Diet, Internal Medicine FAQ

Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Signs of Potential Diabetes

Unsure if diabetes has already developed? Hello, Doctor. Recently, I measured my fasting blood glucose at home using a glucometer, and it was 91 mg/dL (after fasting for about 10-12 hours). After eating curry rice (starting the timer from the first bite), my blood glucose one hou...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. If your weight is 92 kg and your height is 160 cm, your Body Mass Index (BMI) is 35.9 kg/m². According to the classification by Taiwan's Ministry of Health and Welfare, since it exceeds 27 kg/m² and is over 35 kg/m², it falls into the category of severe obesity. Additiona...

Understanding Hormone Therapy and Cholesterol Testing Costs in Taiwan

Development and Cholesterol Doctor, I feel that my development is not very good, and I don't have obvious secondary sexual characteristics. I want to pursue hormone therapy; will health insurance cover the costs? I'm worried it might be expensive. When I go for a consul...

Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Regarding your inquiry, whether it concerns hormones or cholesterol, it is recommended to consult with a urologist or an endocrinologist for fasting tests, which should be covered by health insurance. Thank you for your question, and the Nephrology Department at Changhua Hospital...

Understanding Diabetes: Concerns and Management for Young Adults

Diabetes issues Hello, Doctor: Today I am going to the hospital to have my blood drawn, and they will test my hemoglobin A1c! I'm really afraid that the report will show elevated levels and that I might have diabetes. I am currently overweight, and my grandmother also has di...

Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, dear user: Please try not to worry until you receive your report. Moreover, early-stage diabetes can be improved with diet and exercise. Medical advancements are rapid, and managing diabetes is not difficult. You might be overthinking it. Wishing you good health. Thank you...

Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Interpreting Your Test Results

Inquiry about blood sugar issues? Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask you a question. During my company's health check-up this year, the HR department informed me that fasting was not required. Therefore, I had breakfast on the day of the check-up and had my blood drawn about...

Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, if any of the following three criteria are met (at least twice), a diagnosis of diabetes can be made: a. Fasting plasma glucose level equal to or greater than 126 mg/dL. b. Presence of classic diabetes symptoms (such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, increased h...

How to Effectively Manage Blood Sugar Levels: Tips and Insights

How to control blood sugar levels? Hello Dr. Hsiao, On July 9, 2015, I had a blood test that showed a blood sugar level of 124. Additionally, my triglycerides and LDL cholesterol were elevated. At that time, my weight was 91 kg, and I currently weigh 84 kg. I measure my fasting ...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. On July 9, 2015, your fasting blood glucose level was found to be 124 mg/dL; your lipid levels and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol were elevated. At that time, your weight was 91 kg, and it is now 84 kg. Currently, your average fasting blood glucose levels after 8 ho...

Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis in Seniors: Activity vs. Rest and Diet Impact

Rheumatoid Arthritis Hello, doctor. My elderly relative (aged 80) has been suffering from rheumatoid arthritis for 8-10 years. Recently, the frequency of pain in their buttocks has increased, and they experience significant discomfort while lying in bed. Walking, bending over, an...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. We need to investigate the cause of the elder's hip pain while lying down to check for pressure ulcers or wounds, and if necessary, a follow-up examination at the hospital is advised. Additionally, walking with a bent posture may be related...

Managing Kidney Stones and Early Kidney Swelling: Dietary Guidelines

Kidney stones and early-stage hydronephrosis? Hello, the hospital informed me that I have kidney stones and early-stage hydronephrosis, and my blood pressure is slightly elevated. What should my daily diet be like? I've seen conflicting information online about whether to li...

Dr. Chen Jianyu Reply:
1. Please return to the nephrology outpatient clinic for follow-up on kidney stones, hydronephrosis, and hypertension issues. 2. As for potassium levels, blood tests should be conducted first to determine whether to restrict potassium intake or recommend a high-potassium diet. ...

Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell Count: When to Seek Medical Advice

Leukocytosis Hello Doctor, I am 22 years old and graduated from university about three weeks ago. Due to employment requirements, I underwent a labor health examination, and my white blood cell count was elevated at 12,770. I remember that during my high school and university ent...

Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello, Xiao Wei: The normal range for white blood cells is approximately 5,000 to 10,000 per microliter. Of course, there are some individuals who may have slightly higher or lower counts. In addition to reviewing the results of consecutive tests, it is also important to examine ...

Understanding Fluctuating Morning Blood Sugar Levels: What Do They Mean?

The blood glucose levels measured in the morning were different on two occasions? Hello, last year my blood sugar level was 87 during the health check, and this year it was 97. I have a blood glucose meter at home, and I measured it myself: the first reading was 96, the second wa...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. If last year's fasting plasma glucose level was 87 mg/dL and this year's fasting plasma glucose level is 97 mg/dL, both values are actually less than 100 mg/dL; theoretically, they are considered normal. 2. If the glucose meter shows a fasting capillary blood glucose...

Understanding Fasting Blood Sugar Levels: Key Questions Answered

Fasting blood glucose level of 136? Hello, doctor. Currently, I measured my fasting blood glucose at a nearby pharmacy, and it was 136 (using a blood glucose meter). Question 1: I fasted for 8 hours (with water), and I finished eating at 1:00 AM. I was fasting from 1:00 AM unti...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Question 1: No problem. Question 2: According to the standards published by the American Diabetes Association (ADA, 2011), a fasting plasma glucose level of ≥ 126 mg/dL after fasting for more than eight hours should raise the suspicion of diabetes. Question 3: Although I haven&#x...

Consulting a Doctor: Is My Blood Sugar Testing Schedule Appropriate?

I would like to ask the doctor if there are any issues with the following examination methods? Hello, Doctor! I would like to ask if there are any issues with my following testing methods? Testing method: For example, on August 1st, I had a fasting blood glucose test, and then I ...

Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: Your first day's examination was a standard check-up, and the purpose of the second day's examination is to understand the impact of your usual diet on postprandial blood glucose levels, which is perfectly reasonable. Thank you for your question!

Struggling with Bowel Movements: Causes and Solutions

Difficulty in passing stool? I noticed blood in my stool a few days ago, but it hasn't happened since. However, I still feel the urge to have a bowel movement, yet I can't seem to pass anything. When I do, it's watery. I'm not sure if this is related to my rec...

Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: Blood in the stool is not related to the food you have recently eaten. It may be caused by colorectal disease or hemorrhoids. Please do not attempt to manage it on your own. It is recommended to consult a colorectal surgeon or a gastroenterologist to avoid delaying your co...

Managing Kidney Health: Dietary Tips and Donation Concerns

Facing the brink of dialysis? After the blood test, the following levels were elevated: creatinine 4.31, potassium 5.0, and phosphorus 5.5. I have high blood pressure. I have the following three questions: 1. How can I improve these levels through diet? 2. If I face the need fo...

Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: Your creatinine level is 4.31, which indicates that you may be entering or approaching stage five of chronic kidney disease. I must remind you to seek treatment from a nephrologist and to follow the guidance of the healthcare team. Do not trust any alternative remedies, as...

Feeling Weighed Down: Managing Fatigue and Weight Concerns

Feeling very heavy? I weigh 103 kilograms and have recently been feeling fatigued or a bit tired when brushing my teeth or taking a shower. Currently, I walk for 30 minutes every day. I would like to hear a doctor's advice.

Dr. Chen Qingbin Reply:
If you haven't already, I recommend visiting a hospital for a physical examination or related tests. The physician should provide you with advice on aspects such as exercise and diet. Thank you.

Understanding Glycated Hemoglobin: Key Questions for Your Doctor

Questions related to glycated hemoglobin? (Revised, seeking Dr. Lee's opinion, thank you.) Hello Dr. Lee! I initially consulted another physician, but there are several questions I need to ask my primary physician. Unfortunately, I am currently unable to make an appointment....

Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Dear Pikachu, Please forgive my frankness, and I hope I do not offend you! You have two major issues: one is "obsession," and the other is "losing sight of the main issue." Allow me to explain. "Obsession" refers to your fixation on numbers; please ...

Understanding Glycated Hemoglobin: Key Questions and Insights

Questions related to glycated hemoglobin? Hello, Dr. Hsiao! I have a few questions I would like to ask you. Currently, I do not have diabetes, but my hemoglobin A1c has been rising rapidly (it was 5.1% on February 17 of this year and 5.7% on April 11 of this year), and I have gai...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Reply 1: The frequency of testing for glycated hemoglobin should be determined based on clinical changes and the physician's judgment. Reply 2: This should be discussed with your physician, who can determine if there is any impact. Reply 3: Clinical issues are not that s...

Managing Joint Pain in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients

Issues related to systemic lupus erythematosus? Hello, doctor. I was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus in early April this year. I have already started taking medication, but I am currently away and do not have the English name of the medication with me, so I cannot pro...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
The diagnostic criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) include: 1. The presence of a fixed erythematous rash on the cheeks, known as a malar rash or butterfly rash; it typically does not involve the nasolabial folds. 2. The appearance of discoid lupus erythematosus lesion...

Understanding Fasting Blood Sugar Testing: Common Questions Answered

Please ask again about the timing for blood glucose testing and any other related questions? Hello, Dr. Hsiao! I have read your previous response regarding my question about blood sugar testing times and other related issues, but I still have some confusion. I would like to ask a...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Question 1: The diagnostic criteria for diabetes published by the American Diabetes Association in 2010 are as follows: a. Fasting plasma glucose level ≥ 126 mg/dl after at least 8 hours of fasting. b. Plasma glucose level ≥ 200 mg/dl during a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test. ...

Understanding Fasting and Postprandial Blood Sugar Testing Guidelines

Questions related to blood glucose testing times and others? Hello Dr. Hsiao! I have a few questions I would like to ask... 1. For fasting blood glucose testing, is it necessary to fast for 8 hours? For example, if I am to test fasting blood glucose today, does that mean I must...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
In healthy individuals, approximately 5 to 15 minutes after eating, glucose absorbed through digestion stimulates the beta cells of the pancreas to release stored insulin granules directly into the bloodstream. Between 20 minutes and 2 hours after eating, insulin is subsequently ...

Managing High Nighttime Blood Sugar with Normal Morning Levels

High blood sugar before bedtime and normal blood sugar upon waking? Hello Dr. Hsiao, my mother is seventy years old. She takes insulin during the day and controls her diet for three meals, but her blood sugar levels are consistently over 300 before bedtime. In the morning, her le...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. There are many types of insulin, primarily including ultra-rapid acting, rapid acting, intermediate acting, and long acting. The timing of their peak effect and duration of action varies. Clinically, it is possible to mix rapid acting and intermediate acting insulins for injec...

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