lead to hypertriglyceridemia. Elevated blood lipids can contribute to cardiovascular diseases and cerebrovascular diseases. It is advisable to discuss with a physician before deciding on a trea...[Read More] Dietary Tips to Increase Low Triglycerides Without Raising Blood Sugar
Is My Doctor's Approach to Diabetes Management Correct?
Could you please clarify if the management of diabetes is appropriate? I have been regularly visiting a urologist, and recently the doctor mentioned that my urine glucose levels are too high. I also tested my blood sugar at home using a glucometer about five hours after a meal, a...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
A postprandial blood glucose level of over 200 may indicate diabetes. Please visit the endocrinology department for a thorough examination.[Read More] Is My Doctor's Approach to Diabetes Management Correct?
Ants in the Bathroom: Could It Indicate Diabetes Symptoms?
There are ants in the bathroom? Hello doctor, my mother has a family history of diabetes. There are many ants outside my house and on the upper floor due to the flower beds. I remember that when I was in elementary school, there were always ants in the bathroom (possibly because ...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: It is advised not to use urine to attract ants as a method to determine if one has diabetes. The other symptoms you mentioned are also not reliable indicators of diabetes. It is recommended to get tested at a hospital.[Read More] Ants in the Bathroom: Could It Indicate Diabetes Symptoms?
Understanding Morning Fasting Blood Sugar Levels in Diabetes Management
Fasting blood glucose levels upon waking are higher than blood glucose levels before bedtime? Hello Dr. Lin: I was diagnosed with diabetes in early April, at which time my blood sugar was 226, and my HbA1c was 8. Over the past month, I have been actively managing my diet and exer...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: Many factors can affect blood glucose levels, such as dietary content, the degree of digestion and absorption, the type of antidiabetic medication, physical condition, and level of physical activity. Generally, physicians will consider all this information to determine whe...[Read More] Understanding Morning Fasting Blood Sugar Levels in Diabetes Management
Understanding Urine Ketones and Bilirubin: Diabetes or Hyperthyroidism?
Urine ketones 3+ Hello Doctor, during my health check in November last year, my urine ketones were (+/-), urine bilirubin was (-), T4 levels were normal, and TSH was slightly low. In late February this year, I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. In early April, during my health c...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
An increase in urine ketones may be caused by fasting or starvation. If it persists, you can consult a metabolic specialist. An increase in urine bilirubin can be evaluated by a hepatobiliary specialist for further investigation and monitoring.[Read More] Understanding Urine Ketones and Bilirubin: Diabetes or Hyperthyroidism?
Ants Near the Toilet: Could It Indicate Diabetes Symptoms?
There are ants near the toilet? Hello doctor, my grandmother, her mother, and her brother all have diabetes, but my mother does not. Recently, I noticed a few ants (about 3 or 4) on the floor next to the toilet and on the toilet lid; it’s not a large number and they haven't ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If there is a family history of diabetes and there are ants around the toilet, it is advisable to visit a metabolic specialist to check fasting blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin to rule out the possibility of diabetes.[Read More] Ants Near the Toilet: Could It Indicate Diabetes Symptoms?
Understanding Height and Weight Changes in Aging: A Guide for Families
Mother's height and weight issues? Hello, doctor. My mother is 58 years old, and I would like to ask about her health check-up report. The report shows that her height and weight are normal, but she has been losing a few millimeters in height each year, totaling a decrease o...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If you experience a decrease in height, you can visit an orthopedic clinic to check for osteoporosis. If you have experienced weight loss, you can go to a metabolic clinic to check for diabetes or thyroid dysfunction.[Read More] Understanding Height and Weight Changes in Aging: A Guide for Families
Understanding Unintentional Weight Loss and Blood Pressure Concerns
Weight gradually decreases year by year? Hello, doctor. I apologize for asking you this question. I'm not sure if this is something for an internist. My mother is 58 years old. Although her weight is normal according to her health check report, it has decreased by 2 kilogram...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Weight loss can be evaluated at a metabolism clinic to check for thyroid antibodies or diabetes. A systolic blood pressure below 130 is preferable; it is advisable to reduce sodium intake and then monitor changes in blood pressure.[Read More] Understanding Unintentional Weight Loss and Blood Pressure Concerns
Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Are You at Risk for Prediabetes?
Blood glucose level is 102, but glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is normal? Hello doctor, my height is 176 cm and my weight is 77 kg. My fasting blood glucose level is 102 mg/dL, but my hemoglobin A1c is 5.5%. Am I considered to be in the prediabetic range, or do I need to retest my f...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Fasting blood glucose levels exceeding 100 mg/dL raise concerns for prediabetes, and regular monitoring is necessary. Both hemoglobin A1c and fasting blood glucose have their respective reference values; no single number can provide complete assurance, so both should be considere...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Are You at Risk for Prediabetes?
High Urea Nitrogen: Should You Monitor or Seek Immediate Medical Attention?
If blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels are elevated, should I monitor it regularly or seek immediate medical attention? 1. If you wish to continue a high-protein (both animal and plant-based) and low-carbohydrate diet while also increasing your water intake, it is generally acceptab...
Dr. Su Zhehong Reply:
If creatinine levels remain unchanged and there is no proteinuria, but only elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN), it may be related to a high-protein diet and not necessarily indicate worsening kidney function. Increasing water intake can lead to more urine output, which may help e...[Read More] High Urea Nitrogen: Should You Monitor or Seek Immediate Medical Attention?
What is the Normal Range for Hemoglobin A1c Levels?
What is the normal range for hemoglobin A1c? The normal range for hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels can vary slightly depending on the guidelines used. Generally, an HbA1c level of less than 5.7% is considered normal, while levels between 5.7% and 6.4% indicate prediabetes. A level o...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Both the American Diabetes Association and the Taiwan Diabetes Association define a normal fasting blood glucose level as below 5.6 mmol/L.[Read More] What is the Normal Range for Hemoglobin A1c Levels?
Managing Diabetes in HIV Patients: Expert Advice and Insights
Simultaneous diagnosis of HIV and diabetes? Hello Dr. Chen, due to my infection condition, I have hesitated to seek treatment from specialties outside of infectious diseases. However, my hemoglobin A1c has consistently been above 8.5. I am currently taking three different antidia...
Dr. Chen Jianyu Reply:
Hello: The infectious disease department of the hospital also has internal medicine specialty qualifications. Please inform the infectious disease physician to handle it accordingly.[Read More] Managing Diabetes in HIV Patients: Expert Advice and Insights