Diet, Internal Medicine FAQ

Managing Blood Sugar Levels: Concerns and Solutions for Anxiety-Driven Results

How to improve blood sugar levels? Last Friday, I suddenly experienced itching all over my body, and I was worried it might be diabetes. I felt very low and anxious for three consecutive days—Friday, Saturday, and Sunday—resulting in insufficient sleep. On Monday, I went to the h...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Cc: 1. According to the diagnostic criteria for diabetes set by the American Diabetes Association: a. A fasting plasma glucose level of ≥126 mg/dl after fasting for more than 8 hours, b. A 2-hour plasma glucose level of ≥200 mg/dl during an oral glucose toleranc...

Should You Be Concerned About Your Blood Sugar Levels?

Is there a concern for diabetes? I had a company health check-up and my fasting blood glucose level was 101 after fasting for more than 12 hours. According to online standards, it should be below 100. Should I start dietary control and see a doctor for follow-up? I am 180 cm tall...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. According to the diagnostic criteria for diabetes set by the American Diabetes Association: a. A fasting plasma glucose level of ≥126 mg/dL after 8 hours or more of fasting, b. A 2-hour plasma glucose level of ≥200 mg/dL during an oral glucose tolerance test, c. An HbA1c of ≥6...

Adjusting Lipitor Dosage for Cholesterol Management: Key Considerations

The dosage of Lipitor? Hello Doctor, I am a patient with diabetes and hypercholesterolemia. Currently, I am managing my condition through diet and exercise, and my HbA1c is maintained below 6. However, my cholesterol levels remain high (total cholesterol 250, LDL 180, HDL 55). Th...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Song Sang-Sang: 1. Lipitor® (generic name Atorvastatin) is typically prescribed at a dosage of 10 mg per tablet. It belongs to the class of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors, commonly known as statins. It effectively lowers elevated le...

Understanding Metabolic Issues: Low Urine Output and Digestive Concerns

Metabolic issues Hello, doctor. Recently, I've noticed that my metabolism seems to be off. I've been experiencing a decrease in bowel movements; they are infrequent and difficult to pass. Additionally, regardless of how much water I drink, my urine output is very low. F...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Anonymous: 1. The body's sources of hydration primarily come from drinking water, beverages, food and ingredients, as well as metabolic processes. Fluid loss mainly occurs through urine, feces, evaporation from the skin, respiratory water vapor, and sweating. For ...

Should You Continue Anti-Inflammatory Meds for Joint Pain? When to Get Blood Tests

Should I continue taking anti-inflammatory medication? How much should the joint pain improve before I go to the hospital for blood tests? This past Monday, I visited an orthopedic doctor due to pain in the joint of my big toe near the foot. The doctor suspected it might be gout ...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Xiao Hong: 1. The pain in the joint of your big toe near the foot can commonly be diagnosed as gout, bunions, toenail ingrowth, toe fracture, calluses, cellulitis, or paronychia, among others. 2. Since you mentioned a history of hallux valgus, it is particularly impor...

Managing Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: Essential Tips for New Mothers

Hashimoto's thyroiditis Dear Dr. Tseng, 1. After giving birth, I discovered that I have hypothyroidism (TSH: 29), which is associated with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. My baby underwent a thyroid screening at birth, and the results were normal. How often should my baby hav...

Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, I am a rheumatology and immunology specialist. Regarding thyroid diseases, I recommend consulting an endocrinologist for the most up-to-date and accurate medical information. Thank you for your question.

Managing High Cholesterol: Should You Choose Medication or Lifestyle Changes?

High cholesterol I have had high cholesterol issues since childhood. After taking lipid-lowering medication for about a year, my cholesterol levels returned to normal. My doctor believes I can try stopping the medication. Since stopping, I have been exercising regularly and follo...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Fei: 1. According to the regulations of our national health insurance, patients with cardiovascular diseases or diabetes whose total cholesterol level exceeds 160 mg/dL or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) exceeds 100 mg/dL may be eligible for pharmacological ...

Understanding Unusually Slow Recovery from Cold Symptoms

The recovery from a cold is slower than usual? I usually have nasal allergies, often experiencing nasal congestion and runny nose. Besides that, I rarely catch colds and do not take any medications regularly. Initially, one morning I woke up with sudden pain near my tonsils, and ...

Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: <Regarding whether there is insufficient immunity or other underlying conditions? How to check and improve?> A: 1. You can refer to the following website: https://www.femh.org.tw/epaperadmin/viewarticle.aspx?ID=49672. It is recommended to maintain a regular ro...

Does Drinking Ice-Cold Beverages Lead to Kidney Failure?

Does drinking cold beverages affect the kidneys? Drinking 1000-1500cc of cold beverages every day may not directly cause early kidney failure, but excessive consumption of sugary or caffeinated drinks can lead to other health issues, such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension, w...

Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Drinking 1000-1500cc of iced beverages daily, does it lead to kidney failure? Currently, there is no medical literature that supports this hypothesis if you are referring to iced plain water. However, if by iced beverages you mean sugary drinks, consuming 1000-1500cc of sugary be...

Understanding Chronic Stomach Pain: Causes and Solutions

Prone to stomach pain, regardless of diet? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing stomach pain since middle school. It improved for a while, but then the pain became recurrent. My gastrointestinal motility is much slower than average; for instance, if I eat breakfast at 7 AM, it ...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, these are indeed symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The main purposes of performing an endoscopy are to confirm the diagnosis and to qualify for better medication covered by health insurance. However, regardless of how effective the medication is, it prima...

Managing High Nighttime Blood Sugar Levels in Diabetes Patients

Diabetes and Blood Sugar Issues (Elevated Blood Sugar Levels Before Bedtime) Hello Doctor, my father is about 58 years old and had a stroke two years ago. Hospital examinations indicated that diabetes led to hypertension. After rehabilitation, he was able to live independently an...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. A-Hsiang, Before bed, the blood glucose level was 200 mg/dL, and the fasting blood glucose level in the morning was 105 mg/dL. Clinically, for diabetic patients who manage their condition solely through diet and exercise, these levels are acceptable. Normal postprandial...

Tips for Boosting Growth During Adolescence: A Guide for Teens

Growth and Development Hello, Doctor: I am currently a ninth grader, 160 cm tall and weigh 53 kg. Since the first year of junior high, I have grown 20 cm in height. I usually go to bed around 10 PM, have eliminated sugary drinks, and rarely eat fried foods. I drink milk and soy m...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the fastest growth period for boys typically occurs between the first and third year of junior high school. After the third year, the growth rate does slow down, but it does not stop completely. To promote rapid growth, it is indeed important to maintain a balanced diet, e...

Managing High Blood Sugar: When to See a Doctor and Dietary Tips

Blood sugar issues? Hello, doctor. After my health check-up, I found that my blood sugar levels were elevated, so I completely stopped eating sweets. However, I often feel very hungry after meals. Although it doesn't significantly affect my daily routine, I would like to ask...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Ahong: 1. According to the diagnostic criteria for diabetes set by the American Diabetes Association: a. Fasting plasma glucose level ≥ 126 mg/dL after fasting for more than 8 hours, b. Plasma glucose level ≥ 200 mg/dL during a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test, c. HbA...

Understanding Your Creatinine Level: Is 0.61 a Cause for Concern?

Creatinine 0.61 Hello doctor, I would like to ask you about my health check-up results. I saw that my creatinine level is 0.61. Does this indicate any kidney issues? Do I need dialysis? How can I improve this? I really don't want dialysis or surgery; I'm very scared...

Dr. Wang Weijie Reply:
Hello, Student Chang! The creatinine level of 0.61 in your health check report is within the normal range. It is recommended to drink 2000cc of water daily and maintain a regular diet and lifestyle. Wishing you peace and good health. Sincerely, Dr. Wang Wei-Jie, Attending Physici...

Managing High Uric Acid and Cholesterol Levels: Dietary Tips and Concerns

Health check shows elevated uric acid and cholesterol levels? Hello Doctor: I recently had a health check, and my uric acid level is 7.1, which is above the normal range. Isn't the normal value for women supposed to be less than 6.6? I currently do not have any symptoms of g...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Kiki: 1. Elevated uric acid levels primarily refer to high concentrations of uric acid in the blood. When uric acid precipitates in joint tissues (such as the big toe joint, the back of the foot, or finger joints), it can trigger an inflammatory response, leading to go...

Managing High Uric Acid and Cholesterol Levels: Dietary Tips and Concerns

Health check shows elevated uric acid and cholesterol levels? Hello Doctor: I recently had a health check-up, and my uric acid level is 7.1, which is above the normal range. Isn't the normal value for women supposed to be less than 6.6? I currently do not have any symptoms o...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. KiKi: 1. Elevated uric acid levels primarily refer to high concentrations of uric acid in the blood. If uric acid precipitates in joint tissues (such as the big toe joint, the back of the foot, or finger joints), it can trigger an inflammatory response, leading to gout....

Seeking Medical Help for Unexplained Weight Gain at 40

Abnormal weight gain Hello: I am 40 years old, 170 cm tall, and currently eat one meal a day while walking 10,000 steps. My lifestyle is regular. I have gained 12 kg in the past six months, and my endocrine blood tests have shown no issues. How should I seek medical assistance?

Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Aqi: 1. Factors contributing to weight gain include diet, patterns of physical activity, and differences in energy metabolism; very few cases are due to single-gene mutations or specific genetic disorders. 2. Familial obesity may be influenced not only by genetic facto...

Understanding Blood Sugar Levels in Gestational Diabetes Management

Blood sugar issues? Hello Dr. Hsieh, I am currently 36 years old and have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes. My first question is: should I check my blood sugar one hour or two hours after eating for more indicative results? Second, my blood sugar level was 155 mg/dL two h...

Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: The diagnosis of gestational diabetes should be accompanied by education in obstetric clinics, emphasizing early dietary control. Blood glucose levels can be measured 2 hours after meals. In more severe cases, it is advisable to monitor blood glucose levels four times a da...

Understanding Decreased Kidney Function: When to Adjust Diet and Exercise

Decreased renal function? Hello Dr. Wang, At the end of last year, my health check showed the following kidney function values: blood urea nitrogen (BUN) 18.0 mg/dL, creatinine 1.2 mg/dL, and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) 78 mL/min. Since mid-year, I have started exercising a...

Dr. Wang Weijie Reply:
Hello, due to your high-protein diet and long-term exercise habits, it is likely that your muscle mass has increased, which may result in elevated levels of creatinine and blood urea nitrogen in your bloodstream compared to the average person. This can lead to a decrease in the e...

Managing Post-Surgery Bloating and Abdominal Discomfort: Tips and Solutions

Frequent abdominal bloating and discomfort? Hello, Doctor! I have undergone surgery three times in a short span of seven months due to intestinal adhesions causing bowel obstruction, with the last two surgeries involving the placement of anti-adhesion products. The third surgery ...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, intestinal adhesions are indeed a very challenging issue in clinical practice. Unless there is a life-threatening situation that requires surgery, treatment can only focus on symptom management, which includes exercise, taking anti-flatulence medications, and avoiding cert...

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