Understanding When to Start Diabetes Medication: A Patient's Dilemma
What is the situation regarding diabetes medications? Hello Dr. Lin, I recently had two fasting blood glucose tests with results of 103 and 107, and my HbA1c levels were 6.5 and 6.8. The physician at the diabetes specialty clinic advised me to start medication and prescribed Metf...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello: The treatment of diabetes will generally follow the guidelines provided for diabetes management, but some details will still need to be adjusted based on the physician's clinical experience. Although there are differences in opinion between the two physicians, both fu...[Read More] Understanding When to Start Diabetes Medication: A Patient's Dilemma
Does Masturbation Affect Urine Tests for Prediabetes?
Diabetes issues Hello Dr. Lin, my fasting urine test showed a hemoglobin A1c level of 6.1%, and the report indicates possible prediabetes. I would like to know if masturbating within 2 hours before the urine test could affect the accuracy of the results?
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
For prediabetes, it is recommended to manage diet and exercise, and to have regular follow-ups. Before a urine test, it is advised to avoid masturbation. If there are any related concerns, it is recommended to consult a professional physician in person.[Read More] Does Masturbation Affect Urine Tests for Prediabetes?
Managing Blood Sugar Levels: Concerns and Solutions for Anxiety-Driven Results
How to improve blood sugar levels? Last Friday, I suddenly experienced itching all over my body, and I was worried it might be diabetes. I felt very low and anxious for three consecutive days—Friday, Saturday, and Sunday—resulting in insufficient sleep. On Monday, I went to the h...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Cc: 1. According to the diagnostic criteria for diabetes set by the American Diabetes Association: a. A fasting plasma glucose level of ≥126 mg/dl after fasting for more than 8 hours, b. A 2-hour plasma glucose level of ≥200 mg/dl during an oral glucose toleranc...[Read More] Managing Blood Sugar Levels: Concerns and Solutions for Anxiety-Driven Results
Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: When to Test and What to Know
Blood sugar issues? Hello Doctor, I have been feeling a bit uncomfortable and dizzy after meals recently. Four months ago, I had my hemoglobin A1c tested, which was 5.4, and my fasting blood glucose was 97. I did not have a postprandial blood glucose test done. A few days ago, I ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, sir, thank you for your question. Although diabetes has a genetic component, for type 2 diabetes, the chance of children of affected individuals developing diabetes is around 15%. Therefore, there is no need to be overly anxious. In other words, if you pay attention to you...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: When to Test and What to Know
Understanding HbA1c Testing: Impact of Blood Donation and Accuracy Concerns
Glycated Hemoglobin Test (HbA1c Test) Hello Doctor: Recently, I have been experiencing intermittent itching around the skin near my ankles. I found online that this could be a symptom of peripheral neuropathy related to diabetes. Two years ago, my company's health check repo...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Xiao Lu: 1. The diagnosis of diabetes has consensus standards in medicine: According to the diagnostic criteria from the American Diabetes Association, a. Fasting plasma glucose level ≥126 mg/dL after at least 8 hours of fasting, b. 2-hour plasma glucose level ≥200 mg/d...[Read More] Understanding HbA1c Testing: Impact of Blood Donation and Accuracy Concerns
Could These Symptoms Indicate Diabetes? Expert Insights on Testing
Is it possible that this could be diabetes? Hello Dr. Lee! Recently, I have been experiencing the following conditions: 1. Frequent urination (I often wake up in the middle of the night to urinate, about 1-2 times per night). 2. Weight loss from 63.5 kg to 60.5 kg (over about one...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello, regarding your inquiries: 1. The measurements of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) before and after meals are the same. 2. According to your routine health check data from June, there are no signs of diabetes. If you are still concerned, you can have your fasting blood glucose a...[Read More] Could These Symptoms Indicate Diabetes? Expert Insights on Testing
Understanding the Discrepancy Between Blood Glucose Meter and Lab Results
Questions about blood glucose meters? Hello Doctor: Recently, a family member noticed that urination attracted ants, so they went to the clinic for a blood test. On the same day, after the nurse drew blood, she used the venous blood to measure fasting blood glucose with a Roche A...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Wang Su-Chen: 1. According to the diagnostic criteria for diabetes set by the American Diabetes Association, a. a fasting plasma glucose level of ≥126 mg/dL after fasting for more than 8 hours, b. a 2-hour plasma glucose level of ≥200 mg/dL during an oral glucose tolera...[Read More] Understanding the Discrepancy Between Blood Glucose Meter and Lab Results
Understanding Diabetes: Key Questions About Diagnosis and Management
Diabetes concerns? Hello Doctor: My son is 26 years old and has been attracting ants with his urine. He went to the clinic for a blood test, which showed a fasting blood glucose level of 266 mg/dL and a hemoglobin A1c of 10.58%. There is a family history of diabetes (both of my p...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Wang Su-Chen: 1. According to the diagnostic criteria for diabetes set by the American Diabetes Association, a. a fasting plasma glucose level ≥126 mg/dL after fasting for more than 8 hours, b. a 2-hour plasma glucose level ≥200 mg/dL during an oral glucose tolerance t...[Read More] Understanding Diabetes: Key Questions About Diagnosis and Management
Could My Symptoms Indicate Diabetes? Understanding Blood Sugar Levels and Weight Loss
Could this indicate the possibility of diabetes? Hello, Doctor. In mid-May of this year, I had a blood test that showed a hemoglobin A1c of 5.0 and a fasting blood glucose level of 86. From the end of May until today, my height and weight changed from 160 cm/55 kg to 160 cm/52 kg...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. NN: 1. Zoloft® (Sertraline) is classified as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) because it specifically inhibits the reuptake of serotonin, exhibiting a selectivity for serotonin transporters that is 300 to 3000 times greater compared to norepinephrine tran...[Read More] Could My Symptoms Indicate Diabetes? Understanding Blood Sugar Levels and Weight Loss
Understanding Diabetes Diagnosis: Key Blood Test Criteria Explained
Diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus Hello, Dr. Hsiao. I would like to ask about a recent blood test where the fasting blood glucose and HbA1c levels were 140 mg/dL and 7.3%, respectively. I saw Dr. Hsiao's response regarding the diabetes diagnostic criteria published by the Ameri...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Kiwi: 1. In clinical medicine, diagnostic standards or treatment guidelines often serve as references when research is uncertain or controversial. In practice, clinicians must make diagnoses or interventions based on the patient's own complaints, symptoms, or chan...[Read More] Understanding Diabetes Diagnosis: Key Blood Test Criteria Explained
Is Abnormal Blood Sugar with Normal HbA1c a Sign of Diabetes?
Abnormal blood glucose levels with consistently normal glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) may not necessarily indicate diabetes. It is important to consider other factors and conduct further testing to determine the underlying cause of the abnormal blood glucose levels? Hello Doctor, fo...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Huang: 1. According to the diagnostic criteria for diabetes set by the American Diabetes Association: a. A fasting plasma glucose level of ≥126 mg/dL after fasting for more than 8 hours; b. A 2-hour plasma glucose level of ≥200 mg/dL during an oral glucose tolerance tes...[Read More] Is Abnormal Blood Sugar with Normal HbA1c a Sign of Diabetes?
Understanding Fasting Blood Sugar Variations: What You Need to Know
Fasting blood glucose Hello doctor, I have a habit of regularly checking my blood sugar. This morning, I went to the clinic and had my blood sugar tested, and the result was 124. About three months ago, at the same clinic, it was in the 90s. Then, about 10 minutes later, I went t...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Cheng, 1. According to the diagnostic criteria for diabetes set by the American Diabetes Association: a. A fasting plasma glucose level of ≥126 mg/dL after fasting for at least 8 hours, b. A 2-hour plasma glucose level of ≥200 mg/dL during an oral glucose tolerance test...[Read More] Understanding Fasting Blood Sugar Variations: What You Need to Know
Am I Diabetic? Understanding Symptoms and Blood Sugar Levels
Do I have diabetes? I have been experiencing frequent dry mouth and thirst lately, constantly drinking water and urinating, yet I still feel thirsty. I have had similar episodes before, and one morning my fasting blood sugar was as high as 124. I'm not sure if it was related...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Allen: 1. According to the diagnostic criteria for diabetes set by the American Diabetes Association: a. A fasting plasma glucose level of ≥126 mg/dL after fasting for at least 8 hours. b. A 2-hour plasma glucose level of ≥200 mg/dL during an oral glucose tolera...[Read More] Am I Diabetic? Understanding Symptoms and Blood Sugar Levels
Managing Blood Sugar: When to Use Medication for Carbohydrate Intake
Issues with blood sugar medications Doctor, I usually have normal blood sugar levels, with fasting levels between 100 and 110. Typically, after consuming five types of rice, my blood sugar is around 135 two hours later. However, when I eat carbohydrates like white rice, dumplings...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello Mr. Ke: The glycemic index of white rice and white noodles is higher than that of multigrain rice, which causes an increase in your post-meal blood sugar levels when eating out. If you cannot reduce your intake of white rice, then using Glucophage for control may be necessa...[Read More] Managing Blood Sugar: When to Use Medication for Carbohydrate Intake
Understanding Blood Sugar Fluctuations: Symptoms and Testing Insights
Blood sugar inquiry? Hello, Doctor: A few days ago, during lunch, I drank a soda and suddenly felt unwell, experiencing neck pain and fatigue. After about half an hour, I still felt uncomfortable, so I consumed an oral rehydration solution (8.44 grams of sucrose and 2.8 grams of ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Ming: 1. According to your information, I agree with your attending physician; in other words, there is no evidence indicating the presence of diabetes. 2. Any blood glucose meter can produce inaccuracies; therefore, it is necessary to have the manufacturer perform cali...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Fluctuations: Symptoms and Testing Insights
Managing Diabetes and Cholesterol: Key Questions and Insights
Regarding diabetes and cholesterol issues? Hello Dr. Hsiao, Six months ago during my health check-up, my fasting blood glucose was 123 mg/dL and my hemoglobin A1c was 8.3%. The doctor advised me to take medication for control and to focus on weight loss. After four months of ef...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Justin: 1. If weight loss is achieved gradually, and normal weight is maintained with good dietary control and regular exercise, it is possible to discontinue medication. However, this is contingent upon lifestyle changes and maintenance. Rapid weight loss can lead to r...[Read More] Managing Diabetes and Cholesterol: Key Questions and Insights
Understanding Hemoglobin A1c: Can Weight Loss Reverse Type 2 Diabetes?
Glycated hemoglobin Doctor, I would like to ask you about my situation. In September, my hemoglobin A1c was 6.1, and in January of this year, it was 6.5. Am I diabetic? When I went to the hospital to review my report, the doctor advised me to lose weight. Is this to manage my dia...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Anonymous: 1. According to the diagnostic criteria for diabetes set by the American Diabetes Association: a. Fasting plasma glucose level ≥ 126 mg/dl after fasting for more than 8 hours, b. Plasma glucose level ≥ 200 mg/dl during a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test, c....[Read More] Understanding Hemoglobin A1c: Can Weight Loss Reverse Type 2 Diabetes?
Managing Elevated Blood Sugar: Tips for Diet and Health Monitoring
Blood sugar issues? Hello Doctor, my fasting blood sugar is 110 mg/dL, glycated hemoglobin is 5.7%, blood urea nitrogen is 10 mg/dL, creatinine is 0.72 mg/dL, and liver function tests show alanine aminotransferase (ALT) at 8 U/L. I understand that my fasting blood sugar is elevat...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Wu: 1. After undergoing these tests, your physician should have explained the results to you. Please make sure to consider the recommendations of the physician who has personally examined you. 2. Your fasting plasma glucose level is 110 mg/dL, which indeed exceeds the ...[Read More] Managing Elevated Blood Sugar: Tips for Diet and Health Monitoring
Understanding c-ANCA Positivity: Implications for Your Health and Vision
c-ANCA positive Hello, Doctor. Since April of this year, I have experienced two episodes of transient visual disturbances resembling a TIA, where my vision became blurry for a few seconds and then returned to normal, usually around mealtime. Sometimes I also feel dizzy, so I cons...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
1. C-ANCA positivity is less likely to cause eye problems. 2. C-ANCA positivity is associated with Wegener's granulomatosis (now known as granulomatosis with polyangiitis, GPA), and a series of tests must be conducted for a definitive diagnosis. 3. Whether to initiate me...[Read More] Understanding c-ANCA Positivity: Implications for Your Health and Vision
Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Are You at Risk for Diabetes?
Blood sugar issues? Hello Doctor, I am 168 cm tall and weigh 57 kg. I had a health check-up at a major hospital in early October this year, where my fasting blood glucose level was 95 mg/dL. Since this value is close to the upper limit of the normal range, I was quite worried abo...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Alex: 1. A fasting blood glucose level of 95 mg/dL or 96 mg/dL shows no significant change clinically; in other words, it lacks significant meaning. Based solely on this value, no physician would suggest that it will soon exceed 100 mg/dL. Generally, blood glucose level...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Are You at Risk for Diabetes?