Understanding Blood Sugar Issues: When to Seek Medical Advice
Blood sugar issues? The hospital's blood test report shows an AC of 89 and an HbA1c of 5.3. Although these values are within the normal range and the lab technician mentioned that a single test may not be conclusive, during the Lunar New Year period, I experienced intermitte...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Alice: 1. According to the diagnostic criteria for diabetes set by the American Diabetes Association: a. Fasting plasma glucose level ≥ 126 mg/dL after 8 hours of fasting, b. Plasma glucose level ≥ 200 mg/dL during a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test, c. HbA1c (glycate...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Issues: When to Seek Medical Advice
When Should You Start Medication for Diabetes Management?
When should medication treatment for diabetes begin? I just received my blood test report, and my hemoglobin A1c is 7.1, and my fasting blood glucose is 118. I have hypertension and high cholesterol, both of which are controlled with medication. My hemoglobin A1c has been around ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Patient, 1. According to the American Diabetes Association's diagnostic criteria for diabetes: a. Fasting plasma glucose level ≥126 mg/dL after fasting for at least 8 hours, b. Plasma glucose level ≥200 mg/dL during a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test, c. HbA1c (glyca...[Read More] When Should You Start Medication for Diabetes Management?
Understanding Glycated Hemoglobin: Key Questions for Diabetes Management
Glycated hemoglobin Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you about glycated hemoglobin. There is a family history of diabetes, and I have been vigilant and actively exercising and controlling my diet since December of last year. My height is 155 cm, and my weight has decreased from ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Chen: 1. The measurement of fasting plasma glucose in clinical practice refers to the plasma glucose level after fasting for more than 8 hours. The normal value is below 100 mg/dL; if it falls between 100 and 125 mg/dL, it is termed impaired fasting glycemia. For most i...[Read More] Understanding Glycated Hemoglobin: Key Questions for Diabetes Management
Why Do I Feel Sleepy After Eating? Understanding Post-Meal Drowsiness
Feeling very sleepy after eating? Hello Doctor, I have a question that has been bothering me, and I'm not sure if I should ask you. I usually eat home-cooked meals three times a day, primarily consisting of rice and noodles. About an hour after eating, I feel very sleepy, to...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: 1. If there is a suspicion of blood sugar issues, fasting blood glucose, postprandial blood glucose, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) tests can be performed. 2. It is recommended to consult a sleep medicine specialist.[Read More] Why Do I Feel Sleepy After Eating? Understanding Post-Meal Drowsiness
Understanding the Rise in Glycated Hemoglobin: Concerns and Management
Elevated glycosylated hemoglobin? Hello Doctor, my HbA1c was 5.11 on December 19 and 5.6 on January 27. Is this an increase too fast? There is a family history of diabetes, so I have been exercising daily and controlling my diet since December, but my HbA1c has still increased. A...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: Your elevated hemoglobin A1c indicates that your average blood sugar levels have increased recently, which may be related to increased appetite during the winter and decreased physical activity. It is recommended that you manage your diet and weight, maintain moderate exer...[Read More] Understanding the Rise in Glycated Hemoglobin: Concerns and Management
Understanding Blood Glucose Meter Errors and Their Impact on Diabetes Management
Errors in blood glucose meters Hello, doctor. I understand that blood glucose meters can have inaccuracies, but how can I know if I'm managing my blood sugar well based on these measurements? I checked Google, and it says that the error margin for blood glucose meters is aro...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: In addition to blood glucose meters, some hospitals have Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems (CGMS). You can inquire at larger hospitals' endocrinology departments.[Read More] Understanding Blood Glucose Meter Errors and Their Impact on Diabetes Management
Understanding HbA1c Levels: Should My Mom See a Doctor at 6.6%?
Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) 6.6? Doctor, my mother is 58 years old. Last May, her HbA1c was 5.9%. Since then, she hasn't seen a doctor or taken any medication, nor has she made any special dietary changes until recently, when she started controlling her diet and monitoring h...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: Your mother's "glycated hemoglobin" has increased by 0.7 over the past eight months, which should not be taken lightly. It is recommended to consult with a specialist in endocrinology. It would also be beneficial for her to receive education from a nutrition...[Read More] Understanding HbA1c Levels: Should My Mom See a Doctor at 6.6%?
Understanding Diabetes Risk: Interpreting Your Blood Test Results
What is the likelihood of developing diabetes? Hello Doctor, Happy New Year! I would like to ask about my fasting blood test results after 12 hours: Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) 78.5, Hemoglobin 24.6, High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) 10.58, Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. Your fasting blood test report shows an average red blood cell volume of 78.5, hemoglobin of 24.6, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein of 10.58, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) of 7.7, GOT (AST) of 86, GPT (ALT) of 172, alkaline phosphatase of 110, total iron binding capacity of 5...[Read More] Understanding Diabetes Risk: Interpreting Your Blood Test Results
Understanding Blood Sugar Levels and Their Impact on Sexual Health
Blood sugar issues Doctor, I had a blood sugar test at the end of August, and my fasting level was around 80 mg/dL. I have been worried about various issues related to sexual function this past year and have sought medical attention for it. I read online that diabetes can affect ...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: A fasting blood glucose level of 80 is within the normal range. If there are concerns, you may consider additional testing for postprandial blood glucose at 2 hours and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). For issues related to sexual function, it is recommended to consult a urolo...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Levels and Their Impact on Sexual Health
Understanding Elevated Fasting Blood Sugar: Causes and Follow-Up
Elevated blood sugar levels in health checkup? The fasting blood glucose level from the health check was measured at 107 mg/dL, and the glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is normal. I recently consumed more sweets than usual over the past two weeks. Could this have an impact, or is it u...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. Generally, a normal fasting plasma glucose level is less than 100 mg/dL. If it falls between 100 mg/dL and 126 mg/dL, it can be considered as prediabetes or impaired fasting glucose. Of course, if the postprandial blood glucose is greater than or equal to 126 mg/dL, diabetes s...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Fasting Blood Sugar: Causes and Follow-Up
Understanding Your Glycated Hemoglobin Levels: A Guide for Patients
Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) Hello Doctor, could you please tell me if my report includes a measurement of glycated hemoglobin? R.B.C 4.36 10^6/ul W.B.C 7.94 10^3/ul Hemoglobin (Hb) 13.2 g/dl Hematocrit (Hct) 38.0 % Platelet count 379 10^3/ul MCV 82.7 fl MCH 30.3 pg MCHC 34.7 g/dl...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: Glycated hemoglobin was not detected.[Read More] Understanding Your Glycated Hemoglobin Levels: A Guide for Patients
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?
How to Lower Hemoglobin A1c Levels for Better Diabetes Management
Diabetes issues Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask about my fasting (8 hours) blood test for hemoglobin A1c. I have seen online that normal levels are between 4% to 6%, but my report shows 5.6%, which is slightly elevated. What can I do to improve this and lower my hemoglobin A1c...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, the normal range for glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in healthy individuals is approximately 4-6%. Your report of 5.6% falls within the normal range. Maintaining your current avoidance of sweets and sugary beverages, along with daily exercise, should be fine. Thank you for you...[Read More] How to Lower Hemoglobin A1c Levels for Better Diabetes Management
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 ...[Read More] Understanding Glycated Hemoglobin: Key Questions for Your Doctor
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...[Read More] Understanding Glycated Hemoglobin: Key Questions and Insights
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. ...[Read More] Understanding Fasting Blood Sugar Testing: Common Questions Answered
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 Microscopic Hematuria, Glucose, and Protein in Urine
Microscopic hematuria, glucose, and protein in the urine? Dr. Lee: Hello! I had a pre-employment physical examination on May 20, and on May 29, the report indicated that I had microscopic hematuria at 3+. I went for another urinalysis on May 31, and today, June 6, I received the ...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello Yu-Yan: If your tests were not conducted during your menstrual period, based on the report results, there is indeed a need to suspect the possibility of kidney disease (urinary tract disorders) and diabetes. However, further examinations are necessary; the diagnosis of diab...[Read More] Understanding Microscopic Hematuria, Glucose, and Protein in Urine
Understanding Diabetes: Concerns About Medication and Testing
Re-examination for Diabetes Mellitus Hello Dr. Chang, I would like to ask about diabetes. Two months ago, my father had a blood test at a general clinic, and the doctor informed him that he has diabetes (the blood test report indicated a fasting blood glucose level of 200). He im...
Dr. Zhang Guoji Reply:
1. Patients with diabetes who abruptly stop their medication are at risk of hyperglycemic complications, which can severely lead to hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state. Therefore, do not discontinue or adjust medications without medical advice. 2. HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin) testing...[Read More] Understanding Diabetes: Concerns About Medication and Testing