Managing Diabetes: Key Questions on Blood Sugar and Diet
Revisiting Diabetes Mellitus? Hello Dr. Hsiao, First of all, thank you for your response last time. Yesterday, I visited the cardiology department to review my blood test results. My fasting blood glucose was 96 mg/dL and my HbA1c was 5.5% (three months ago, my fasting blood glu...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Question 1: Should I still strictly control my intake of starches and sugars? Answer: Strictly controlling the intake of starches and sugars can indeed lower blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin levels, thereby improving conditions such as diabetes or glucose intolerance. In f...[Read More] Managing Diabetes: Key Questions on Blood Sugar and Diet
Understanding Blood Sugar Fluctuations in Diabetes Management
About diabetes? Hello Director Hsiao, Over two months ago, I had a blood test at the hospital, and my fasting blood glucose was 130 mg/dL, with a hemoglobin A1c of 6.4%. The doctor did not prescribe medication and advised dietary control instead. I purchased a blood glucose mete...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. Generally, a fasting blood glucose level of 126 mg/dL corresponds to a glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level of approximately 6.5%. Therefore, the test results from two months ago should be reliable. 2. In the classification of diabetes, type 2 diabetes accounts for about 92-95%...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Fluctuations in Diabetes Management
Understanding Methylprednisolone: Effects on Liver Enzymes and Potassium Levels
Regarding steroids? Currently, due to vasculitis, I have been using methylprednisolone for three weeks. The initial dosage was an injection twice a day (30 mg each time), administered for three consecutive days, then reduced to half the dosage for another three days, followed by ...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello: Long-term use of steroids can lead to obesity and fatty liver, which may result in a mild increase in GOT (AST) and GPT (ALT) levels. However, it is essential to rule out the possibility of hepatitis B and C. Additionally, this may cause mild hypokalemia and an increase in...[Read More] Understanding Methylprednisolone: Effects on Liver Enzymes and Potassium Levels
Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Concerns and Next Steps
SGOT: 22, SGPT: 43 On September 21, my health check report indicated that my GOT is 22 and GPT is 43. I do not have Hepatitis B or C. Although my levels are only slightly above the standard values by 3, I am still quite worried. Today, I visited a traditional Chinese medicine doc...
Dr. Xiao Jingqin Reply:
There are many reasons for elevated liver function tests, with common causes including viral hepatitis, fatty liver disease, alcoholic hepatitis, and drug-induced hepatitis. Based on your levels, it does not appear to be viral hepatitis (acute hepatitis A or E can likely be ruled...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Concerns and Next Steps
Managing High Triglycerides and Liver Health: A Guide for Families
Triglyceride issues I would like to ask about my mother, who is 57 years old. She has been experiencing high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and over the past six months, her liver enzymes have also been abnormal. However, blood tests have ruled out hepatitis. The doctor men...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello: High blood lipids can lead to fatty liver and abnormal liver function. Simply reducing the intake of sweets, avoiding alcohol, and minimizing fried foods, along with increasing physical activity and consuming more fish and fruits and vegetables, can lead to improvement. It...[Read More] Managing High Triglycerides and Liver Health: A Guide for Families
Understanding Fatty Liver Disease in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients
excuse me? Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask you some professional questions. I am a carrier of hepatitis B and have regular follow-up examinations every six months. My liver function tests, including GOT, GPT, HBeAg, and bilirubin levels, are all normal. However, I have been di...
Dr. Sun Yizhen Reply:
Based on your description, your current liver condition is as follows: 1. Chronic Hepatitis B carrier 2. Fatty liver. The severe aspect of Hepatitis B should be regularly monitored at a gastroenterology outpatient clinic, where a clinician will determine if treatment is necessary...[Read More] Understanding Fatty Liver Disease in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients
Managing High Albumin and Liver Enzymes: Dietary Tips for Better Health
Biochemical test issues? Hello doctor, I have undergone a health check-up. In the biochemical tests over the past 2-3 years, my albumin level was 5.8, which is slightly high, and my GOT was 40 and GPT was 59, both of which are elevated. I would like to know what I should pay atte...
Dr. Yao Quan Reply:
It is best to first determine whether there is chronic viral hepatitis or fatty liver to identify the cause of elevated liver enzymes, and then treat accordingly. If it is viral hepatitis, dietary changes may have limited benefits, but if it is fatty liver, one should avoid high-...[Read More] Managing High Albumin and Liver Enzymes: Dietary Tips for Better Health
Managing Mildly Elevated Low Blood Pressure: Links to Obesity and Fatty Liver
Mildly elevated low blood pressure? 1. How to manage slightly elevated low blood pressure? 2. Is it related to obesity and fatty liver?
Dr. Zhong Weisheng Reply:
The low blood pressure you mentioned likely refers to elevated diastolic pressure, which is also a form of hypertension. According to the JNC VII (the seventh report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure), the c...[Read More] Managing Mildly Elevated Low Blood Pressure: Links to Obesity and Fatty Liver
Struggling to Lose Weight: Seeking Effective Solutions for Busy Professionals
Why can't I lose weight? Hello Dr. Yang: I am a working professional who eats out for breakfast and lunch, and has dinner at home. I am 174 cm tall and weigh 97 kg, and I have been diagnosed with fatty liver disease. Both of my parents have had strokes and are on diabetes me...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Hello: Diet and exercise are the foundation of weight loss. While weight loss medications may have some effects, if lifestyle habits do not fundamentally change after discontinuation, weight regain will occur quickly. Therefore, it is essential to make a firm commitment to contro...[Read More] Struggling to Lose Weight: Seeking Effective Solutions for Busy Professionals
Understanding High Triglycerides: Causes and Health Implications
Triglycerides Hello Dr. Wang, I would like to ask you about my recent health check-up report. It shows that my triglyceride level is 226, which indicates that it is elevated (the normal range is 30-200 mg/dL). I am concerned if there might be an issue with my body. Could you pl...
Dr. Wang Fangli Reply:
Hello, Xiao Fen: Triglycerides are the same as neutral fats. The primary source of triglycerides is carbohydrates. Therefore, if you have eaten a large meal or have been overeating, consuming sweets, being overweight, or not exercising in the days leading up to a blood test, it i...[Read More] Understanding High Triglycerides: Causes and Health Implications
Foamy Urine: What It Means and Its Connection to Health Issues
There are bubbles in the urine! Hello Director Wu: My boyfriend has noticed a lot of bubbles in his urine that take a long time to dissipate when he urinates. This condition has been present for some time. Is this a cause for concern? Is it related to fatty liver disease?
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
The presence of bubbles in urine is most likely indicative of proteinuria (although it may not necessarily indicate a problem). If this has been persistent for a while, it is advisable to visit a nephrology clinic for an initial urine test to confirm whether proteinuria is presen...[Read More] Foamy Urine: What It Means and Its Connection to Health Issues
Understanding Liver and Biliary Tumors: A Patient's Guide to Diagnosis and Care
Summary of Hepatobiliary Tumors Hello Dr. Lee, our family is really unfamiliar with medical issues. I have compiled the summary of my mother's condition and diagnosis from her recent visit to the clinic over the past 2-3 days, and I hope you can help us interpret it. Thank y...
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
AST and ALT are referred to as liver function indices. Your results are 162 and 66, respectively, with normal values typically being less than 40. Elevated levels indicate the presence of hepatitis. Since both HBsAg and anti-HCV tests are negative, I interpret this as non-B and n...[Read More] Understanding Liver and Biliary Tumors: A Patient's Guide to Diagnosis and Care
Finding the Right Specialist for Complex Abdominal Symptoms
Finding the right physician for treatment? My mother is currently 73 years old and has diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension, which she manages with regular doctor visits and medication. This year, she has experienced discomfort in two areas of her body. The first issue is th...
Dr. Xiao Jingqin Reply:
The patient's primary pain is located in the lower abdomen, and it worsens with walking. They also experience loss of appetite and a tendency to feel bloated, which may not necessarily indicate a gastric issue. If we narrow down the problem to the lower abdomen, potentially ...[Read More] Finding the Right Specialist for Complex Abdominal Symptoms
Managing Metabolic Syndrome: Weight Loss Strategies and Treatment Options
Metabolic syndrome Could you please ask Dr. He the following question regarding metabolic syndrome? Is weight loss the best approach for metabolic syndrome? If dietary changes and exercise to control weight do not lead to weight loss and there is also an issue with fatty liver, h...
Dr. He Niaotong Reply:
1. Weight loss requires persistence; dietary control and exercise are essential. The most important factor is to develop good lifestyle habits, such as consuming low-sugar, low-fat, high-fiber foods and engaging in regular physical activity to achieve lasting results. It is best ...[Read More] Managing Metabolic Syndrome: Weight Loss Strategies and Treatment Options
Can Fatty Liver Patients Engage in Intense Activities Like Hiking?
Fatty liver disease Can patients with fatty liver engage in intense exercise, such as hiking 1 to 4 kilometers?
Dr. Xiao Jingqin Reply:
Fatty liver is characterized by the accumulation of fat within liver cells. Common causes include 1. obesity 2. alcohol consumption 3. poorly controlled diabetes 4. excessive intake of carbohydrates or high-fat foods 5. lack of exercise, among others. None of these causes can be ...[Read More] Can Fatty Liver Patients Engage in Intense Activities Like Hiking?
Managing Fatty Liver: Diet and Exercise Tips for Recovery
Fatty liver disease I have been diagnosed with fatty liver. I often eat fried chicken, but I have started to avoid it. I run 600 meters daily and do sit-ups. Is this effective? Can you provide dietary recommendations?
Dr. Hong Hongchang Reply:
Fatty liver treatment: 1. Diet should consist of low-fat and unsaturated fatty acid foods. 2. Exercise 3.3.3 (three times a week, each session lasting more than 30 minutes, with a heart rate exceeding 130 beats per minute) to help metabolize fat. 3. Avoid social drinking, and und...[Read More] Managing Fatty Liver: Diet and Exercise Tips for Recovery
Understanding Abnormal Liver Function: A College Student's Guide
"Health report shows abnormal liver function. Please help me, doctor!" I am a college student this year! Our school conducted a health check for us freshmen! After waiting for two months, the report came out! It indicated that I have abnormal liver function with GPT (al...
Dr. Xiao Jingqin Reply:
According to the examination, you have hepatitis. Common causes of hepatitis include viral hepatitis, drug-induced hepatitis, autoimmune hepatitis, and fatty liver, which can lead to liver function abnormalities. The first step is to rule out viral hepatitis, specifically acute h...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Liver Function: A College Student's Guide
Why Do Liver Enzyme Levels Vary Between Different Hospitals?
Liver function tests show two values in one day? I would like to ask about my uncle, who had liver issues and went to the hospital for tests. Initially, he had tests done at Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, but later, feeling uneasy, he returned to Taipei and had another set of tests at...
Dr. Xiao Jingqin Reply:
The standard values for liver function tests (AST or ALT) vary between laboratories. Generally, the normal upper limit for these tests is around 40 IU/L, but this can differ from one lab to another; for instance, our hospital's upper limit is 37 IU/L. When considering the si...[Read More] Why Do Liver Enzyme Levels Vary Between Different Hospitals?
How to Lower Elevated Liver Function Tests: Expert Advice
Liver function Doctor, my liver function levels keep rising. What should I do? Please advise me on how to lower my liver function indices.
Dr. Xiao Jingqin Reply:
First, it is essential to differentiate the types of hepatitis; hepatitis is primarily classified into viral hepatitis, drug-induced hepatitis, alcoholic hepatitis, and fatty liver disease, among others. The first step is to confirm whether there is viral hepatitis, as hepatitis ...[Read More] How to Lower Elevated Liver Function Tests: Expert Advice
Understanding Right Upper Abdomen and Flank Pain: When to Seek Help
Pain in the right upper abdomen and flank? Hello, I have a history of fatty liver disease and experience varying degrees of pain in my right abdomen, located around the right rib cage. Sometimes the pain extends to my lower back, and in severe cases, it causes pain and numbness i...
Dr. Chen Jingwen Reply:
Hello, possible causes: 1. Fatty liver disease, which is mostly asymptomatic, with very few individuals experiencing mild discomfort in the upper abdomen or under the ribs. 2. Right kidney issues: such as ureteral or kidney stones, tumors, inflammation, or hydronephrosis. 3. Live...[Read More] Understanding Right Upper Abdomen and Flank Pain: When to Seek Help