Managing Diabetes: Medication and the Role of B Vitamins
Diabetes medications and B vitamins? Hello Doctor, my father is 57 years old and has been diagnosed with diabetes for over two years. He is currently taking the following three medications: 1. Glucophage 500mg (twice daily, one tablet with breakfast and one with dinner) 2. Glybur...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
The medications your father is taking are as follows: a. Galvus® (Vidagliptin, typically 50 mg). b. Glimet® (containing Glimepiride 2 mg/Metformin 500 mg). c. Lipitor® (available in Atorvastatin 10, 20, and 40 mg dosages). His hemoglobin A1c is 7.6%. 1. I believe the medication...[Read More] Managing Diabetes: Medication and the Role of B Vitamins
Should You Seek Medical Attention for Blood Sugar Concerns?
Should I seek medical attention for blood sugar issues? Doctor, I had a hemoglobin A1c test two days ago, and it was 5.1. My fasting blood sugar is around 80, but it spikes to about 170 two hours after eating (I only had half a bowl of white rice and some vegetables). If I eat ev...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: It is recommended that you continue with dietary control and regular exercise, and follow up with a medical check-up in 3 to 6 months.[Read More] Should You Seek Medical Attention for Blood Sugar Concerns?
Understanding Glucose Intolerance: Causes, Effects, and Management Strategies
Impaired glucose tolerance 1. If eating a bowl of white rice results in a blood sugar level of around 169 two hours after the meal, while consuming steamed vegetables and wonton soup leads to a blood sugar level of 131 two hours later, does this indicate impaired glucose toleranc...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. Generally, normal postprandial blood glucose levels are less than 140 mg/dL. If the levels are between 140 mg/dL and 200 mg/dL, it is referred to as impaired glucose tolerance. Of course, if postprandial blood glucose is greater than or equal to 200 mg/dL, diabetes mellitus sh...[Read More] Understanding Glucose Intolerance: Causes, Effects, and Management Strategies
Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Are You at Risk for Diabetes?
Abnormal blood sugar levels? Doctor, I had a boiled egg for breakfast at 11 AM. Two hours later, my blood sugar level was 92. After lunch (which was a small hot pot and a bowl of white rice), my blood sugar level was 165 two hours later. For dinner, after eating half a bowl of fr...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: It is recommended that you have your check-up at the hospital when your diet is normal (including timing and portion size) for better assessment. The blood glucose data you provided clearly correlates with your food intake. It would be more accurate to maintain a consisten...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Are You at Risk for Diabetes?
Am I Pre-Diabetic? Understanding Blood Sugar Levels and Next Steps
Is this prediabetes? This morning, my fasting blood sugar was 82. Two hours after lunch, it was 179. A few minutes later, it changed to 161 and then 169. Two hours after dinner, it was 172, and two and a half hours after dinner, it was 144. My grandfather and father have diabetes...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to exercise more as you mentioned, improve dietary habits, especially paying attention to calorie intake and portion control. Following this, tracking your progress will allow for a more accurate diagnosis.[Read More] Am I Pre-Diabetic? Understanding Blood Sugar Levels and Next Steps
Managing Blood Sugar Levels: Essential Checks and Monitoring for Pre-Diabetes
Regarding blood glucose levels? Hello Doctor, I am 24 years old and 173 cm tall. My weight has dropped from 60 kg to 55 kg in three months, and there is a family history of diabetes (my father and grandmother are both diagnosed patients). Last week, I had my blood sugar tested, w...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: 1. Follow-up every 1.3 to 6 months; if there are any abnormal symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. If time permits, check HbA1c before and after meals, ideally twice. 2. It is not necessary to check every time; the physician will determine the need based on the pa...[Read More] Managing Blood Sugar Levels: Essential Checks and Monitoring for Pre-Diabetes
Understanding High Creatinine Levels: Implications for Kidney Health
Elevated creatinine levels? Recent health check report: Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) 15 mg/dL, creatinine 1.35 mg/dL, uric acid 5.9 mg/dL, calcium 7.7 mg/dL. Does this report indicate that there is a problem with kidney function? What dietary and lifestyle considerations should be t...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on your report: creatinine level of 1.35, the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is 60 ml/min/1.73m², indicating that kidney function is indeed slightly impaired. It is recommended to consult a nephrologist for further evaluation. Please pay attention to your diet ...[Read More] Understanding High Creatinine Levels: Implications for Kidney Health
Choosing the Right Hospital and Doctor for Diabetes Management
Diabetes physician Hello Doctor: When the examination report confirms diabetes, how should I choose a hospital and a physician for consultation? This is really troubling me.
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes is a metabolic disease characterized by a defect in the secretion of insulin by the pancreatic beta cells, resulting in either an insufficient amount of insulin or inadequate action of insulin, leading to elevated blood glu...[Read More] Choosing the Right Hospital and Doctor for Diabetes Management
Understanding Morning Blood Sugar Spikes: Causes and Solutions
Every morning around 11 AM, my blood sugar spikes abnormally high? Hello, Doctor. Currently, my fasting blood sugar in the morning is between 110 and 120. Two years ago, my hemoglobin A1c was 5.6. Over the past two years, I've noticed that every morning after 10 AM, before l...
Dr. Lin Shunfa Reply:
TO: yikun It seems that you are concerned about prediabetes. 1. It is often said that in the early stages of diabetes or in patients with prediabetes, there can be an overproduction of insulin in the body before blood glucose levels rise to a point where diabetes can be diagnosed...[Read More] Understanding Morning Blood Sugar Spikes: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Yellowing of Hands and Fingers: When to See a Doctor
Regarding yellowing of the palms, with a single finger turning particularly yellow and experiencing numbness when exposed to cold? Hello Doctor, I am concerned about my mother's health condition, but I am unsure which medical specialty is appropriate for her symptoms. I apol...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: 1. If there are no liver or gallbladder issues and you frequently consume foods rich in carotenoids, such as papaya and carrots, then carotenoids may be the reason for the yellowing of your hands. 2. Cold weather can cause finger numbness, which may be related to blood cir...[Read More] Understanding Yellowing of Hands and Fingers: When to See a Doctor
Understanding Blood Sugar Changes After Tuberculosis Treatment
Please ask your questions regarding blood sugar? Hello Doctor, my mother has been taking anti-tuberculosis medication (Rifampicin + EMB + PZA + INH) for a month, and her fasting blood glucose has increased from the 90s to 105. She has a history of gestational diabetes and has bee...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: Antituberculosis medications do not cause diabetes; elevated blood sugar levels may be due to increased food intake. During tuberculosis treatment, regular blood tests will be conducted. Please monitor your blood sugar levels regularly and discuss them with your attending ...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Changes After Tuberculosis Treatment
Managing Uric Acid Levels: Dietary Tips and Follow-Up Care
Kidney function tests A month ago, I had a health check-up and my uric acid level was within the normal range (2.5-6.5 mg/dL), specifically at 6.1 mg/dL, which is close to the upper limit and has made me a bit concerned. What dietary aspects should I pay attention to? Do I need t...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, the uric acid level of 6.1 is still within the normal range, so there is no need to worry. Just make sure to drink plenty of water, eat more vegetables and fruits, reduce meat and organ meats, avoid alcohol, and incorporate exercise to manage your weight along with regular...[Read More] Managing Uric Acid Levels: Dietary Tips and Follow-Up Care
Can Abnormal Blood Sugar Levels Be Reversed with Diet and Exercise?
Development of Abnormal Blood Sugar Levels Hello doctor, I would like to ask: If someone already has elevated fasting blood glucose or impaired glucose tolerance, can they achieve normal blood glucose levels (fasting less than 100) through dietary control, regular exercise, and w...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello Mr. Lai: The three possibilities you mentioned all exist, and it depends on the severity of your condition and your level of self-control.[Read More] Can Abnormal Blood Sugar Levels Be Reversed with Diet and Exercise?
Understanding Fasting Blood Sugar Levels: Are You at Risk for Diabetes?
Fasting blood glucose level Dear Doctor: I measured my fasting blood glucose levels at the end of September, early October, and yesterday, with values of 120, 103, and 129, respectively, all after fasting for 8 hours. Additionally, I had my hemoglobin A1c tested yesterday, which ...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: 1. Based on your blood glucose levels, you are currently classified as "prediabetic." It is recommended that you control your diet, engage in regular exercise, and maintain a healthy weight. 2. Blood glucose levels can fluctuate at any time, and the situations yo...[Read More] Understanding Fasting Blood Sugar Levels: Are You at Risk for Diabetes?
Understanding Fasting Blood Sugar Levels: Is 95 mg/dL Too High at 33?
Regarding fasting blood glucose (8 hours) Hello Dr. Lee, I am 33 years old, and recently (on September 26) my fasting blood glucose (8 hours) was measured at 95 mg/dL. I would like to ask you: 1. Given my age and fasting blood glucose level (95 mg/dL), is this considered elev...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello Ah-Hsiang: Your blood sugar level is currently within the normal range. Please continue regular monitoring and observation, maintain a healthy lifestyle, pay attention to your diet, control your weight, and engage in regular exercise. Thank you for your inquiry. Wishing you...[Read More] Understanding Fasting Blood Sugar Levels: Is 95 mg/dL Too High at 33?
Managing Cellulitis in Diabetic Patients: Effective Strategies and Care
Cellulitis Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about my boyfriend's mother, who is 59 years old and a diabetic patient. She was diagnosed with cellulitis on September 27 and has been hospitalized for two weeks. The doctors have indicated that her blood circulation has not im...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. Long-term diabetes patients require a combination of diet, exercise, and medication to prevent macrovascular complications (including stroke, myocardial infarction, and peripheral artery disease) and microvascular complications (including retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropat...[Read More] Managing Cellulitis in Diabetic Patients: Effective Strategies and Care
Does Warfarin Use Affect Fasting Blood Sugar Levels?
Anticoagulant Warfarin & Blood Glucose Levels Dear Doctor, I have been taking 2 mg of warfarin daily for 2 months, but I have noticed that my fasting blood sugar has risen to between 105 and 113, whereas it was around 83 to 89 two months ago. Does taking warfarin for anticoag...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. Coumarin anticoagulants include warfarin and dicumarol (previously known as bishydroxycoumarin), which exert their effects by antagonizing the coenzyme function of vitamin K. This means that several proteins involved in the coagulation cascade (including coagulation factors II...[Read More] Does Warfarin Use Affect Fasting Blood Sugar Levels?
Understanding Creatinine Levels: Impact of Exercise and Hydration
Creatinine 1.3 My creatinine level from my health check is 1.3. I have been exercising for about 20 years, running over 4.5 kilometers a day, weightlifting with dumbbells (the heaviest I can lift with one hand is 40 pounds, and I can lift with both hands), doing 200 push-ups, and...
Dr. Lin Shunfa Reply:
Dear Mr. Li, Your creatinine level of 1.3 is within the normal range. It is commendable that you have developed a long-term exercise habit. However, exercise and water intake should be within your own tolerance levels. As long as you maintain a regular lifestyle and a balanced ...[Read More] Understanding Creatinine Levels: Impact of Exercise and Hydration
Understanding Sour Smell in Diarrhea: Causes and Concerns
Diarrhea with a sour odor? Hello Doctor: I was diagnosed with gastroenteritis this past Monday, and today is Saturday. I have noticed that I am still experiencing diarrhea, and the stool has a sour and foul odor. Is this normal? If not, what could be causing the sour smell?
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. Generally, acute diarrhea lasts for 14 days or less and is usually caused by infections, most of which can resolve on their own. Persistent diarrhea lasts more than 14 days, while chronic diarrhea lasts more than 30 days. 2. Acute diarrhea includes: a. Diarrhea caused by pat...[Read More] Understanding Sour Smell in Diarrhea: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: When to Test for Diabetes
Blood sugar issues Hello, doctor. Here are my fasting, pre-meal, and post-meal blood glucose readings from my glucose meter for September 9 and 10. On September 9: - Morning blood glucose: 77 (fasting, 10:00 AM), 85 (12:00 PM) - Afternoon blood glucose: 105 (1:00 PM), 108 (3:00...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. Generally, a normal fasting blood glucose level is <100 mg/dL. 2. A fasting blood glucose level between 100 mg/dL and 126 mg/dL indicates an increased risk for diabetes. 3. A fasting blood glucose level ≥126 mg/dL suggests possible diabetes. 4. A hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) l...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: When to Test for Diabetes