Should You Stop Drinking Milk? Exploring Potential Health Risks
Consultation recommendations? I received a video from my family today discussing potential issues with drinking milk. Currently, I consume about 150cc of milk made from powdered milk daily. Should I be concerned about possible adverse effects, and should I stop drinking it? I cou...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: According to the daily dietary guidelines from the National Health Administration, it is recommended that individuals with diabetes limit their dairy intake to 1-2 servings. One serving of dairy is equivalent to 240 c.c. of fresh milk.[Read More] Should You Stop Drinking Milk? Exploring Potential Health Risks
Concerns About Zinc Intake and Dietary Deficiencies in a Vegetarian Diet
Dietary Questions Hello, I am the person who previously asked about zinc. I have been worried about COVID-19 and have been soaking zinc tablets in hot water for four consecutive days. I am taking a simple glucosamine zinc supplement. Will this process cause any chemical changes t...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding zinc supplementation, since each brand and formulation is different, it is recommended to follow the usage instructions on the label. However, it is still advisable to consult a gastroenterologist to determine the cause of your digestive issues, as there are many...[Read More] Concerns About Zinc Intake and Dietary Deficiencies in a Vegetarian Diet
Understanding Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: Risks, Treatment, and Concerns
Endocrine issues, congenital adrenal hyperplasia? Hello Dr. Lin, I apologize for bothering you. Since there is no endocrinology department here, I consulted with the internal medicine department and learned that your specialty is endocrinology. I would like to ask you about my gi...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) encompasses various specific disorders. Based on the information you provided, it is difficult to determine which specific type it is. It is recommended to discuss this with her physician.[Read More] Understanding Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: Risks, Treatment, and Concerns
Understanding Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: Risks and Management Insights
Rare disease questions, please help me answer, doctor! Hello Dr. Hong, I apologize for bothering you. Since there is no endocrinology department, I am inquiring about your expertise in internal medicine. My girlfriend was diagnosed during kindergarten with a condition noted in he...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, "Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) related to enzyme deficiency" is a general term that encompasses many related conditions, rather than being a specific disease name. Therefore, the life-threatening risks or fertility issues you mentioned need to be assessed ...[Read More] Understanding Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: Risks and Management Insights
Impact of Nighttime Sports Drinks on Kidney Health and Diabetes Risk
Kidney problems, diabetes? Hello Dr. Lin, I would like to ask you a few questions. For the past two years, I have been drinking half a bottle (about 300cc) of sports drinks, such as Fun or Pocari Sweat, every night before bed. Recently, I have been feeling unwell frequently. 1....
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: 1. There is no research confirming whether drinking sugary beverages at night or during the day makes a difference, but consuming them before bedtime may lead to weight gain more easily, and being overweight increases the risk of diabetes. 2. It is unlikely, but if there i...[Read More] Impact of Nighttime Sports Drinks on Kidney Health and Diabetes Risk
Painful Urination and White Discharge: Understanding Your Symptoms
Experiencing pain during urination and the secretion of a white fluid from the glans may indicate a possible infection or inflammation, such as urethritis or balanitis. It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment? If you experience su...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, if the symptoms include painful urination along with discharge, it is more likely to be a urinary tract infection. It is recommended to see a urologist for examination and treatment as soon as possible.[Read More] Painful Urination and White Discharge: Understanding Your Symptoms
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
Overcoming Weight Loss Plateaus: Understanding Insulin Resistance
19 years of long-term distress..? I have always wanted to lose weight and have been working on it for a long time. I found a lot of information online. My weight is 131.5 kg, and my height is 182 cm, which is really heavy. I have tried going to the gym and measured my body compos...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: Based on your situation, it is recommended that you go to the hospital for a comprehensive examination to rule out any abnormal conditions in your body. Then, you can proceed with the next steps.[Read More] Overcoming Weight Loss Plateaus: Understanding Insulin Resistance
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 Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns for Teens
Recently, I have been experiencing frequent sharp pains in my body? Hello Doctor, I am 17 years old. Since around the ninth grade, I have been experiencing sharp pains in my abdomen (upper left, mid upper, and upper right). Sometimes I have sudden, brief stabbing pains, and other...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: Abdominal pain occurs occasionally, and you should go to the hospital for an examination to determine the cause. There are indeed many potential causes of abdominal pain. Thank you for your message![Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns for Teens
Managing Allergic Rhinitis and Frequent Colds: What You Need to Know
Upper respiratory tract infection I regularly take medication for allergic rhinitis, but I still caught a cold on April 22 and again on May 22. The doctor prescribed medication that also treats allergic rhinitis. If I am consistently taking medication and still cannot prevent col...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the medications for allergic rhinitis are typically antihistamines. To avoid catching a cold, it is recommended to maintain a regular routine, get enough sleep, exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet, and refrain from alcohol and smoking. Additionally, it is advisable to ...[Read More] Managing Allergic Rhinitis and Frequent Colds: What You Need to Know
Understanding Zinc Gluconate: Safety and Absorption Concerns
Zinc Gluconate Is it true that many zinc gluconate supplements available on the market are synthetic? Will consuming these cause irreversible harm to the body? Is there a possibility that taking zinc gluconate could lead to an inability to absorb zinc in the future, or am I just ...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Side effects of zinc include abdominal cramps, loss of appetite, irritability, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, and a metallic taste in the mouth. These symptoms usually resolve on their own. Adult males require approximately 11 milligrams (mg) of zinc per day, and the abso...[Read More] Understanding Zinc Gluconate: Safety and Absorption Concerns
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
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
Understanding Anal Fistulas: Surgical Options and Recovery Tips
Anal fistula Last September, I underwent hemorrhoid surgery. By December, I noticed a lump near the anus that was extremely painful. I consulted a specialist, and in late February, I was given a seton placement. However, there is still a small lump in that area, and a few days be...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the surgical removal of an anal fistula primarily depends on whether it causes infection and related complications. Based on your description, it seems to frequently cause discomfort, which is why your physician recommended surgery. As for postoperative care, your doctor s...[Read More] Understanding Anal Fistulas: Surgical Options and Recovery Tips
Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns
Left lower abdominal pain? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing a dull pain in my lower left abdomen for several consecutive days, approximately near the waist area on the left side. I also had a pain in my upper left abdomen once. The pain is not severe and does not persist; i...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Local heat application can be used to control symptoms and dietary adjustments should be made. If necessary, medical treatment with medication may be required.[Read More] Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns
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?