Understanding Low Glomerular Filtration Rate: Testing and Insights
Reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR)? I am 28 years old and have had two kidney function tests at the hospital, both showing an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of around 80. In November 2020, my creatinine level was 1.06 with an eGFR of 89.76. In November 2021, my...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
Hello Mr. Yang: "Further precise" direct "verification of kidney function" >> I believe it is not as important as -- how to maintain (protect) kidney health (kidney function) >> Indeed, direct testing of kidney function is still not widely availabl...[Read More] Understanding Low Glomerular Filtration Rate: Testing and Insights
Managing Glucose Intolerance: Dietary Adjustments and Lifestyle Changes
Glucose Tolerance Abnormality and Dietary Adjustments Hello, doctor. I am the person who asked about the elevated fasting blood glucose level (#189944). Recently, my OGTT results came back with fasting: 911, 1-hour: 1822, 2-hour: 1263, and 3-hour: 61, indicating impaired glucose ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
1. Clinical diagnostic criteria for diabetes: Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) ≥ 6.5%, fasting plasma glucose ≥ 126 mg/dL, 2-hour plasma glucose ≥ 200 mg/dL during an oral glucose tolerance test, or symptoms of hyperglycemia (including polyuria, polydipsia, and weight loss) with a random p...[Read More] Managing Glucose Intolerance: Dietary Adjustments and Lifestyle Changes
Understanding Elevated Fasting Blood Sugar: Causes and Concerns
Fasting blood glucose levels are elevated? On October 14, 2021, I went to the emergency room due to discomfort from vaccine side effects, around 8 PM after dinner, feeling very anxious (due to chest pain). The emergency department recorded a blood glucose level of 171. A few days...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Fasting blood glucose greater than 100 mg/dL or hemoglobin A1c greater than 5.6% indicates prediabetes. Low-dose mirtazapine is not commonly associated with hyperglycemia. Maintaining proper dietary control and lifestyle adjustments is key. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Elevated Fasting Blood Sugar: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Elevated Creatinine Levels: Health Tips for a 34-Year-Old
The health check report shows a creatinine level of 1.31? Dear Doctor, I am 34 years old. My health check report from October 4, 2022, shows a BMI of 22.4, a waist circumference of 77 cm, a creatinine level of 1.31, and a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 66.57. There is no pro...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
Hello HEBE: "Creatinine 1.31, Glomerular Filtration Rate 66.57." You can follow up at the nephrology outpatient clinic. Additionally, regarding "daily diet/lifestyle," it is recommended to measure your blood pressure daily, avoid excessive salt intake, limit f...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Creatinine Levels: Health Tips for a 34-Year-Old
Post-Surgery Concerns After Gastric Perforation: Your Questions Answered
Postoperative issues following gastric perforation surgery? Hello Dr. Hong, I would like to consult you on the following issues. Thank you. Summary of the condition: I maintain a normal lifestyle, do not smoke or drink, and do not stay up late. However, recently I took medicatio...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Due to endocrine factors, along with the fact that it is quieter at night, most pain tends to be more pronounced during the night; this is a physiological phenomenon. If there is a sudden severe pain, then it is necessary to seek medical attention. 2. Yes, surgery c...[Read More] Post-Surgery Concerns After Gastric Perforation: Your Questions Answered
Thyroid Issues: Dietary Considerations for TPO Antibody Positivity
Thyroid issues, dietary considerations? The free T4, TSH, and T3 levels are within normal ranges, while Anti-Thyroglobulin (Tg) is negative and Anti-Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO) is positive. This indicates the presence of autoimmune thyroiditis, but thyroid function appears to be nor...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Thyroid function is normal, so there is no need to restrict iodine intake; however, it is recommended to monitor thyroid function annually. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Thyroid Issues: Dietary Considerations for TPO Antibody Positivity
Understanding Hormone Medications in Taiwan: Prescription Regulations and Costs
Medication consultation Upon seeing the news about mainland China's hormone medications, a question suddenly crossed my mind: Are hormone medications in Taiwan all prescription drugs? Is it possible for pharmacies to sell them illegally? I'm not sure how Taiwan regulate...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if it is a hormonal medication, it indeed requires a prescription to obtain. However, some dietary supplements contain hormonal ingredients, and since they are not classified as medications, they can often be purchased at regular drugstores. The prices can vary, but typica...[Read More] Understanding Hormone Medications in Taiwan: Prescription Regulations and Costs
Understanding Tongue Impressions: When to Seek Medical Advice
The tongue has indentations or teeth marks? You originally had some indentations on the left side of your tongue that have been present for a while. Recently, over the past couple of days, you have noticed more indentations, an increase in tongue coating, and a prickling sensatio...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello! It is recommended to adjust your diet and daily routine first, and then monitor your condition. If discomfort persists, please visit an otolaryngologist. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Tongue Impressions: When to Seek Medical Advice
Effective Strategies for Managing Abdominal Obesity: A Guide
How to manage obesity? I want to lose weight, especially abdominal fat. How does your department handle this? What is the difference between seeing a metabolic specialist and a family medicine physician?
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: The metabolic department focuses on obesity issues primarily related to endocrine disorders, such as hypothyroidism, among others. The management approach includes correcting endocrine abnormalities, dietary control, and exercise management. I'm not very clear on the ...[Read More] Effective Strategies for Managing Abdominal Obesity: A Guide
Understanding False Positives in Syphilis Testing: A Case Study
Is it possible for a treponemal test to yield a false positive result? I am 36 years old. In August, I donated blood and received a notification that my TPHA was positive and RPR was negative. In January, my blood donation results were still normal, all negative. In November, I w...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the two indices for syphilis, RPR and TPHA, show that RPR is more sensitive and can easily yield false positives, which may turn negative after syphilis treatment. On the other hand, the chance of false positives with TPHA is very low, and it typically remains positive eve...[Read More] Understanding False Positives in Syphilis Testing: A Case Study
Living with a Single Kidney: Health Tips and Life Expectancy Insights
What are the lifestyle and life expectancy considerations for individuals with congenital solitary kidney and hydronephrosis? Hello, doctor. Recently, my boyfriend and I are preparing to get married, and we did a premarital health checkup. My boyfriend has a congenital single kid...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
Dear Ms. Tianle, Regarding kidney health, it is recommended to measure your blood pressure daily. If your blood pressure is elevated, please consult a physician for evaluation. Additionally, pay attention to your dietary intake of salt and protein, ensuring it is within appropri...[Read More] Living with a Single Kidney: Health Tips and Life Expectancy Insights
Managing Diabetes: Dietary Tips for Seniors with High Blood Sugar
Diabetes Recipe Hello Doctor, my grandmother is 148 cm tall and weighs 31 kg. She follows a lacto-vegetarian diet and has diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia, with blood sugar levels around 120-140 mg/dL. She takes oral medications for blood sugar and blood pressure in the...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
The dietary principles for diabetes focus on a balanced diet, emphasizing the intake of foods rich in dietary fiber, such as whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. It is important to avoid refined carbohydrate foods, such as sugar, desserts, fruit juices, honey, and sugary beverag...[Read More] Managing Diabetes: Dietary Tips for Seniors with High Blood Sugar
Do Bubbles in Urine Indicate Proteinuria? Understanding Your Kidney Health
If there is proteinuria, will there be bubbles every time you urinate? Hello, doctor. After my previous health check-up, my urine protein level was reported as (+/-)↑. The doctor mentioned that this value is quite common and advised me not to worry too much unless I wanted to pur...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the presence of bubbles in urine does not necessarily indicate proteinuria. For instance, when urine is more diluted, it may be harder to see bubbles. If you are still very concerned, you can purchase a urine protein test strip from a medical supply store, which would prov...[Read More] Do Bubbles in Urine Indicate Proteinuria? Understanding Your Kidney Health
Managing Increased Appetite and Blood Sugar Concerns After Stress
Diabetes, excessive eating? Hello Doctor, I experienced autonomic nervous system dysfunction a while ago, which caused a loss of appetite. Now that my symptoms have improved, I find myself eating a lot. Today, I skipped breakfast, had a bowl of fried chicken rice for lunch, half ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, diabetes is usually caused by a combination of long-term dietary habits, reduced physical activity, and genetics. It is not typically caused by short-term dietary changes. The main concern with short-term overeating is actually obesity. It is recommended to practice dietar...[Read More] Managing Increased Appetite and Blood Sugar Concerns After Stress
Consulting a Doctor: Understanding Your Blood Test Results
Consult a doctor regarding examination issues? Doctor, I would like to ask if this is really not a concern? Although the family medicine doctor told me today that it’s okay and not to worry too much. These two red numbers are Lymphocyte 54.7% and Neutrophil Seg. However, the doct...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding the blood cell part, it is indeed as your physician mentioned. If the white blood cell count is normal, the neutrophils and lymphocytes are just a matter of ratio and usually do not require concern. As for the cholesterol levels, the elevation is likely due to a ...[Read More] Consulting a Doctor: Understanding Your Blood Test Results
Can Hyperthyroid Patients Safely Consume Astaxanthin and Carrageenan?
Patients with hyperthyroidism consuming astaxanthin? I would like to ask if patients with hyperthyroidism can consume dietary supplements containing astaxanthin and carrageenan. I found that these two are extracts from red algae, but I am uncertain about the risk of their iodine ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
For patients with hyperthyroidism, it is essential to reduce the intake of iodine-rich foods as part of dietary restrictions, which become more stringent with the severity of the disease. The sources of astaxanthin and carrageenan you inquired about are both derived from algae, a...[Read More] Can Hyperthyroid Patients Safely Consume Astaxanthin and Carrageenan?
Managing High Cholesterol: Tips for Balancing HDL and LDL Levels
High total cholesterol Hello, Doctor. During my health check-up, I found that my total cholesterol is above the normal range. I have noticed a trend of increasing total cholesterol in the past few years: total cholesterol (161→186→194→227), triglycerides (60→58→82→79). This time,...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: 1. Currently, there are no primary methods for treating elevated high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol; however, if HDL cholesterol levels are already high, it is advised not to supplement with related health products. 2. If HDL cholesterol is elevated, do not supplem...[Read More] Managing High Cholesterol: Tips for Balancing HDL and LDL Levels
Understanding Prediabetes: Should You Retest Blood Sugar Levels?
Prediabetes Hello doctor, my most recent health check showed a fasting blood glucose level of 104 mg/dL, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) of 5.7%, red blood cell count of 4.56 million cells/µL, hemoglobin of 14 g/dL, MCV of 88.6 fL, and hematocrit of 40.4%. Prior to the health check, ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
The current report indicates prediabetes. Please start with dietary control and follow up in three months.[Read More] Understanding Prediabetes: Should You Retest Blood Sugar Levels?
Can Pre-Diabetes Affect Pancreatic Function and Can It Be Reversed?
Prediabetes Previously, I had a slightly elevated hemoglobin A1c level. After controlling my diet, my subsequent test result was 5.5, and the doctor said it was fine. I would like to ask if a slightly elevated hemoglobin A1c can cause irreversible damage to pancreatic function? C...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Mildly elevated blood sugar levels are unlikely to cause significant damage to pancreatic function.[Read More] Can Pre-Diabetes Affect Pancreatic Function and Can It Be Reversed?
Understanding Blood Sugar Control in Diabetes Management
Blood sugar issues? Hello Dr. Lin: My father was diagnosed with diabetes in August. He takes insulin before breakfast (18 units) and before dinner (12 units), and he also takes 0.5 tablets of Metformin (HCl) after breakfast and dinner. Currently, his fasting blood glucose levels ...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: The difference between pre-meal and post-meal blood glucose levels should ideally not exceed 60 mg/dL. However, there are other indicators that can be used for assessment, such as glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting blood glucose levels, postprandial blood glucose levels,...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Control in Diabetes Management