Is Your Hunger Before Meals a Sign of Blood Sugar Issues?
Is having frequent hunger pangs related to blood sugar issues? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing a persistent sensation of muscle hunger, which typically occurs before lunch or dinner. I do not experience symptoms associated with hypoglycemia, such as cold sweats, trembling,...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
There are many reasons for feelings of hunger, such as having an overly efficient digestive system, which can lead to rapid gastric emptying and increased hunger. Is your diet balanced across three meals? Consuming overly refined foods that lack fiber, protein, and healthy fats c...[Read More] Is Your Hunger Before Meals a Sign of Blood Sugar Issues?
Understanding Nausea, Appetite Loss, and Weight Changes in Hepatitis B Patients
Loss of appetite, gastrointestinal discomfort, weight changes, Hepatitis B? Hello Dr. Hong, I weigh 59 kg and am 173 cm tall, and I am 17 years old. I experience nausea before lunch and after dinner. I have little appetite when I see food and rarely feel hungry, but I haven'...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding hepatitis B, the main focus is on monitoring liver function tests. Based on your description, I would infer that your liver function tests should be normal. If they are normal, regular monitoring is sufficient. However, if you have irregular habits such as drinki...[Read More] Understanding Nausea, Appetite Loss, and Weight Changes in Hepatitis B Patients
Understanding CEA Levels in Dialysis Patients: What You Need to Know
Dialysis - CEA A family member has been on dialysis for about 7 years and developed pleural effusion and loss of appetite due to low albumin levels. After hospitalization, the pleural effusion has improved. Currently, the hospital nutritionist recommends high-protein powder along...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
In patients with renal failure, many indicators will be higher than those of the general population. For example, in elderly individuals, smoking itself can lead to elevated levels of Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA). CEA is a monitoring tool rather than a diagnostic tool. Typicall...[Read More] Understanding CEA Levels in Dialysis Patients: What You Need to Know
Understanding CEA Levels in Dialysis Patients: What You Need to Know
Dialysis - CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen) A family member has been on dialysis for about 7 years. Due to low albumin levels, they developed pleural effusion and loss of appetite. After hospitalization, the pleural effusion has improved. Currently, the hospital nutritionist recomm...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
There are many interfering factors for CEA, including older age and smoking. Additionally, CEA levels in dialysis patients may also be higher than normal. CEA is used as a marker for "monitoring" colorectal cancer, not for "diagnosis." The upper limit of CEA f...[Read More] Understanding CEA Levels in Dialysis Patients: What You Need to Know
Understanding Hypothyroidism: Symptoms, Treatment, and Genetic Factors
Hypothyroidism issues? Hello, Doctor. I have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism since birth and have been regularly undergoing blood tests and taking levothyroxine tablets. However, during puberty and after becoming an adult (while taking birth control pills), my dosage has incre...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
1. It is recommended to have a blood test to measure thyroid levels; if the results are within the normal range, hypothyroidism can likely be ruled out. 2. A normal, balanced diet, along with a healthy lifestyle and regular exercise, greatly contributes to overall health. 3. Cert...[Read More] Understanding Hypothyroidism: Symptoms, Treatment, and Genetic Factors
Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Managing Pre-Diabetes and Dietary Choices
Blood sugar issues Hello, doctor. I often drink bubble tea, sometimes up to two cups of lightly sweetened beverages in a day. A urine test showed some sugar in my urine, so my nephrologist ordered a blood test. My fasting blood glucose was 102, and my hemoglobin A1c was around 5....
Dr. Chen Shunfu Reply:
Thank you for your question! Long-term consumption of sugary beverages can increase the risk of diabetes, so it is advisable to reduce intake. The sugar content in each serving of sugary drinks is not fixed, which is why the current international standard for assessment is the or...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Managing Pre-Diabetes and Dietary Choices
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues and Blood Sugar Levels
Blood sugar issues and gastrointestinal problems? Hello, last week I went to the emergency room because I vomited 5 to 6 times in the middle of the night. The doctor performed several tests and diagnosed me with gastroenteritis. I have two questions: 1. I only vomited and did not...
Dr. Chen Shunfu Reply:
Thank you for your inquiry. 1. Hello, if you are still experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms, in addition to adjusting to a light diet, it is recommended to visit a gastroenterology clinic for evaluation and possible medication/testing to improve your symptoms as soon as possibl...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues and Blood Sugar Levels
Managing Appetite and Bloating in Elderly with Chronic Lung Conditions
Elderly individuals may experience bloating and loss of appetite? Hello, doctor. My elderly family member has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and has experienced severe asthma after repeated pneumonia infections (he is on medication and uses an oxygen machine). He ha...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello: 1. The Lockfei you mentioned is likely a probiotic. Aside from a few patients with significantly compromised immune systems who may not be suitable for its use, most patients should not have major issues using it. However, since it is a prescription medication, it should...[Read More] Managing Appetite and Bloating in Elderly with Chronic Lung Conditions
Abdominal Pain, Lung Inflammation, and Fever: Seeking Medical Advice
Abdominal pain, pulmonary inflammation, and high fever issues? Hello Doctor, I apologize for the interruption. I've been experiencing abdominal pain (cramping) for the past two days, and my bowel movements have been very loose. I also have muscle aches, fever (ranging from 3...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello: Based on your description of fever, upper abdominal pain, and diarrhea, it is likely that you are experiencing acute gastroenteritis or a gastrointestinal viral infection, possibly caused by consuming contaminated food. The medications you have been prescribed are aimed at...[Read More] Abdominal Pain, Lung Inflammation, and Fever: Seeking Medical Advice
Understanding Glycated Hemoglobin: Insulin Sensitivity and Reversal Potential
Glycated hemoglobin My previous hemoglobin A1c level was 6.4, so I started exercising regularly and eating a lighter diet. After two months, my hemoglobin A1c level dropped to 5.9. There is no history of diabetes in my family. I believe that the 6.4 level was likely due to my lar...
Dr. Chen Jianyu Reply:
The function of insulin is primarily assessed through glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. Please consult the Metabolism Department for further evaluation. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Glycated Hemoglobin: Insulin Sensitivity and Reversal Potential
Rising BUN and Creatinine Levels: Should You Worry About Kidney Health?
If BUN and creatinine levels are continuously rising (but still within the normal range), does this indicate a problem with the kidneys? Hello Doctor: I had a blood test in November 2017, which showed a BUN of 6 and a creatinine level of 9. In August 2018, I had another blood tes...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
1. BUN and creatinine (CRE) have standard values established by each laboratory. As long as the values are within the normal range (e.g., CRE: 0.7-1.3), the results indicate that they fall within the normal limits. Fluctuations in these values can be significantly influenced by d...[Read More] Rising BUN and Creatinine Levels: Should You Worry About Kidney Health?
Do I Have Colon Cancer? Understanding Symptoms and Concerns at 16
Do I have colon cancer? This August, I discovered I have internal hemorrhoids, so I started paying special attention to my diet. Now that school has started, I drink a lot of water and eat an apple, banana, or guava every day. I also began exercising, but by November, my bowel ha...
Dr. Chen Shunfu Reply:
Colorectal cancer can occur in individuals of all age groups, with the incidence gradually increasing with age, particularly among those aged 50 to 60 years. However, there has been a trend of younger individuals being diagnosed with cancer in recent years; colorectal cancer has ...[Read More] Do I Have Colon Cancer? Understanding Symptoms and Concerns at 16
Is a Fasting Blood Sugar of 131 a Sign of Diabetes?
A blood sugar level of 131 mg/dL does not necessarily indicate diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association, a fasting blood sugar level of 126 mg/dL or higher is considered diagnostic for diabetes? Hello Dr. Lin, My mother is 83 years old and was diagnosed with Park...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello! According to the current diagnostic criteria, since glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) reflects the average blood glucose levels over the past three months, a value greater than 6.5% on one occasion is sufficient for a diabetes diagnosis. Of course, considering your mother's...[Read More] Is a Fasting Blood Sugar of 131 a Sign of Diabetes?
Understanding HbA1c Levels: Can You Reverse Prediabetes?
The glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level is 6.2? The hospital measured my hemoglobin A1c at 6.2. After three months of dietary control, my hemoglobin A1c was measured at 5.9. No one in my family has diabetes, but I have gained a lot of weight due to taking medication for bipolar dis...
Dr. Chen Shunfu Reply:
Congratulations! Your hemoglobin A1c has decreased from 6.2% to 5.9% after three months of dietary control. Based on your height of 179 cm and weight of 95 kg, your BMI is calculated to be 29.6, which indicates obesity. The medication Depakine (valproate) that you are taking can ...[Read More] Understanding HbA1c Levels: Can You Reverse Prediabetes?
Impact of Soy Milk on Calcium Oxalate Kidney Stones: What You Need to Know
How does soy milk affect calcium oxalate kidney stones? I have some questions for the doctor. I have a history of kidney stones, and recently I researched dietary considerations for kidney stones online. I found some articles stating that soy milk, unlike other soybean products, ...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Hello: The article mentions, "This is another good reason to keep dietary oxalate low – 50 to 100 mg if possible." This means that for patients prone to kidney stones, it is advisable to maintain dietary oxalate intake below 100 mg. A cup of soy milk contains approximat...[Read More] Impact of Soy Milk on Calcium Oxalate Kidney Stones: What You Need to Know
Understanding Blood Sugar Fluctuations and Diabetes Management
Inquiry about blood sugar issues? Hello Dr. Lin, I would like to ask you a few questions: 1. In non-diabetic patients, is it possible for acute gastroenteritis causing inflammation and persistent vomiting to lead to a temporary increase in blood glucose levels? 2. For patient...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
1. The body may experience abnormal blood sugar levels when feeling unwell or under significant stress. 2. The current trend seems to suggest that the use of metformin for diabetes prevention is not recommended. 3. In the early stages of diabetes, when the condition is not severe...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Fluctuations and Diabetes Management
Understanding Diabetes: Is a HbA1c of 7.6 Dangerous and What to Do Next?
Medical Inquiry Hello Dr. Chen, I am 23 years old and overweight. Recently, I had surgery for folliculitis near my groin, and I noticed that my wound healed slowly. The doctor suspected that I might have diabetes, so I had my hemoglobin A1c tested, which came back at 7.6, confi...
Dr. Chen Jianyu Reply:
1. Illness is dangerous; safety is paramount. Do not be afraid of taking medication; the real concern should be poor management of the condition. 2. If diet and exercise cannot adequately control blood sugar levels, medication must be used for management.[Read More] Understanding Diabetes: Is a HbA1c of 7.6 Dangerous and What to Do Next?
Could Recent Diarrhea Be a Sign of HIV After Risky Behavior?
Could this type of diarrhea be a symptom of HIV? About a month after engaging in high-risk behavior, I have recently been experiencing frequent loose stools and even diarrhea, although it's not occurring every time. Previously, I would have a bowel movement about once a day,...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, diarrhea is not a common early symptom of HIV infection; it usually occurs later in the infection when specific intestinal pathogens may be involved. Based on your description, it seems to be related to food. Additionally, exercise can increase intestinal motility, which i...[Read More] Could Recent Diarrhea Be a Sign of HIV After Risky Behavior?
Understanding Tulip 20mg: Safety, Efficacy, and Alternatives for Cholesterol Management
Regarding Tofacitinib Extended-Release Tablets A 72-year-old female, 158 cm tall and weighing 53 kg, currently has low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol at 134.5 mg/dL, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol at 55.1 mg/dL, and triglycerides at 59.2 mg/dL. She has no other...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
It is correct that medications should be used carefully, and they are generally considered safe. Whether to discontinue medication and address subsequent issues will depend on the patient's condition moving forward, which should be discussed with your physician. The primary ...[Read More] Understanding Tulip 20mg: Safety, Efficacy, and Alternatives for Cholesterol Management
Can You Reverse High Hemoglobin A1c Levels? A Guide for Patients
Elevated glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels? Hello doctor, I used to be quite active in school, but during the summer break, I hardly exercised at all, and my lifestyle has changed significantly. I don't drink much water and often consume sugary drinks. Recently, during ...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Glycated hemoglobin: 9.9%. It is recommended to see a physician. With medical management, along with dietary changes and exercise, there should be a chance for improvement. Thank you for your message.[Read More] Can You Reverse High Hemoglobin A1c Levels? A Guide for Patients