Understanding Diabetes: Concerns About Medication and Testing
Re-examination for Diabetes Mellitus Hello Dr. Chang, I would like to ask about diabetes. Two months ago, my father had a blood test at a general clinic, and the doctor informed him that he has diabetes (the blood test report indicated a fasting blood glucose level of 200). He im...
Dr. Zhang Guoji Reply:
1. Patients with diabetes who abruptly stop their medication are at risk of hyperglycemic complications, which can severely lead to hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state. Therefore, do not discontinue or adjust medications without medical advice. 2. HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin) testing...[Read More] Understanding Diabetes: Concerns About Medication and Testing
Understanding Dizziness and Fainting: Next Steps in Diagnosis
Dizziness and fainting? Three weeks ago, I experienced discomfort, dizziness, and nausea. I went to the hospital for a blood test, and I'm unsure which specialty I should see next to find the cause. The results showed a white blood cell count of 21.29 (elevated), red blood c...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: You may proceed to the hematology or internal medicine department for further examination. Thank you for your message![Read More] Understanding Dizziness and Fainting: Next Steps in Diagnosis
Understanding Lipitor's Effects on Blood Sugar and Hypertension Management
excuse me? 1. Does taking Lipitor cause an increase in blood sugar levels and glycated hemoglobin? 2. I am a patient with hypertension and my levels have been normal; should I proactively discuss the possibility of changing medications with my doctor? 3. Is this related to menopa...
Dr. Chen Qingbin Reply:
Hello SPP: Lipitor is a lipid-lowering medication. The main side effects include muscle pain and liver function abnormalities. If you have any issues while taking the medication, you can consult your physician to discuss whether to switch medications or discontinue use.[Read More] Understanding Lipitor's Effects on Blood Sugar and Hypertension Management
Understanding Low Red Blood Cell Count and Its Implications for Health
Regarding issues with red blood cells? Hello, doctor. Since I was young, during every blood test for health check-ups, the doctors have always reminded me that my red blood cell volume is low and my hemoglobin levels are also low. I still remember a doctor from Changhua Christian...
Dr. Cai Zonglin Reply:
Low hemoglobin (Hb) levels may result in symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, palpitations, and pallor. Low hemoglobin does not necessarily correlate with low hematocrit, as it depends on the type of anemia. Further evaluation may be required, including tests for serum iron level...[Read More] Understanding Low Red Blood Cell Count and Its Implications for Health
Does Not Fasting Affect the Accuracy of Health Checkup Results?
Does undergoing a health check-up without fasting affect the interpretation of test results? Thank you? Hello Director Li, I would like to ask you some questions regarding the health check report. Our company is organizing a health check tour, but the hospital has scheduled the h...
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
Hello: Some laboratory test results can indeed be influenced by diet. Below, I will list the tests and examinations that are recommended to be fasting for at least eight hours due to dietary effects, for your reference: urine glucose (GLU), pH, total cholesterol (CHOL), triglycer...[Read More] Does Not Fasting Affect the Accuracy of Health Checkup Results?
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
Impact of Diet on Blood Test Results for Prediabetes
Prediabetes Hello Dr. Lee: Today, the hospital's blood test report shows fasting blood glucose: 117, glycated hemoglobin: 5.8, triglycerides: 193, cholesterol: normal, and uric acid: normal. I consumed a large amount of soda (5 bottles) and ate fried chicken nuggets (4 piece...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: Based on what you mentioned, I recommend that you pay attention to the following three points: 1. Correct your dietary habits. 2. You are at high risk for diabetes: as your glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is greater than 5.7; please note that glycated hemoglobin is not affecte...[Read More] Impact of Diet on Blood Test Results for Prediabetes
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 Blood Test Results: Anemia and High Platelet Count Explained
Blood report, please help me interpret it? White blood cell count: 4.7, red blood cell count: 4.73, hemoglobin: 6.5, MCV: <50, MCH: 13.7, MCHC: 27.7, platelet count: 481, neutrophil percentage: 60.0, lymphocyte percentage: 32.8. Is this indicative of anemia? Could continuous...
Dr. Wang Fangli Reply:
Hello, Xiao-Wen: An MCV of less than 50 indicates two possible conditions: iron deficiency anemia or thalassemia. In iron deficiency anemia, platelet counts tend to increase; however, in thalassemia, they do not. To determine whether it is iron deficiency anemia or thalassemia, f...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: Anemia and High Platelet Count Explained
Understanding Abnormal Health Check Results: A Guide for Patients
Health Check Report Hello, doctor. I have a lab report for my father, which shows some abnormal test values, and I would like to consult with you. Thank you. (My father is a carrier of hepatitis B.) Red blood cells: 4.06 Hemoglobin: 11.6 Blood urea nitrogen: 29 Creatinine: 1...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
1. Serum creatinine: 1.4 corresponds to an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of approximately stage 3 chronic kidney disease. 2. Risk factors for preventing chronic kidney disease: hypertension, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia. 3. Regular check-ups every 3 months....[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Health Check Results: A Guide for Patients
Understanding High MCV Levels: Should You See a Doctor?
MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume) is a measure of the average volume of red blood cells? Hello: My recent health check report shows that my MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume) is 100 (highlighted in red), while the normal range is 79-99 fL. Should I seek medical attention for this?
Dr. Chen Junwei Reply:
Hello: If only the MCV is slightly elevated without any other blood abnormalities (such as low white blood cell count or low platelet count) or anemia (low hemoglobin), and there are no other nonspecific physical symptoms (such as fever, fatigue, etc.), there is no need to rush f...[Read More] Understanding High MCV Levels: Should You See a Doctor?
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
Understanding School Health Checkups: Insights on Blood Test Results
School health check-up? White Blood Cell Count (WBC): 7.6 Hemoglobin (HGB): 7.1 Red Blood Cell Count (RBC): 5.52 Hematocrit (Ht): 29.8 Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV): 54 Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH): 12.9 Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC): 13.8 A...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) is 54 fL, red blood cell count is 5.52 million cells/mL, hemoglobin (Hb) is in grams per deciliter, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) is 12.9 picograms per cell, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (...[Read More] Understanding School Health Checkups: Insights on Blood Test Results
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
Managing Diabetes: Food Control vs. Medication for Blood Sugar Levels
Diabetes mellitus I went to the hospital for a blood sugar test and was diagnosed with diabetes. I bought a blood glucose meter and have stopped taking my blood sugar medication, opting to control it with food instead. My postprandial blood sugar levels are maintained between 120...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Since the blood sugar levels are not very high, dietary control combined with exercise can be tried for a period of time. Monitoring the glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) will help assess long-term blood sugar control. If the results are not satisfactory, then oral hypoglycemic agents ...[Read More] Managing Diabetes: Food Control vs. Medication for Blood Sugar Levels
Understanding Abnormal Fasting Blood Sugar: Causes and Solutions
Abnormal fasting blood glucose? Hello Dr. Yang, Last year during my physical examination, I was diagnosed with impaired glucose tolerance. After making some adjustments, I have been using a glucometer to monitor my blood sugar levels, which have been consistently around 95 mg/dL...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
The reasons you mentioned lack a clear correlation with blood sugar levels. Currently, the proven methods to reduce the progression from impaired glucose tolerance to diabetes are lifestyle changes. Dietary modifications and exercise (similar to weight control) can reduce the inc...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Fasting Blood Sugar: Causes and Solutions
Managing Blood Sugar Fluctuations and Weight Loss in Diabetes
Blood sugar fluctuations & weight loss In 2000, I discovered weight loss (from 62 kg to 54 kg) and was diagnosed with diabetes. After taking medication for three months, I stopped and switched to managing my condition through diet and exercise, which yielded stable results (p...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
A glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level around 6.5 is still considered good blood sugar control and should not lead to weight loss due to poor diabetes management. It seems that medications and lifestyle factors are unlikely to cause weight loss either, as the degree of weight loss o...[Read More] Managing Blood Sugar Fluctuations and Weight Loss in Diabetes
Improving Symptoms of Thalassemia: Tips for Better Oxygenation
Mediterranean anemia Hello Dr. Hsiao, I am a patient with thalassemia and often feel dizzy and have headaches due to brain hypoxia. I would like to ask if there are any ways to improve this condition. Thank you! Wishing you peace and joy, Ms. An.
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: Thalassemia, also known as Mediterranean anemia, is primarily caused by genetic defects and is commonly classified into alpha and beta types. The alpha type is located on the 16th pair of chromosomes, containing four alpha genes; the beta type is found on the 11th pair of ...[Read More] Improving Symptoms of Thalassemia: Tips for Better Oxygenation
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