Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: When to Test and What to Know
Blood sugar issues? Hello Doctor, I have been feeling a bit uncomfortable and dizzy after meals recently. Four months ago, I had my hemoglobin A1c tested, which was 5.4, and my fasting blood glucose was 97. I did not have a postprandial blood glucose test done. A few days ago, I ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, sir, thank you for your question. Although diabetes has a genetic component, for type 2 diabetes, the chance of children of affected individuals developing diabetes is around 15%. Therefore, there is no need to be overly anxious. In other words, if you pay attention to you...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: When to Test and What to Know
Understanding Kidney Issues: Insights on Recovery and Dietary Considerations
Kidney problems Hello, my sister is 29 years old and has a history of refractory epilepsy for 23 years, is a carrier of hepatitis B, and has been diagnosed with schizophrenia for 2 years. She was hospitalized on July 31 due to cellulitis and developed sepsis, requiring intubation...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on the data you provided, this condition is classified as "acute kidney injury," which may be caused by cellulitis complicated by sepsis. The key point is that as the infection is brought under control, your kidney function will gradually improve. It is recommende...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Issues: Insights on Recovery and Dietary Considerations
Effective Weight Loss Strategies: Overcoming Common Challenges
Struggling to lose weight? Hello, Doctor: My height is 161.5 cm, weight is 70 kg, and my BMI is 26.83. I have read several weight loss books, and the doctor has mentioned to eat less and exercise more, but when I exercise more, I tend to eat more! Just relying on the phrase "...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. Your height is 161.5 cm, weight is 70 kg, and your BMI is 26.83 kg/m², which classifies you as overweight. In medicine, there are various weight loss methods; however, there is no single method that is universally effective for everyone. Since obesity can lead to insulin resis...[Read More] Effective Weight Loss Strategies: Overcoming Common Challenges
Understanding Elevated Creatinine Levels: Causes and Concerns
Elevated creatinine levels? Hello, doctor. This year, during my health check-up, my kidney function test showed a creatinine level of 1.5 and a uric acid level of 4.31. Last year, my creatinine level was 1.4 and my uric acid level was 5.3. My BMI has been 22 for both years. I hav...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Hello, regarding your elevated creatinine levels, it is recommended that you see a nephrologist for further examination and follow-up. Since your uric acid levels are normal, the cause of the renal dysfunction may require additional urine tests and blood tests to determine whethe...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Creatinine Levels: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Kidney Issues: A Comprehensive Guide for Patients and Families
Kidney problems Hello Doctor, My family member (female, 29 years old) has long-term chronic health issues. She has been diagnosed with refractory epilepsy for 23 years and is currently taking the following medications: Depakote 700mg, Vimpat 100mg, Keppra 1000mg, and Lamictal 30...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Hello: Currently, your family member's creatinine levels have returned to normal range. The recent decline in kidney function is likely due to acute kidney injury, but regular monitoring is still necessary. Dietary restrictions are not required at this time. The exact causes...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Issues: A Comprehensive Guide for Patients and Families
Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Do I Need Diabetes Medication?
Blood sugar issues Hello, Director Hsiao. A week ago, I had a fasting blood test at the hospital to check my blood sugar levels. Today, the outpatient physician informed me that my fasting blood sugar of 70 is a precursor to diabetes and that I need to take medication. This has l...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Gao Xing, 1. The treatment of diabetes primarily involves dietary control, regular exercise, and medication. Unless dietary control and regular exercise can completely manage the progression of diabetes, continuing medication is necessary. Do not discontinue medication ...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Do I Need Diabetes Medication?
Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Test Results and Treatment Options
Hyperthyroidism At the Taipei Hospital of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the thyroid examination results are as follows: 1. Test Name Test Value Reference Range Result Anti-TPO Ab 1.450 0~5.61 IU/mL Nor...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. A-Kuo: Based on the values you provided: - Anti-TPO Ab: 1.450 (Reference range: 0–5.61 IU/mL) - Anti-Tg Ab (ATA): 4.380 (Reference range: 0–4.11 IU/mL) - Free T4: 1.520 (Reference range: 0.7–1.48 ng/dL) - TSH: <0.0025 (Reference range: 0.35–4.94 µIU/mL) - T3: 2....[Read More] Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Test Results and Treatment Options
Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Symptoms, Tests, and Treatment Options
Hyperthyroidism Test Name Test Value Anti-TPO Ab 1.450 Anti-Tg Ab (ATA) 4.38 Free T4 1.52 TSH <1.52 T3 2.220 Is this hyperthyroidism? Should medication be taken to control it? Does tak...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. A-Guo: 1. Your test results are as follows: - Anti-TPO Ab: 1.45 IU/ml (Reference range: <5.61) - Anti-Tg Ab (ATA): 4.38 IU/ml (Reference range: <14.4) - Free T4: 1.52 ng/dl (Reference range: 0.89–1.76) - TSH: <1.52 μIU/ml (Reference range: 0.39–4.2...[Read More] Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Symptoms, Tests, and Treatment Options
Can GTF (Glucose Tolerance Factor) Significantly Improve Blood Sugar in Type 2 Diabetes?
Can taking GTF (Glucose Tolerance Factor) significantly improve blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes? Hello, doctor: I saw an article online stating that consuming GTF (Glucose Tolerance Factor) can significantly improve blood glucose levels in patients with type...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Tom: 1. The term "glucose tolerance factor" generally refers to substances that contain trace elements of chromium. Chromium exists in several forms, including divalent chromium, trivalent chromium, and hexavalent chromium; divalent chromium is highly unstable...[Read More] Can GTF (Glucose Tolerance Factor) Significantly Improve Blood Sugar in Type 2 Diabetes?
Post-Meal Blood Sugar Lower Than Pre-Meal: A Case Study
Postprandial blood glucose is lower than preprandial blood glucose? Dr. Hsiao, about a month ago (on August 12), I had a blood test that revealed a fasting blood glucose level of 214 mg/dL. At that time, my weight was 87.5 kg and my height was 166 cm. Following the physician'...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Shan: 1. You have diligently changed your diet, increased your exercise, and lost weight, while frequently monitoring your blood glucose levels. As a result, you have lost 7.5 kilograms, and your blood sugar has shown significant improvement. The recommendations from yo...[Read More] Post-Meal Blood Sugar Lower Than Pre-Meal: A Case Study
Should Diabetic Patients Supplement Lutein for Eye Health?
Supplementing with lutein for diabetes? My mother is currently in the prediabetic stage and is taking prescribed medication to lower her blood sugar. Recently, I heard that supplementing with lutein can help prevent eye diseases, so I went to the pharmacy and bought lutein. I wou...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Wang: 1. In terms of biological knowledge, lutein is primarily found in the chloroplasts of plants and is one of the main pigments in plants. It is also one of the primary pigments that make up the macula of the human retina. Sometimes it is used by humans as an antiox...[Read More] Should Diabetic Patients Supplement Lutein for Eye Health?
Can Chronic Kidney Disease Be Treated with Medications?
Is there medication available to treat chronic kidney disease? Hello Doctor: My mother previously suffered from a myocardial infarction, which has affected her kidney function. Her current creatinine level is 2.23, and the doctor has indicated that she is in stage 4 chronic kidne...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on your description, your aunt has a history of myocardial infarction and may also have issues related to the "three highs" (hypertension, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia). From the perspective of chronic kidney disease management, controlling these conditions i...[Read More] Can Chronic Kidney Disease Be Treated with Medications?
Managing Diabetes: Should My Father Be Hospitalized or Treated at Home?
Diabetes issues My father, 46 years old, male, has no family history of diabetes. He was recently diagnosed with diabetes and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) after a hospital visit where his blood glucose level was measured at 486 mg/dl. Due to a lack of available beds in the hospita...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Chen, Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is classified as a hyperglycemic emergency. Key diagnostic points include hyperglycemia, the presence of ketones in urine or blood, and a significant acidotic blood pH. The symptoms can vary widely and may include dehydration, abdominal...[Read More] Managing Diabetes: Should My Father Be Hospitalized or Treated at Home?
Understanding Diabetes: Key Questions About Diagnosis and Management
Diabetes concerns? Hello Doctor: My son is 26 years old and has been attracting ants with his urine. He went to the clinic for a blood test, which showed a fasting blood glucose level of 266 mg/dL and a hemoglobin A1c of 10.58%. There is a family history of diabetes (both of my p...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Wang Su-Chen: 1. According to the diagnostic criteria for diabetes set by the American Diabetes Association, a. a fasting plasma glucose level ≥126 mg/dL after fasting for more than 8 hours, b. a 2-hour plasma glucose level ≥200 mg/dL during an oral glucose tolerance t...[Read More] Understanding Diabetes: Key Questions About Diagnosis and Management
Struggling to Lose Weight: Why Diet and Exercise Aren't Working
No matter how I eat and exercise, I still can't lose weight? I am currently 171 cm tall and weigh 90 kg, and I have been obese for nearly six years. My weight has been gradually increasing. My diet is normal, and I rarely snack. I have consistently engaged in both aerobic an...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello Aya, Coincidentally, I have also been working on weight loss recently, and I would like to share my experience for your reference. There is an abundance of knowledge regarding weight loss that cannot be detailed here, so I recommend consulting an endocrinologist and a nut...[Read More] Struggling to Lose Weight: Why Diet and Exercise Aren't Working
Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis: Exercise, Medication, and Diet Tips
Ankylosing Spondylitis Exercise Hello Doctor, I was recently diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis (positive HLA-B27 and evidence of fusion on X-ray). I understand that I need to exercise to maintain my condition, but I have a few questions: 1. Besides swimming and stretching exe...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
1. Swimming and stretching exercises are fundamental; hiking (with a heavy backpack) and jogging are permissible as long as the condition is stable. 2. In addition to alleviating pain, the considerations and choices for medication include delaying disease progression, spinal fu...[Read More] Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis: Exercise, Medication, and Diet Tips
Why Switching to Brown Rice May Cause Hunger and Weakness Symptoms
After switching to brown rice, I feel hungry quickly and often experience cold sweats from hunger? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about my situation. I usually have white rice as the main staple for dinner, but I recently switched to a mixture of brown rice and white rice. Sin...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, it does indeed sound like symptoms of hypoglycemia. This may be related to abnormal insulin secretion or dietary factors. I recommend that you visit a hospital and consult with a specialist in Metabolism (Endocrinology), as it would be more appro...[Read More] Why Switching to Brown Rice May Cause Hunger and Weakness Symptoms
Understanding Creatinine Levels and Kidney Function in Health Checkups
Creatinine, Glomerular Filtration Rate, Health Checkup Issues? Hello, doctor. I apologize for bothering you, but I would like to ask a question. About two months ago, I went to a health check-up at a clinic. The doctor reviewed my report and said that my liver and kidney function...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Hello Mr. Yang: "Creatinine 1.10, Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) 86.69" is only a single data point, making it difficult to assess the overall kidney function. Changes in kidney function need to be evaluated through multiple blood tests over time to understand the con...[Read More] Understanding Creatinine Levels and Kidney Function in Health Checkups
Understanding Creatinine Levels and Glomerular Filtration Rate Changes
Creatinine and Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) Hello Doctor, two weeks ago, the hospital came to the community to conduct free health check-ups. Today, when I went to review the report, the doctor informed me that my creatinine level is 1.05 mg/dL and my glomerular filtration ra...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Hello Mr. Wang: Regarding your question, I will address it in two parts. (1) The changes in creatinine and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) should be evaluated based on their "trends." If you only have two data points for comparison, you can only determine whether the...[Read More] Understanding Creatinine Levels and Glomerular Filtration Rate Changes
Understanding Creatinine Levels and Kidney Function Concerns
Creatinine and Kidney Function Related Issues Hello, Doctor. I apologize for the lengthy description of my issue. Here are the results from my blood and urine tests conducted at the clinic two weeks ago: Fasting blood glucose: 100 mg/dL (reference range: 70-100) Blood urea ni...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on your description, your creatinine level is 1.34 mg/dL (reference range 0.7-1.5), and your glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is 66.9 (reference value > 60). Given your age, your GFR is slightly low, and the most common risk factors affecting kidney function are hyperten...[Read More] Understanding Creatinine Levels and Kidney Function Concerns