Hemoglobin, Internal Medicine FAQ

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...

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....

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 ...

Understanding Gradual Hemoglobin Decline: Causes and Concerns

Slow decrease in hemoglobin? Hello Doctor: Two years ago, my hemoglobin was 14.8, and today it is 12.4. Two months ago, during a routine health check, my hemoglobin was 12.6. I have been eating less for lunch, and I wonder if this could be related to the decrease in hemoglobin. A...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, a decrease in hemoglobin can be attributed to two possibilities: blood loss or reduced production. Regarding blood loss, common sources include gastrointestinal bleeding or menstrual loss. Therefore, I would like to ask if you have noticed any changes in your stool color r...

Managing Blood Sugar Levels After Gestational Diabetes: Key Insights

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) Hello Doctor: I had gestational diabetes during my second pregnancy. I have no family history of diabetes and am not overweight. I managed my condition through dietary control and daily self-monitoring of blood glucose. Now that I have given bi...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
(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 (glycated hemoglobin...

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...

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...

Does Severe Illness Affect Blood Sugar Levels? Insights and Answers

Does serious illness affect blood sugar fluctuations? Hello Dr. Hsiao, Due to acute renal failure that occurred in the middle of this year, accompanied by severe edema and fluid accumulation in the body, various kidney indicators were significantly elevated, leading to my hospi...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Anonymous: 1. Conditions such as illness, infection, stress, pregnancy, irregular lifestyle, and the use of certain medications can lead to elevated blood glucose levels or significant fluctuations. 2. If anxiety is severe, it can indeed cause an increase in blood gluco...

Managing Mediterranean Anemia: Can Blood Transfusions Help?

Mediterranean anemia Hello doctor, I have thalassemia and my hemoglobin level is 11.4. I usually exercise and don't have any issues. I would like to enlist in the military; can I increase my hemoglobin to 12 through blood transfusions? Are there other methods to improve it?

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, while blood transfusions can indeed increase hemoglobin levels, from a medical standpoint, they are not recommended without a medical necessity due to the potential complications associated with the transfusion process. Healthier alternatives include taking multivitamins, ...

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!

Are Starchy Liquid Foods Suitable for Diabetics?

Are starchy liquid foods suitable for individuals with diabetes? Hello, my mother has type 2 diabetes (non-insulin dependent), bile duct cancer, and dementia, and she has insufficient chewing ability due to missing teeth. Currently, she is being fed three cans of nutritional supp...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Wan Hsiu-Ming: 1. Regarding your questions about dietary management for diabetes, it is best to consult with a nutritionist at your mother's hospital. Designing a diet suitable for an elderly person with diabetes, bile duct cancer, and dementia is quite complex. 2...

Understanding Your Blood Test Results: Anemia Indicators Explained

Should I get a blood test? The school health check report shows the following results: WBC 6470, RBC 5.53, Hb 10.2, Hct 33.5, MCV 60.6, MCH 18.4, MCHC 30.4. The items marked in red indicate that you may have anemia, as your hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (Hct) levels are below th...

Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. Regarding the health check report, only the red blood cell section is abnormal: Hb 10.2, MCV 60.6 (normal range 80-100). 2. A 19-year-old female may experience iron deficiency anemia due to menstrual blood loss if iron supplements are not adequately provided t...

Which Specialist to Consult for Low Alkaline Phosphatase and Anemia?

Which specialty should I see? Hello: Problem description: I have been on dialysis for five and a half years, and my alkaline phosphatase levels have consistently been below 30, which is quite low. Online searches suggest a connection with anemia, and it is recommended to consul...

Dr. Wang Weijie Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Regarding your question, laboratory medicine primarily utilizes various tools in the laboratory to assist in the assessment of health status and physiological functions in preventive medicine, as well as in the diagnosis, evaluation, treatment, ...

Understanding Normal Blood Sugar Levels for Gestational Diabetes

Reference values for gestational diabetes mellitus? Hello, Director Hsiao: Could you please tell me what the reference values for "fasting" and "postprandial 2 hours" blood glucose levels are for gestational diabetes? I would like to monitor my blood sugar lev...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. JJ: 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. HbA1c (g...

Understanding Acute Kidney Failure Recovery: Key Insights and Timeline

Recovery from renal failure Hello Dr. Wu, in May of this year, I underwent blood tests due to feeling unwell. The first test results showed BUN: in the 120s and Cr: around 5.5 (with no proteinuria present). Two days later, I had another blood test, and the results were BUN: in th...

Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Hello: Based on the information you provided, if kidney function was normal during the previous year's health check and has suddenly deteriorated this year, the clinical course should primarily be considered as acute kidney injury. However, acute kidney injury can lead to va...

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...

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...

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...

Understanding the Connection Between Hidden Mediterranean Anemia and Irregular Menstrual Cycles

Beta-thalassemia minor Red blood cells: 5.74 (elevated) Hemoglobin: 11.8 Hematocrit: 37.5 Platelets: 343 Mean corpuscular volume: 65.3 (low) Mean corpuscular hemoglobin: 20.6 (low) The doctor said I have latent thalassemia and elevated red blood cell count due to very irregular m...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Yi: 1. Thalassemia should theoretically be unrelated to irregular menstrual periods. Moreover, your hemoglobin level of 11.8 gm/dL, while not very high, should still be sufficient to meet physiological demands. 2. In thalassemia, due to the smaller size of red blood ...

Managing Acid Reflux: Symptoms, Treatment, and Diabetes Concerns

Excess stomach acid Hello, doctor. I previously underwent an endoscopy which showed that my gastrointestinal tract is generally fine, but I have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). I have been taking Pantoprazole for a month, but I occasionally experience acid reflux, a burni...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Ellis: 1. Nexium® (generic name: Esomeprazole) is indicated for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Possible side effects include abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, bloating, nausea, dry mouth, headache, drowsiness, allergic reactions, fever, and others. Genera...

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