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 for Your Doctor
Questions related to glycated hemoglobin? (Revised, seeking Dr. Lee's opinion, thank you.) Hello Dr. Lee! I initially consulted another physician, but there are several questions I need to ask my primary physician. Unfortunately, I am currently unable to make an appointment....
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Dear Pikachu, Please forgive my frankness, and I hope I do not offend you! You have two major issues: one is "obsession," and the other is "losing sight of the main issue." Allow me to explain. "Obsession" refers to your fixation on numbers; please ...[Read More] Understanding Glycated Hemoglobin: Key Questions for Your Doctor
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 High ANA Titers: Is 1:160 Considered Significant?
Re: High Titer ANA Hello, Doctor Gao. Thank you very much for your response. I still have some difficulties in interpreting the text. In your previous reply, you mentioned that normal individuals can also test positive for ANA. Does this mean that a titer of 1:160 is required to ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Indeed, we consider an ANA titer of 160 or higher (inclusive) to be significant, at least in my opinion. As for your current symptoms, it would be better to discuss them with your rheumatologist, as the diagnosis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus...[Read More] Understanding High ANA Titers: Is 1:160 Considered Significant?
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
Managing Diabetes: Key Questions on Blood Sugar and Diet
Revisiting Diabetes Mellitus? Hello Dr. Hsiao, First of all, thank you for your response last time. Yesterday, I visited the cardiology department to review my blood test results. My fasting blood glucose was 96 mg/dL and my HbA1c was 5.5% (three months ago, my fasting blood glu...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Question 1: Should I still strictly control my intake of starches and sugars? Answer: Strictly controlling the intake of starches and sugars can indeed lower blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin levels, thereby improving conditions such as diabetes or glucose intolerance. In f...[Read More] Managing Diabetes: Key Questions on Blood Sugar and Diet
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 Rhabdomyolysis: Symptoms, Risks, and When to Seek Help
Rhabdomyolysis Hello Dr. Wu, I would like to ask the following question. As an avid runner, I suspect that I might have rhabdomyolysis. I researched related symptoms online and my reasons for suspicion are as follows: Recently, I have been running and walking approximately 30 kil...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Hello, RC: 1. "Because of hematuria, I visited the urology department at Mackay Memorial Hospital last week, and I have completed a urinalysis (which showed a positive reaction for blood)..." Here, "positive reaction for blood" refers to either the presence ...[Read More] Understanding Rhabdomyolysis: Symptoms, Risks, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Microscopic Hematuria, Glucose, and Protein in Urine
Microscopic hematuria, glucose, and protein in the urine? Dr. Lee: Hello! I had a pre-employment physical examination on May 20, and on May 29, the report indicated that I had microscopic hematuria at 3+. I went for another urinalysis on May 31, and today, June 6, I received the ...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello Yu-Yan: If your tests were not conducted during your menstrual period, based on the report results, there is indeed a need to suspect the possibility of kidney disease (urinary tract disorders) and diabetes. However, further examinations are necessary; the diagnosis of diab...[Read More] Understanding Microscopic Hematuria, Glucose, and Protein in Urine
Understanding Basophil Counts: What Do Your Blood Test Results Mean?
Eosinophilia typically indicates? (The first part was sent prematurely and is incomplete.) Hello, Doctor. I apologize for sending the previous message before I finished typing. I would like to ask: The results of my health check-up at Taichung City Hospital at the end of 2012 sho...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. Regarding your white blood cell differential count, the total white blood cell count is normal, with a slightly elevated percentage of basophils and a slightly decreased hemoglobin level in red blood cells, which should be considered normal variations. There is no evidence of ...[Read More] Understanding Basophil Counts: What Do Your Blood Test Results Mean?
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 Mediterranean Anemia: Symptoms and Specialist Consultation
Mediterranean anemia (also known as thalassemia) Hello doctor, a few years ago I had surgery at the hospital and was diagnosed with Mediterranean anemia. The hospital said my hemoglobin level was seven, but I didn't feel dizzy at that time. However, in the past few days, I&#...
Dr. Cai Zonglin Reply:
There are different types of Mediterranean anemia, varying in severity. If hemoglobin levels are low at around 7 and symptoms are present, blood transfusion may be considered, and it is advisable to consult a hematologist.[Read More] Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Symptoms and Specialist Consultation
Understanding Anemia: Is Pale Eyelids a Sign of Blood Issues?
About Anemia Hello, doctor. Five years ago, I had a physical examination, and my blood test results showed no anemia. However, recently I noticed that the inside of my lower eyelids looks pale and lacks color, although my lips and nails are quite pink. I haven't experienced ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, Xiao Bu: Pale lower eyelids do not necessarily indicate anemia. It is recommended to visit a hospital or laboratory for a hemoglobin test. If anemia is confirmed, further investigation into the underlying cause of the anemia should be conducted. Remember! Do not take iron ...[Read More] Understanding Anemia: Is Pale Eyelids a Sign of Blood Issues?