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?
Understanding Your 75g Glucose Tolerance Test Results: What They Mean
75 grams oral glucose tolerance test? Hello, I recently underwent a 75-gram oral glucose tolerance test after fasting for eight hours, and the results were as follows: Fasting: 75 mg/dL, 1 hour after drinking the glucose solution: 88 mg/dL, and 2 hours after drinking the glucose ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Huihui: 1. According to the American Diabetes Association's diagnostic criteria for diabetes: 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...[Read More] Understanding Your 75g Glucose Tolerance Test Results: What They Mean
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
Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management
Mediterranean anemia (also known as thalassemia) Red blood cells (RBC) 5.84 (reference range 3.70–5.50) Hemoglobin (Hb) 10.9 (reference range 11.3–16.0) Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) 59.4 (reference range 80.0–100.0) The above data was obtained two years ago when I was in high sc...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: 1. Your anemia is classified as microcytic anemia, and the possible causes include "thalassemia" (formerly known as Mediterranean anemia) or iron deficiency anemia, or both. It cannot be concluded that you definitely have "thalassemia" just because yo...[Read More] Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management
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
How to Manage Post-Meal Blood Sugar Levels Effectively
How to improve postprandial blood sugar levels? Dear Dr. Hsiao, I recently had a physical examination, and the results are as follows: a. Fasting plasma glucose level after more than 8 hours is 89 mg/dL, b. Postprandial glucose level after 2 hours is 162 mg/dL, c. HbA1c (glycate...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Chubby: 1. According to the American Diabetes Association's diagnostic criteria for diabetes: a. Fasting plasma glucose level ≥ 126 mg/dL after fasting for more than 8 hours, b. 2-hour plasma glucose level ≥ 200 mg/dL during an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT), c...[Read More] How to Manage Post-Meal Blood Sugar Levels Effectively
Understanding the Gap Between Fasting and Post-Meal Blood Sugar Levels
The difference between fasting blood glucose and postprandial blood glucose after breakfast? Hello Doctor, during my first pregnancy, I had gestational diabetes, and I did not follow up or manage it after giving birth. During the early stages of my second pregnancy, I underwent t...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Anna: 1. According to the American Diabetes Association's diagnostic criteria for diabetes: 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 (gly...[Read More] Understanding the Gap Between Fasting and Post-Meal Blood Sugar Levels
Understanding Blood Sugar Issues: When to Seek Medical Advice
Blood sugar issues? The hospital's blood test report shows an AC of 89 and an HbA1c of 5.3. Although these values are within the normal range and the lab technician mentioned that a single test may not be conclusive, during the Lunar New Year period, I experienced intermitte...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Alice: 1. According to the diagnostic criteria for diabetes set by the American Diabetes Association: a. Fasting plasma glucose level ≥ 126 mg/dL after 8 hours of fasting, b. Plasma glucose level ≥ 200 mg/dL during a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test, c. HbA1c (glycate...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Issues: When to Seek Medical Advice
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 the Causes of Elevated Creatinine Levels in Lupus Patients
Causes of elevated creatinine levels? I have systemic lupus erythematosus, which was diagnosed in 2009. At that time, my serum creatinine level was 4.4. After receiving steroid treatment, it decreased to 2.5. I have since been under the care of rheumatology and nephrology. Howeve...
Dr. Lin Peifeng Reply:
The provided information is limited. Lupus nephritis can cause six types of pathological changes in the kidneys, some of which are acute changes. In such cases, the use of stronger immunosuppressants and corticosteroids may improve some kidney function. However, if the changes ar...[Read More] Understanding the Causes of Elevated Creatinine Levels in Lupus Patients
Understanding Dietary Sensitivities: Dizziness and Nausea After Sweet Foods
Dietary Issues Hello doctor, I would like to ask you something. Since elementary school, I have noticed that whenever I consume sweet foods or drinks, I start to feel dizzy and nauseous. This is very obvious, for example, when I drink beverages or eat chocolate. Even fruits that ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Tsai: 1. According to the diagnostic criteria for diabetes set by the American Diabetes Association, the following are summarized: 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 ...[Read More] Understanding Dietary Sensitivities: Dizziness and Nausea After Sweet Foods
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 Mediterranean Anemia: Symptoms and Diagnosis Explained
Mediterranean anemia (also known as thalassemia) Hello doctor, I have thalassemia and often experience dizziness. I thought it was due to moderate thalassemia. I recently had a routine blood test, and the results came back quickly. The doctor said my blood is normal, with a hemog...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Wei, Thalassemia, or Mediterranean anemia, is classified into α-thalassemia (determined by four α genes on chromosome 16) and β-thalassemia (determined by two β genes on chromosome 11), both of which are inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. Problems arise only wh...[Read More] Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Symptoms and Diagnosis Explained
Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Key Blood Test Indicators Explained
Mediterranean anemia (also known as thalassemia) Hello Doctor: My blood test report shows a white blood cell count of 8.8, red blood cell count of 5.95, hemoglobin of 12.1, hematocrit of 38.9, mean corpuscular volume of 65.3, mean corpuscular hemoglobin of 20.3, mean corpuscular ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Cindy: Based on the information you provided, if the measurements are in the common units used in Taiwan, it is certainly reasonable to suspect the possibility of oceanic anemia. As for whether there are other potential causes, you will need to discuss this with your phy...[Read More] Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Key Blood Test Indicators Explained
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
Why Do I Feel Sleepy After Eating? Understanding Post-Meal Drowsiness
Feeling very sleepy after eating? Hello Doctor, I have a question that has been bothering me, and I'm not sure if I should ask you. I usually eat home-cooked meals three times a day, primarily consisting of rice and noodles. About an hour after eating, I feel very sleepy, to...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: 1. If there is a suspicion of blood sugar issues, fasting blood glucose, postprandial blood glucose, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) tests can be performed. 2. It is recommended to consult a sleep medicine specialist.[Read More] Why Do I Feel Sleepy After Eating? Understanding Post-Meal Drowsiness
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 Blood Glucose Meter Errors and Their Impact on Diabetes Management
Errors in blood glucose meters Hello, doctor. I understand that blood glucose meters can have inaccuracies, but how can I know if I'm managing my blood sugar well based on these measurements? I checked Google, and it says that the error margin for blood glucose meters is aro...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: In addition to blood glucose meters, some hospitals have Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems (CGMS). You can inquire at larger hospitals' endocrinology departments.[Read More] Understanding Blood Glucose Meter Errors and Their Impact on Diabetes Management