Diet, Internal Medicine FAQ

Understanding IgA Nephropathy: Key Questions and Concerns for Patients

Regarding IgA nephropathy? Hello Doctor, I recently went to see a physician due to proteinuria and hematuria. After several examinations, the doctor suspects I have IgA nephropathy. Since the test results are not yet available, I would like to ask a few questions in case I am dia...

Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello: Below are the responses to your questions. 1. IgA nephropathy can be well controlled with medication, but regular follow-up appointments are still necessary. Appropriate treatment can indeed reduce the risk of renal function deterioration leading to dialysis. 2. It is re...

Managing Concurrent Tuberculosis and Stroke: Challenges and Solutions

The coexistence of pulmonary tuberculosis and cerebrovascular accident (stroke)? Hello, Director. A family member has a history of pulmonary tuberculosis, which was previously treated and resolved. However, they suddenly suffered a stroke, which has made it difficult for them to ...

Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, I don't quite understand your question. In principle, the treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis does not conflict with the treatment for a stroke. Anticoagulants or platelet inhibitors do not affect pulmonary tuberculosis (unless the tuberculosis poses a risk of signif...

Managing Blood Sugar Levels: A Guide for Overweight Individuals

Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) Hello, doctor. I am obese and have sleep apnea and high blood pressure. Currently, I am taking half of a 5 mg blood pressure medication, which has been controlling my condition for a while. My morning and evening blood pressure readings are quite stabl...

Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
As your physician mentioned: diet and exercise management. Additionally, it is advisable to consult a nutritionist or a diabetes educator for more information on this matter. Thank you for your message.

Understanding Gout: The Role of White Blood Cells in Uric Acid Crystals

Gout-related Hello, doctor. I apologize for asking a question that is not directly related to health care. I found online that the mechanism of gout occurs due to the accumulation of excess uric acid crystals in the body, which triggers an inflammatory response from white blood c...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
In terms of pathology, once the body produces gout crystals, they are recognized by white blood cells as foreign substances, prompting an immune response. We do use immunosuppressive medications, such as corticosteroids, to mitigate the attack by white blood cells. However, these...

Does Drinking Diet Soda Increase Your Risk of Diabetes?

Dietary Habits for Diabetes Management Is drinking diet cola really associated with an increased risk of diabetes? I found an article online that states that due to the presence of artificial sweeteners, when you consume diet beverages, your body is essentially deceived. The swee...

Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: Thank you for your message. According to some studies, both sugar and artificial sweeteners carry a risk of disease (such as diabetes). Therefore, moderation is key to avoid putting a strain on the body.

Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: CBC Screening and Genetic Implications

Inquiry about CBC in relation to Mediterranean anemia? Hello, I have a question for the doctor regarding the screening for Mediterranean anemia. Generally, a complete blood count (CBC) is performed first, and most institutions use a standard of MCV less than 80 (or MCH less than ...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Mild patients with thalassemia do not exhibit significant symptoms. Hematological tests typically show only mild anemia unless influenced by menstruation, diet, or bleeding, which can lead to a decrease in iron levels in the body, making the anemia more pronounced. Therefore, fur...

Understanding Constipation: Causes, Symptoms, and Dietary Solutions

Constipation issues? Hello Doctor: I have had poor bowel habits for a long time without paying much attention. Sometimes I experience constipation, and at other times, I start with constipation but then end up with diarrhea. Typically, I have bowel movements every two days. I hav...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, in terms of diet, it seems you are only having one meal a day, which includes a relatively high amount of root vegetables such as sweet potatoes, potatoes, and corn. However, these foods are lower in fiber compared to other vegetables, so overall, it is estimated that your...

Understanding Discomfort in Dialysis Patients: Heat Sensation and More

Body heat or feeling hot? Dear Doctor, My elder family member is 70 years old and has been undergoing dialysis three times a week for over three years. Recently, we have noticed that if he misses a dialysis session or goes two days without it, he experiences several uncomfortab...

Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, these symptoms may be caused by uremia. Hemodialysis treatment (commonly referred to as dialysis) is not a panacea and cannot be compared to the natural functions of healthy kidneys. It can only assist the body in eliminating some water-soluble t...

Understanding When to Start Diabetes Medication: A Patient's Dilemma

What is the situation regarding diabetes medications? Hello Dr. Lin, I recently had two fasting blood glucose tests with results of 103 and 107, and my HbA1c levels were 6.5 and 6.8. The physician at the diabetes specialty clinic advised me to start medication and prescribed Metf...

Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello: The treatment of diabetes will generally follow the guidelines provided for diabetes management, but some details will still need to be adjusted based on the physician's clinical experience. Although there are differences in opinion between the two physicians, both fu...

Does Masturbation Affect Urine Tests for Prediabetes?

Diabetes issues Hello Dr. Lin, my fasting urine test showed a hemoglobin A1c level of 6.1%, and the report indicates possible prediabetes. I would like to know if masturbating within 2 hours before the urine test could affect the accuracy of the results?

Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
For prediabetes, it is recommended to manage diet and exercise, and to have regular follow-ups. Before a urine test, it is advised to avoid masturbation. If there are any related concerns, it is recommended to consult a professional physician in person.

Chronic Kidney Disease and Vitamin B: What You Need to Know

Chronic Kidney Disease and Vitamin B Complex Hello Dr. Wu Chi-Yu: I am a patient with chronic kidney disease. In my recent blood test report, my serum creatinine is 2.73, blood urea nitrogen is 33, glomerular filtration rate is 26.6, phosphorus is 5.4, and uric acid is 8.1. All o...

Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
According to the current guidelines provided by international journals: Vitamin B1: 1.5 mg/day Vitamin B6: 5 mg/day Vitamin B12: 2-3 µg/day Vitamin E: Additional supplementation is not recommended Niacin: 14-20 mg/day If you are concerned about insufficient dietary i...

Understanding Low C-Peptide Levels: Implications for Diabetes and Weight Management

Low C-Peptide Dear Dr. Lin, Thank you for your prompt response. I apologize for needing to ask a few more questions: 1) Is there a difference in fasting C-Peptide levels between 8 hours and 12 hours? 2) Is a low C-Peptide level associated with a lower likelihood of regaining ...

Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
1. C-peptide: It is generally recommended to have blood drawn after fasting for about 8 hours, but prolonged fasting is not advised as it may affect the test results. 2. Generally, C-peptide is not commonly used to assess the likelihood of weight regain. 3. Based on your current ...

Understanding Low C-Peptide Levels: Is It Type 1 Diabetes?

Low C-Peptide Hello Dr. Lin, My current fasting blood glucose is 90 mg/dL and 2-hour postprandial is 80 mg/dL, which seems normal. However, my HbA1c is 6.2%, and my peptide insulin level is only 0.6. About a year and a half ago, I experienced a sudden and significant weight loss...

Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
1. Based on the information you provided, your likelihood of having type 1 diabetes is low. 2. Avoiding all-you-can-eat restaurants, enhancing dietary control, and increasing physical activity should help improve your blood sugar levels. 3. Improving your lifestyle, being mindful...

Understanding Trace Protein in Urine: Should You Worry?

Both urine protein tests showed +/-? Hello Dr. Lin, I underwent a health check on April 18, and the report indicated trace hematuria and trace proteinuria, with increased lung markings; all other results were normal. Today, I conducted another test, and the abnormal or borderline...

Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello: This urine test report does indicate the presence of trace proteinuria. Generally, if proteinuria is initially detected, it is recommended to conduct two to three follow-up tests, preferably using the first urine sample collected in the morning. Additionally, women should ...

Struggling with Weight Loss: Overcoming Challenges and Finding Solutions

Weight loss and related issues? Hello, (1) I was diagnosed with Mediterranean anemia during a health check-up, but my doctor said it is not severe and does not require treatment. My BMI is 27, which classifies me as overweight. I do not have a specific plan for weight loss and ...

Dr. Ke Taiyuan Reply:
1. The fundamentals of weight loss are still dietary control and regular exercise. Dietary principles include low calories, high protein (meat, fish, beans, eggs, dairy), high fiber, low salt, low oil, and low sugar. Reduce calorie intake outside of main meals, and if you feel hu...

Understanding Elevated Evening Blood Sugar Levels: Causes and Solutions

Blood sugar issues? Hello Doctor: My fasting blood sugar and blood sugar levels two hours after breakfast and lunch are normal. However, my blood sugar two hours after dinner is elevated, around 160. Could you please explain why this is happening and how I should adjust my diet? ...

Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: Please go to the hospital for further examination of HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin). Postprandial blood glucose levels can be easily influenced by the type and amount of food consumed. Thank you for your message!

Understanding B Vitamins: Allergies, Kidney Health, and Monitoring Needs

Questions related to B vitamins? Hello, Doctor. Recently, I have been experiencing glossitis and have been taking B vitamins. After taking them, I sometimes feel a general sensation of heat, and sometimes I do not. Is this an allergic reaction? Could it cause kidney damage? Addit...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Taking any medication or dietary supplements can lead to a variety of non-specific bodily reactions, so I'm not certain if your symptoms are an allergic reaction. However, most allergic reactions typically present with itching and skin ras...

Can People with Kidney Issues Take Krill Oil? Expert Insights

Kidney problems Hello. Can people with kidney problems take krill oil sold on the market?

Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Krill oil is classified as a dietary supplement and comes in various forms, so it cannot be treated uniformly. If you have chronic kidney disease, it is advisable to discuss this with your nephrologist during your outpatient visit. Thank you for your inquiry; the Nephrology Depar...

Understanding Kidney Health: Tests, Concerns, and Dietary Advice

Examination, health, and other related issues concerning having one less kidney? Doctor Wu: Hello, over the past ten years, I have undergone abdominal ultrasounds three times due to gastrointestinal issues, and three different physicians have been unable to locate my right kidney...

Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
1. The diagnostic rate of ultrasound has already reached a high level, and computed tomography (CT) can enhance diagnostic accuracy. However, it is recommended that if the results of a non-contrast scan indicate a single kidney, it should be classified as a Class A diagnosis. The...

Managing Blood Pressure and Edema in a 76-Year-Old Patient

Blood pressure, edema, uric acid? Hello Dr. Wu: My mother is 76 years old and has been taking Adalat 30 mg for many years. Recently, she has experienced edema in her lower extremities. We switched her to one Zanidip (Lercanidipine) 10 mg at bedtime and one Fluitran (Furosemide) 2...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Hsiao-Fen: 1. Your mother is taking Adalat® (30mg; generic name Nifedipine), which is a calcium channel blocker. Long-term use can lead to sodium and fluid retention, resulting in edema. It is recommended to switch to Zanidip® (10mg; generic name Lercanidipine) and Flu...

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