Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: When to Test for Diabetes
Blood sugar issues Hello, doctor. Here are my fasting, pre-meal, and post-meal blood glucose readings from my glucose meter for September 9 and 10. On September 9: - Morning blood glucose: 77 (fasting, 10:00 AM), 85 (12:00 PM) - Afternoon blood glucose: 105 (1:00 PM), 108 (3:00...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. Generally, a normal fasting blood glucose level is <100 mg/dL. 2. A fasting blood glucose level between 100 mg/dL and 126 mg/dL indicates an increased risk for diabetes. 3. A fasting blood glucose level ≥126 mg/dL suggests possible diabetes. 4. A hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) l...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: When to Test 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 Diabetes: Concerns and Management for Young Adults
Diabetes issues Hello, Doctor: Today I am going to the hospital to have my blood drawn, and they will test my hemoglobin A1c! I'm really afraid that the report will show elevated levels and that I might have diabetes. I am currently overweight, and my grandmother also has di...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, dear user: Please try not to worry until you receive your report. Moreover, early-stage diabetes can be improved with diet and exercise. Medical advancements are rapid, and managing diabetes is not difficult. You might be overthinking it. Wishing you good health. Thank you...[Read More] Understanding Diabetes: Concerns and Management for Young Adults
Understanding the 2-Hour Oral Glucose Tolerance Test and Diabetes Screening
Oral glucose tolerance test at the 2-hour mark and others? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask a few questions: 1. To check for diabetes, should I perform the 2-hour blood glucose test after a 75g oral glucose tolerance test, or should I do a 2-hour postprandial blood glucose te...
Dr. Chen Qingbin Reply:
The diagnostic criteria for diabetes mellitus are as follows: 1. Fasting blood glucose (after fasting for more than 8 hours) > 126 mg/dL 2. Postprandial blood glucose (2 hours after a meal) > 200 mg/dL 3. Hemoglobin A1c > 6.5% 4. Glucose tolerance test: blood glucose >...[Read More] Understanding the 2-Hour Oral Glucose Tolerance Test and Diabetes Screening
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 High Nighttime Blood Sugar with Normal Morning Levels
High blood sugar before bedtime and normal blood sugar upon waking? Hello Dr. Hsiao, my mother is seventy years old. She takes insulin during the day and controls her diet for three meals, but her blood sugar levels are consistently over 300 before bedtime. In the morning, her le...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. There are many types of insulin, primarily including ultra-rapid acting, rapid acting, intermediate acting, and long acting. The timing of their peak effect and duration of action varies. Clinically, it is possible to mix rapid acting and intermediate acting insulins for injec...[Read More] Managing High Nighttime Blood Sugar with Normal Morning Levels
Understanding Elevated Postprandial Blood Sugar: Insights and Solutions
Glycated hemoglobin is normal, fasting blood glucose is normal, but postprandial blood glucose is elevated? I undergo a comprehensive health check-up every two years, and my previous blood sugar levels have always been normal. During my recent check-up last month, my fasting bloo...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, netizen: Blood glucose levels are a crucial indicator for diagnosing diabetes. In healthy individuals, fasting blood glucose levels after an 8-hour fast should be below 100 mg/dL, and blood glucose levels two hours after a meal should be below 140 mg/dL. If fasting blood g...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Postprandial Blood Sugar: Insights and Solutions
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 HbA1c Results: Do You Have Diabetes?
Revisiting the second question - Dr. Hsiang-Yung Hsiao? Hello, Doctor! I recently had my hemoglobin A1c tested, and the result was 6.5% (I did not test fasting and postprandial blood glucose). I would like to ask if I have officially been diagnosed with diabetes. My previous hemo...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
It is advisable to discuss your concerns with your physician; an HbA1c of 6.5% is already close to diabetes. Therefore, it is essential to pay attention to dietary control and avoid excessive intake; regular exercise is also important.[Read More] Understanding HbA1c Results: Do You Have Diabetes?
Understanding HbA1c Results: Do I Have Diabetes?
What are the issues related to diabetes? Hello, Doctor! I recently had my hemoglobin A1c tested, and the report showed 6.5% (I did not test fasting and postprandial blood glucose). I would like to ask if I have officially been diagnosed with diabetes. Previously, my hemoglobin A1...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. Generally, the onset of type 2 diabetes is gradual and is associated with factors such as genetics, weight, lack of exercise, overeating, alcohol abuse, and medication. Your weight of 113 kilograms is indeed a risk factor for developing the disease; moreover, the longer one is...[Read More] Understanding HbA1c Results: Do I Have Diabetes?
Understanding Diabetes Diagnosis Standards and Insurance Implications
Diabetes Diagnosis Criteria Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about my situation. Recently, when I applied for insurance, I was denied coverage because I truthfully disclosed that I had a HbA1c level as high as 9.0. However, since then, I have maintained my HbA1c between 6.0 and...
Dr. Cai Zonglin Reply:
In general, diabetes is diagnosed with a fasting blood glucose level of 126 mg/dL or higher, a hemoglobin A1c level of 6.5% or higher, or a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test result of 200 mg/dL or higher. Early-stage diabetes can achieve good blood glucose control through dietar...[Read More] Understanding Diabetes Diagnosis Standards and Insurance Implications
Understanding Post-Meal Blood Sugar Levels: A Guide for Patients
Postprandial blood glucose is lower than preprandial blood glucose? Dear Doctor, three months ago my fasting blood glucose was 128 mg/dL. Three months later, my fasting blood glucose is 131 mg/dL, my postprandial blood glucose is 111 mg/dL, and my hemoglobin A1c is 7.0%. Shouldn&...
Dr. Cai Zonglin Reply:
Generally, postprandial blood glucose levels are higher than preprandial levels; however, this can vary based on dietary content and individual factors such as insulin sensitivity and the secretion levels of insulin and glucagon. A hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level below 7% is accepta...[Read More] Understanding Post-Meal Blood Sugar Levels: A Guide for Patients
Understanding Blood Sugar Monitoring: Accuracy and Common Concerns
About diabetes? First of all, I would like to thank Dr. Lee for the previous response. I do have hyperlipidemia and hypertension, which I am currently managing with medication. My average blood pressure is (systolic) 110-120 and (diastolic) 65-75. In my last inquiry, my fasting b...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: The blood glucose levels obtained from a standard blood draw are typically about 15% higher than those measured by a glucose meter, which may raise some questions for you. Since you are at high risk for diabetes, it is recommended that you continue to manage your diet and ...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Monitoring: Accuracy and Common Concerns
Managing Diabetes: Key Questions on Health, Exercise, and Supplements
Diabetes-related issues Hello Doctor: I have had diabetes since the first year of junior high school, primarily due to being overweight and consuming a lot of junk food from a young age (with a family history of diabetes). I have previously struggled with blood sugar control, but...
Dr. Cai Zonglin Reply:
When muscles are not contracted, they remain in a softer state. It is advisable to consult a sports medicine specialist or a rehabilitation physician regarding diabetes, which primarily involves issues with the pancreatic islet cells. Poor blood sugar control can lead to complica...[Read More] Managing Diabetes: Key Questions on Health, Exercise, and Supplements
Understanding Diabetes Diagnosis: Key Tests and Follow-Up for Seniors
Diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus Hello, Doctor: My mother is 78 years old and recently felt unwell, leading her to the emergency room where her fasting blood glucose was measured at 146. She has no prior history of diabetes. Subsequently, during a follow-up visit, the doctor only o...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your questions: 1. In healthy individuals, postprandial blood glucose levels typically do not exceed 140 mg/dL and return to pre-meal levels within 2-3 hours. The progression of type 2 diabetes is primarily characterized by the continuous deterioration of β-...[Read More] Understanding Diabetes Diagnosis: Key Tests and Follow-Up for Seniors
Understanding Fluctuating Serum Creatinine Levels: A Clinical Perspective
Elevated creatinine levels issue? In 2009, I had a serum creatinine level of 1.9 at one hospital. After receiving treatment for hypertension and cataracts at another hospital in October 2009, my serum creatinine level was 1.5. Both the creatinine clearance and kidney ultrasound w...
Dr. Yang Weishun Reply:
Based on your creatinine levels and age, the estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which is a similar indicator of kidney function to creatinine clearance, indicates that your kidneys are clearing between 32 to 50 milliliters of blood per minute, regardless of whether the c...[Read More] Understanding Fluctuating Serum Creatinine Levels: A Clinical Perspective
Managing High Blood Sugar Levels in Diabetes: Tips and Insights
High blood sugar? Hello Dr. Lee, I would like to ask how to handle high blood sugar levels? My mother has been a diabetic for about 15 years. She was previously controlled with oral medications, but for the past three years, she has started using insulin injections, which have no...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello Amin, Your question can be summarized as "how to effectively manage diabetes." In addition to the patient and their family, a team consisting of physicians, dietitians, and diabetes educators should be involved in managing diabetes. Currently, health bureaus in v...[Read More] Managing High Blood Sugar Levels in Diabetes: Tips and Insights
Effective Dietary Strategies for Managing Diabetes
How to manage diabetes through diet? I have a family history of diabetes and have been on medication for 5 years, but my condition is not very stable. I exercise by playing table tennis at least 4 days a week. My recent check-up showed a hemoglobin A1c level of 7, which I believe...
Dr. Shi Guangzhong Reply:
How should diabetic patients choose their food? The following suggestions may serve as a reference: General Principles: - Remember the portion sizes for each meal and consume food at regular intervals. - Pay attention to both the quality and quantity of food to ensure balanced n...[Read More] Effective Dietary Strategies for Managing Diabetes
Managing Excessive Thirst in Diabetes: Tips and Alternatives
How to quench thirst? Hello Dr. Kuo, I have had diabetes for 4 years and regularly see my doctor and take medication. My blood sugar levels are 150 before meals and 200 two hours after meals, with a hemoglobin A1c of 7.5. However, I experience constant thirst every day and canno...
Dr. Guo Qinghui Reply:
There are many reasons for thirst, such as diabetes, neuropathy, diabetes insipidus, and the side effects of medications, among others. You should discuss your concerns with your physician and undergo further examination.[Read More] Managing Excessive Thirst in Diabetes: Tips and Alternatives