Can Hemoglobin A1c Levels Fluctuate Significantly in One Day?
Is glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) really that variable? Hello Dr. Lee, I went to National Taiwan University Hospital for a routine blood test on July 18, and my hemoglobin A1c result was 5.7. Due to other issues, I consulted at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, where they also tested my...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Different hospitals may have slight variations in their testing equipment. Please follow up in three months. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Can Hemoglobin A1c Levels Fluctuate Significantly in One Day?
Managing High Cholesterol and Lipid Levels: A Patient's Guide
High cholesterol and elevated blood lipids? Hello Doctor, I have a question to ask. I recently received my health check report: weight 45 kg, height 164 cm, fasting blood sugar 102 mg/dL, hemoglobin A1c 5.3%, HDL 83 mg/dL, LDL 207 mg/dL, triglycerides 94 mg/dL, and total cholest...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: Although you have previously used statin medications for lowering cholesterol, you stopped due to muscle cramping side effects. Currently, dietary control has not effectively reduced your cholesterol levels. You may want to discuss different types of cholesterol-lowering m...[Read More] Managing High Cholesterol and Lipid Levels: A Patient's Guide
Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Should You Worry About Your Readings?
Blood sugar issues? Hello Doctor, I am 22 years old, and my height, weight, and BMI are all normal. I do not have hypertension, hyperlipidemia, or any other unhealthy values. On March 1st of this year, my fasting blood glucose was 89, and today, March 20th, my fasting blood gluco...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
The current blood test results are normal, so please do not worry excessively. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Should You Worry About Your Readings?
Does Chronic Inflammation from Ankylosing Spondylitis Raise LDL and Heart Disease Risk?
Does chronic inflammation from ankylosing spondylitis lead to elevated LDL (low-density lipoprotein) levels, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease? 1. I am 55 years old and a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. About 4 to 5 years ago, I was effectively managing my condit...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. I am 55 years old and a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. About 4 to 5 years ago, I was effectively managing my condition with Salazopyrin and Celebrex, which normalized my pain and inflammatory markers, so I stopp...[Read More] Does Chronic Inflammation from Ankylosing Spondylitis Raise LDL and Heart Disease Risk?
Understanding Pre-meal Blood Sugar and HbA1c Levels: A Patient's Inquiry
Questions about pre-meal blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin? Hello Doctor, during my health check in 2018, my fasting blood sugar was 105, and in 2022, it was 113, with other results normal. After undergoing an endoscopy on September 1st this year, I noticed my previous blood ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Elevated fasting blood glucose is also a risk factor for diabetes. It is recommended that you lose weight and continue to follow up at the metabolic clinic. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Pre-meal Blood Sugar and HbA1c Levels: A Patient's Inquiry
Understanding Urine Ketones: What Does a 3+ Result Mean for Your Health?
The medical examination report indicates urine ketones at 3+? Hello doctor, in April of this year, I experienced redness, swelling, and pain in my left foot, and a doctor at a clinic diagnosed it as gout (without blood tests). I have a history of gout and usually manage my diet, ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
The production of urine ketones is usually related to prolonged fasting. Please consult a metabolic specialist. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Urine Ketones: What Does a 3+ Result Mean for Your Health?
Understanding Diabetes Diagnosis: Is There Room for Reassessment?
Is there still room for maneuver regarding the diagnosis of diabetes? The company's health check showed a fasting blood glucose level of 131 mg/dL (with a hemoglobin A1c of 6.7% from late September). Last week, I had a separate lipid panel test with a triglyceride level of 1...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Since the blood glucose levels were tested separately on two occasions, they meet the criteria for diabetes. It is advisable to control it as soon as possible.[Read More] Understanding Diabetes Diagnosis: Is There Room for Reassessment?
Morning Pain in the Liver and Rib Area: When to Seek Medical Advice?
Medical consultation (upon waking up in the morning) Hello Doctor, I am Xiao Wu. My height is 179 cm and my weight is 93 kg. On the morning of June 7th, I woke up at 6 AM and began to feel pain in the liver area (mild pain with breathing and more intense pain when pressed). Howev...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to visit the hospital for an X-ray or abdominal ultrasound examination. Thank you for your message![Read More] Morning Pain in the Liver and Rib Area: When to Seek Medical Advice?
Understanding High Urinary Glucose Levels: Is It Prediabetes?
Urine glucose 3+ issue? My 23-year-old son underwent a military service examination at the National Taiwan University Hospital in Hsinchu. His height is 178 cm, weight is 64.2 kg, and BMI is 20.1. During the examination, he had a urine glucose level of 500 (3+). He returned to th...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If fasting is not observed, glycosuria may occur. You can retest the hemoglobin A1c in three months. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding High Urinary Glucose Levels: Is It Prediabetes?
Is Long-Term Benzbromarone Use Safe for Kidney Health?
Hello, doctor. I would like to inquire about kidney issues? I would like to consult a physician. My height is 160 cm and my weight is 75 kg, with a uric acid level of approximately 8 or higher. If I take benzbromarone long-term to control my uric acid levels, will it cause any ha...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, basically it shouldn't be a problem! However, be cautious about the possibility of developing uric acid stones. It's recommended to have regular follow-up visits at the outpatient clinic.[Read More] Is Long-Term Benzbromarone Use Safe for Kidney Health?
Head Injury After Falling from Height: When to Seek Medical Attention
Fell from a height and struck the head? This morning, while engaging in high-altitude sports, I lost my grip due to fatigue and fell from a height. Although there was a soft mat below, I hit the lower right side of my head near my ear upon landing. There were no external injuries...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Head trauma should be classified under neurosurgery. If there are symptoms or concerns, it is advisable to seek medical attention. Thank you.[Read More] Head Injury After Falling from Height: When to Seek Medical Attention
Is My New Lower Back Pain a Side Effect of Salazopyrin or AS Symptoms?
My new lower back pain symptoms could be indicative of ankylosing spondylitis, or could they be a side effect of taking Celebrex? Hello Dr. Zeng, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis and have been experiencing symptoms for 2 years. In the first year, I mainly took anti-infl...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Is it true that the side effects of Seroquel need to be differentiated? If back pain is a side effect, it will not cause permanent harm to the body. It is recommended to follow up with the attending physician for evaluation.[Read More] Is My New Lower Back Pain a Side Effect of Salazopyrin or AS Symptoms?
Concerns After Toddler Falls: X-Ray Insights and Safety Tips
A child fell from a height onto a tiled floor? Hello, doctor. My son, who is one year and ten months old, fell from his high chair onto the tile floor tonight. He stood up after falling from a height of about 120 cm and cried loudly. We immediately took him to a nearby surgical c...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. X-ray results can reveal significant injuries to the skull and cervical vertebrae, but they cannot detect bleeding. 2. Due to radiation concerns associated with computed tomography (CT) scans, clinicians will first assess symptoms to determine the necessity of the sc...[Read More] Concerns After Toddler Falls: X-Ray Insights and Safety Tips
Can Gout Recur Days After First Attack in Patients with No History?
Is it possible for someone with no history of gout to experience a recurrence of symptoms just a few days after the first attack? Hello Doctor, thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. My mother, who is 72 years old, has high blood pressure and her height is 153 cm w...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Gout can indeed have recurrent attacks in a short period of time. Gout attacks typically present with redness and heat, so the absence of these symptoms does lower the likelihood. Eating shiitake mushrooms is fine, and consuming fish is also ac...[Read More] Can Gout Recur Days After First Attack in Patients with No History?
Managing High Cholesterol: When to See a Doctor and Lifestyle Tips
Recent health check revealed slightly elevated cholesterol levels? Recently, a health check revealed slightly elevated cholesterol levels. My height is 164 cm and weight is 44 kg. Total cholesterol is 238 mg/dL, triglycerides are 42 mg/dL, HDL (high-density lipoprotein) is 69.9 m...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to see a physician. Whether treatment is necessary depends on the physician's assessment of any risk factors you may have, such as hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, and other risk factors. Additionally, it is im...[Read More] Managing High Cholesterol: When to See a Doctor and Lifestyle Tips
Understanding Back Pain Patterns in Ankylosing Spondylitis: Key Symptoms and Management
Experiencing pain when extending the lower back but not when bending forward is a typical symptom of ankylosing spondylitis? Dear Dr. Gao, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis and have been experiencing symptoms for over two years. Initially, I only had pain in my buttocks...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Are my symptoms (pain in the lower back when arching, no pain when bending forward) typical symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis? --> No. 2) If it is not a typical symptom, would Dr. Gao recommend that I see a reh...[Read More] Understanding Back Pain Patterns in Ankylosing Spondylitis: Key Symptoms and Management
Understanding Steroid Side Effects and Sock Indentations: A Patient's Inquiry
Onset of steroid side effects / Sock indentation marks Hello, Doctor. I have lupus erythematosus and have been undergoing treatment since 2012. Initially, I was taking three steroid pills, but three years ago, the dosage increased to five pills. Over the past six months, my weigh...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. How long does it take for steroid side effects to appear? Is my body change possibly related to medication use, or is it simply due to dietary or lifestyle changes? --> Side effects from steroids can begin to manif...[Read More] Understanding Steroid Side Effects and Sock Indentations: A Patient's Inquiry
Managing High Uric Acid and Liver Function: Best Specialist Options
What is the best way to manage high uric acid levels and elevated liver function tests? Thank you, doctor, for taking the time to address my concerns. I have recently received blood test results showing the following: height 165 cm, weight 70 kg. 1. Uric acid level: 8.9 mg/dL. 2....
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
High uric acid and fatty liver can benefit from consulting a nutritionist for education and guidance. Weight loss is essential; if dietary control is insufficient, consider seeking treatment from a metabolic specialist for medication.[Read More] Managing High Uric Acid and Liver Function: Best Specialist Options
Managing High Uric Acid and Liver Function: Best Specialist Options
What is the best way to manage high uric acid levels and elevated liver function tests? Thank you, doctor, for taking the time to address my concerns. I have recently received blood test results showing the following: height 165 cm, weight 70 kg. 1. Uric acid level is 8.9 mg/dL. ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
High uric acid levels and fatty liver can benefit from consultation with a nutritionist for education and guidance. Weight loss is essential; if dietary control is insufficient, consider seeking treatment from a metabolic specialist for medication management.[Read More] Managing High Uric Acid and Liver Function: Best Specialist Options
Managing High Uric Acid and Liver Function: Best Specialist Options
What is the best way to manage elevated uric acid levels and slightly elevated liver function indices? Thank you, doctor, for taking the time to address my concerns. I have recently received blood test results showing the following: height 165 cm, weight 70 kg. 1. Uric acid level...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
High uric acid and fatty liver can benefit from consulting a nutritionist for education and guidance. Weight loss is essential; if dietary control is insufficient, consider seeking medication treatment from a metabolic specialist.[Read More] Managing High Uric Acid and Liver Function: Best Specialist Options