Understanding Hemoglobin A1c: Am I at Risk for Prediabetes?
Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) Hello doctor, I recently donated blood, and I received the test report a few days ago. Every item, such as BMI, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, etc., is normal, but my hemoglobin A1c level is 5.9. Does this mean I have prediabetes?
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: The glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level is 5.9, which is within the normal range and does not indicate prediabetes. A fasting blood glucose level exceeding 100 mg/dL is required to diagnose prediabetes. Thank you for your message![Read More] Understanding Hemoglobin A1c: Am I at Risk for Prediabetes?
Understanding Postprandial Blood Sugar Levels: Concerns and Insights
Blood sugar issues Hello Doctor: My height is 165 cm and my weight is 58 kg (my weight has been about the same for the past six months). Last year, my fasting blood glucose (glucose AC) was 92 mg/dL. I tested my fasting blood glucose again in early August, and it was 96 mg/dL. La...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Jacky: 1. Your weight is 58 kg, height is 165 cm, and your body mass index (BMI) is 21.3 kg/m², which falls within the normal range. 2. In 2015, your fasting blood glucose level was 92 mg/dL, and in August 2016, it was 96 mg/dL. Last week, your hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) wa...[Read More] Understanding Postprandial Blood Sugar Levels: Concerns and Insights
Understanding Blood Sugar Variations Before and After Meals During Pregnancy
The differences between before and after meals? Hello, Doctor! I have been diagnosed with high blood sugar issues for 12 years and have been under medical follow-up. Recently, due to my pregnancy, I have been monitoring my blood sugar levels before and after meals. My fasting blo...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Wang: 1. Although pregnancy is a joyful event, it can cause significant changes in the body, particularly in the endocrine system. Consequently, fluctuations in blood sugar levels and hyperglycemia may become more pronounced. Generally speaking, if a person without diab...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Variations Before and After Meals During Pregnancy
High Ketones in Urine: What Further Tests Are Needed?
High ketone bodies in urine? Hello Dr. Hsiao, I recently had two urine ketone tests in April and mid-July, both showing positive results. I also regularly monitor my blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c levels, which are normal. Previously, I underwent an ERCP due to bile duct stones...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Lin: The increase of ketones in the urine, unless caused by high blood sugar leading to diabetic ketoacidosis, is generally due to prolonged fasting or starvation, which triggers the breakdown of fats and results in an increase of ketones in the blood and urine. Of cour...[Read More] High Ketones in Urine: What Further Tests Are Needed?
Understanding Hemoglobin A1c Levels: What Does a 5.6% Mean for You?
Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) Hello, I recently donated blood a few days ago and, since I met the qualifications, I also had a check for the three highs (hypertension, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia). I received the report showing my hemoglobin A1c level at 5.6%, with the standa...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Azong: 1. Generally speaking, human hemoglobin is primarily composed of heme and globin chains (alpha and beta chains). Due to the abundance of proteins, when blood glucose levels rise, these proteins can bind with glucose in the blood, a process known as glycation, whi...[Read More] Understanding Hemoglobin A1c Levels: What Does a 5.6% Mean for You?
Managing Diabetes: Tips for Blood Sugar Control and Digestive Health
Diabetes issues Hello Doctor, last month I went to the hospital due to blurred vision and was diagnosed with diabetes (blood sugar over 300). The doctor prescribed Metformin HCl 500 mg, to take half a tablet before breakfast and dinner, and to monitor my blood sugar two hours aft...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: 1. Your blood sugar shows "improvement"; however, to determine if it has reached the control target, we still need to refer to your hemoglobin A1c levels. 2. A postprandial blood sugar of 110 is not considered high. It is possible for blood sugar levels to decrea...[Read More] Managing Diabetes: Tips for Blood Sugar Control and Digestive Health
Managing Water Intake for Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Water Intake Issues in Patients with Chronic Kidney Failure Hello Dr. Wu, My mother has a history of mild stroke, along with mild diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, high uric acid, proteinuria, and hematuria. Her estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is currently arou...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Hello: Regarding your question, we will discuss it in two parts: (1) Based on the information you provided, your mother's estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 50 indicates that she is approximately in stage 3 of chronic kidney disease (CKD), which has a total of fi...[Read More] Managing Water Intake for Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Understanding Diabetes Risk and Weight Loss: Key Insights for Health
Regarding diabetes and weight loss? Hello Dr. Hsiao, Last year's health check report indicated that my fasting blood glucose was elevated (101 > 100) and my hemoglobin A1c was normal (5.7 < 6.7). The year before, my fasting blood glucose was 85 (normal < 100) and m...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. ABC: Please read the following two points: 1. According to the American Diabetes Association's diagnostic criteria for diabetes: a. Fasting plasma glucose level ≥126 mg/dL after fasting for 8 hours or more, b. Plasma glucose level ≥200 mg/dL during a 2-hour oral g...[Read More] Understanding Diabetes Risk and Weight Loss: Key Insights for Health
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
Understanding Blood Sugar Management: Key Indicators and Medication Options
Blood sugar issues Dear Dr. Hsiao, I have been concerned about my blood sugar levels since my health check in 2004, when my fasting blood glucose was 100. I only started medication in 2015, but my weight has decreased from my usual 38 kg to the current 34 kg. For the past ten ye...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. For a 65-year-old diabetic patient, a fasting blood glucose level of 155 mg/dL, a postprandial blood glucose level of 169 mg/dL two hours after eating, and a hemoglobin A1c level of 6.6% indicate relatively good control. Each of these values carries individual significance, an...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Management: Key Indicators and Medication Options
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
Could These Symptoms Indicate Type 1 Diabetes at 24?
Is it Type 1 Diabetes? Hello Doctor: I am currently 24 years old, 156 cm tall, and six months ago my fasting blood glucose was measured at 79 mg/dL, with a blood pressure of 94/57 mmHg. My weight has historically ranged between 40 to 44 kg, and I experience polyphagia, polyuria (...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello Ms. Lin, the diagnosis of diabetes requires not only the classic symptoms of polyphagia, polydipsia, and polyuria but also the evaluation of fasting blood glucose or hemoglobin A1c levels. Your fasting blood glucose is only 79 mg/dL, which should not indicate diabetes. Addi...[Read More] Could These Symptoms Indicate Type 1 Diabetes at 24?
Understanding Diabetes: Symptoms, Testing, and Risk Factors Explained
Diabetes concerns? Hello Dr. Lee: In the past month, I have noticed persistent bubbles in my urine and have experienced increased urinary frequency, especially 2 to 3 hours after consuming sugary drinks, along with nocturia. I am concerned about kidney disease or diabetes. Last w...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: It is recommended that you consult an endocrinologist for further examination to determine your current condition. As for the causes of diabetes, there are many factors beyond diet, including genetic factors, lifestyle, lack of exercise, and more. The endocrinologist will ...[Read More] Understanding Diabetes: Symptoms, Testing, and Risk Factors Explained
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
Managing Diabetes: Medication and the Role of B Vitamins
Diabetes medications and B vitamins? Hello Doctor, my father is 57 years old and has been diagnosed with diabetes for over two years. He is currently taking the following three medications: 1. Glucophage 500mg (twice daily, one tablet with breakfast and one with dinner) 2. Glybur...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
The medications your father is taking are as follows: a. Galvus® (Vidagliptin, typically 50 mg). b. Glimet® (containing Glimepiride 2 mg/Metformin 500 mg). c. Lipitor® (available in Atorvastatin 10, 20, and 40 mg dosages). His hemoglobin A1c is 7.6%. 1. I believe the medication...[Read More] Managing Diabetes: Medication and the Role of B Vitamins
Should You Seek Medical Attention for Blood Sugar Concerns?
Should I seek medical attention for blood sugar issues? Doctor, I had a hemoglobin A1c test two days ago, and it was 5.1. My fasting blood sugar is around 80, but it spikes to about 170 two hours after eating (I only had half a bowl of white rice and some vegetables). If I eat ev...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: It is recommended that you continue with dietary control and regular exercise, and follow up with a medical check-up in 3 to 6 months.[Read More] Should You Seek Medical Attention for Blood Sugar Concerns?
Understanding Diabetes: Can Pancreatitis Cause High Blood Sugar?
Diabetes Consultation Doctor, there are many causes of diabetes. I heard that pancreatitis can also lead to diabetes. If blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c levels are both very high, can we directly conclude that it is type 2 diabetes? Does this mean it cannot be caused by pancreat...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: Diabetes caused by pancreatitis is mostly due to chronic pancreatitis resulting from alcohol abuse, which then leads to diabetes. If you do not have this condition, the likelihood of having type 2 diabetes is the highest. If you have any questions, please consult a special...[Read More] Understanding Diabetes: Can Pancreatitis Cause High Blood Sugar?
Understanding Morning Blood Sugar Spikes: Causes and Solutions
Every morning around 11 AM, my blood sugar spikes abnormally high? Hello, Doctor. Currently, my fasting blood sugar in the morning is between 110 and 120. Two years ago, my hemoglobin A1c was 5.6. Over the past two years, I've noticed that every morning after 10 AM, before l...
Dr. Lin Shunfa Reply:
TO: yikun It seems that you are concerned about prediabetes. 1. It is often said that in the early stages of diabetes or in patients with prediabetes, there can be an overproduction of insulin in the body before blood glucose levels rise to a point where diabetes can be diagnosed...[Read More] Understanding Morning Blood Sugar Spikes: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Fasting Blood Sugar Levels: Are You at Risk for Diabetes?
Fasting blood glucose level Dear Doctor: I measured my fasting blood glucose levels at the end of September, early October, and yesterday, with values of 120, 103, and 129, respectively, all after fasting for 8 hours. Additionally, I had my hemoglobin A1c tested yesterday, which ...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: 1. Based on your blood glucose levels, you are currently classified as "prediabetic." It is recommended that you control your diet, engage in regular exercise, and maintain a healthy weight. 2. Blood glucose levels can fluctuate at any time, and the situations yo...[Read More] Understanding Fasting Blood Sugar Levels: Are You at Risk for Diabetes?