Understanding Elevated Fasting Blood Sugar: Causes and Concerns
Fasting blood glucose levels are elevated? On October 14, 2021, I went to the emergency room due to discomfort from vaccine side effects, around 8 PM after dinner, feeling very anxious (due to chest pain). The emergency department recorded a blood glucose level of 171. A few days...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Fasting blood glucose greater than 100 mg/dL or hemoglobin A1c greater than 5.6% indicates prediabetes. Low-dose mirtazapine is not commonly associated with hyperglycemia. Maintaining proper dietary control and lifestyle adjustments is key. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Elevated Fasting Blood Sugar: Causes and Concerns
Understanding the Impact of Anemia and Spinal Issues on White Blood Cell Count
White blood cell count Hello Doctor, my father has thalassemia. In last year's health check report, his hemoglobin was 12.8, mean corpuscular volume was 67.2, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin was 21.8. The physician mentioned that these values were low due to anemia. However,...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, a white blood cell count of 3380 is still within the normal range. It is normal for blood cell counts to fluctuate somewhat; as long as they remain within the normal range, there is no cause for concern. Spondylolisthesis itself should not lead to a decrease in blood cell ...[Read More] Understanding the Impact of Anemia and Spinal Issues on White Blood Cell Count
Understanding Elevated Basophil Levels: Allergies and Blood Health in Young Adults
Eosinophils Hello Doctor, I am Enen from the article #188677. Thank you for your prompt response, but I still have some doubts that I would like to ask you again: 1. You mentioned that elevated basophil levels are related to allergies. Given that I recently had a cold and have ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. You mentioned that elevated basophil levels are related to allergies. Given that I recently had a cold and have a history of allergies, could this cause my basophil levels to be elevated? In 2020, my basophil count wa...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Basophil Levels: Allergies and Blood Health in Young Adults
Understanding Platelet Count Fluctuations in Patients on Warfarin Therapy
Rate of platelet decline Hello Dr. Gao, My family member has been taking Warfarin and had a blood test around November 10th, where the platelet count dropped to 61,000. Earlier this year, when they were hospitalized, the doctor mentioned that the platelet count was low, around ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. I understand that some values can fluctuate. Is this range of variation still acceptable? --> I believe it should be monitored further. 2. Can an overdose of the anticoagulant Warfarin that my mother is taking ...[Read More] Understanding Platelet Count Fluctuations in Patients on Warfarin Therapy
Understanding High ESR Levels in Anemia and Ankylosing Spondylitis
Is it because I have anemia that my ESR is often elevated? Hello Doctor: I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis, 20 years old, and I have been diagnosed for over 2 years. Recently, for the past 7 months, I have been taking Salazopyrin, and during my last two follow-up visits,...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
1. Hemoglobin (Hb) levels of 13.5 to 14.5 are not the cause of abnormal erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), as ESR can be influenced by many factors in the body. 2. C-reactive protein (CRP) is more important than ESR for monitoring ankylosing spondylitis; symptoms and X-rays a...[Read More] Understanding High ESR Levels in Anemia and Ankylosing Spondylitis
New Treatment Options for MDS: Can Patients Access Insurance Coverage?
Are there new drugs available for the treatment of MDS (Myelodysplastic Syndromes)? Hello, doctor! My current white blood cell count is 1600, hemoglobin is between 6 and 7, and platelet count is 9000. I am a patient with MDS. For the past two to three months, platelet transfusion...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
It seems that MDS patients cannot apply for health insurance coverage for thrombopoietin. It is recommended to consult a hematology outpatient physician for further inquiries. Thank you for your question.[Read More] New Treatment Options for MDS: Can Patients Access Insurance Coverage?
Understanding Your Blood Test Results: High CPK and Eosinophil Levels Explained
Blood test Hello Doctor, I went to the emergency room yesterday and had a blood test done. My results are as follows: Hb 17.0, HCT 50.1, MCH 31.8, MCHC 34.0, MCV 94, MPV 9.0, Platelet count 156, RBC count 5.36, RDW 12.7, WBC count 45, Eosinophil 1.5, Lymphocyte 39.5, Monocyte 7.9...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Elevated CPK levels can indeed be related to vigorous exercise, and given your age, this is the most likely reason. Basophils are a type of white blood cell associated with allergies, and their proportion in the total white blood cell count is ...[Read More] Understanding Your Blood Test Results: High CPK and Eosinophil Levels Explained
Can Increasing Salazopyrine Dosage Lower ESR in Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Can increasing the dosage of Salazopyrin further reduce ESR? Hello Doctor: I am 20 years old, and I have been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis for 3 years, with the diagnosis confirmed 1 year after the onset. Initially, I was treated with either Celebrex or Voltaren, but for...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) I have been taking only 2 Salazopyrin daily, and my CRP has significantly decreased from around 0.7-0.9 (when I was only taking Celebrex or Voltaren) to now 0.2-0.4. However, my ESR has shown almost no improvement. In...[Read More] Can Increasing Salazopyrine Dosage Lower ESR in Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Concerns About Parasites and Blood Test Results After Undercooked Meat
Suspected parasitic infection and blood test values? Hello, on October 1st, I consumed a steak that was not cooked to the required doneness (I requested medium, but some parts were rare to medium-rare). I am concerned about parasites (specifically, tapeworms) and have since been ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The pork tapeworm can also be killed by freezing. 2. Each individual's condition varies significantly, ranging from a few months to several years. 3. Based on your clinical symptoms and blood test results, it currently does not appear to be a parasitic infection. T...[Read More] Concerns About Parasites and Blood Test Results After Undercooked Meat
Understanding Hormonal Imbalance: When to See a Specialist
Endocrine disorder Hello, Doctor: I visited the obstetrics and gynecology department in April and was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Due to not having my period for several months, the doctor prescribed Norethindrone 5.705 mg to be taken twice daily for 14 days....
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: You can first consult with an obstetrician-gynecologist. Inform them of your condition completely, and then ask if you need to see any other specialists.[Read More] Understanding Hormonal Imbalance: When to See a Specialist
Medication Management for Dialysis Patients: When to Seek Specialist Care
Medications for dialysis patients? Hello, my father undergoes dialysis three times a week, but he often reports experiencing painful urination and dizziness. Should I discuss this with the doctor at the dialysis center and request medication, or is it necessary to consult a urolo...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Dysuria: If there is residual urine, please check to rule out infection and provide medication that can be administered at the dialysis clinic. Dizziness: Check hemoglobin levels to ensure they are adequate, and arrange a neurology consultation if necessary. Wishing you health an...[Read More] Medication Management for Dialysis Patients: When to Seek Specialist Care
Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count: Causes and Follow-Up
Leukopenia The most recent blood biochemistry test showed a white blood cell count of 3300, which is low; red blood cells are normal, hemoglobin is low, mean corpuscular volume is low, mean corpuscular hemoglobin is low, and total bilirubin is 2.22, which is high, while all other...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding the white blood cell count, it's important to first know what your previous levels were. Some individuals naturally have a white blood cell count around 3,000, which can be normal for them. However, if your count has suddenly dropped to 3,000 from a previous...[Read More] Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count: Causes and Follow-Up
Understanding Prediabetes: Should You Retest Blood Sugar Levels?
Prediabetes Hello doctor, my most recent health check showed a fasting blood glucose level of 104 mg/dL, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) of 5.7%, red blood cell count of 4.56 million cells/µL, hemoglobin of 14 g/dL, MCV of 88.6 fL, and hematocrit of 40.4%. Prior to the health check, ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
The current report indicates prediabetes. Please start with dietary control and follow up in three months.[Read More] Understanding Prediabetes: Should You Retest Blood Sugar Levels?
Can Pre-Diabetes Affect Pancreatic Function and Can It Be Reversed?
Prediabetes Previously, I had a slightly elevated hemoglobin A1c level. After controlling my diet, my subsequent test result was 5.5, and the doctor said it was fine. I would like to ask if a slightly elevated hemoglobin A1c can cause irreversible damage to pancreatic function? C...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Mildly elevated blood sugar levels are unlikely to cause significant damage to pancreatic function.[Read More] Can Pre-Diabetes Affect Pancreatic Function and Can It Be Reversed?
Understanding Blood Sugar Control in Diabetes Management
Blood sugar issues? Hello Dr. Lin: My father was diagnosed with diabetes in August. He takes insulin before breakfast (18 units) and before dinner (12 units), and he also takes 0.5 tablets of Metformin (HCl) after breakfast and dinner. Currently, his fasting blood glucose levels ...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: The difference between pre-meal and post-meal blood glucose levels should ideally not exceed 60 mg/dL. However, there are other indicators that can be used for assessment, such as glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting blood glucose levels, postprandial blood glucose levels,...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Control in Diabetes Management
Understanding Dry Eye Syndrome: Blood Test Results and Treatment Insights
Sjögren's Syndrome Index Thank you, doctor! First question: I was diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome on August 19 this year, with an index of 280. Starting from the 20th, I took one quinine daily. On September 21, I had a second blood test, and the index was 334. During ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: First question: I was diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome on August 19 of this year, with a score of 280. I started taking one quinine tablet daily from the 20th, and on September 21, my blood was drawn again, showin...[Read More] Understanding Dry Eye Syndrome: Blood Test Results and Treatment Insights
Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease Treatment and Blood Sugar Management
Chronic Kidney Disease Treatment Hello Dr. Lin, I am a patient with chronic kidney disease (stage 3B) and have high proteinuria (approximately 1600-2200 mg/g). My blood sugar levels are also elevated, with a hemoglobin A1c of about 6.1 and a blood glucose level of approximately 1...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello Mr. Zeng, the glomerular filtration rate may decline due to aging, diseases, and other factors. It is advisable to discuss with your attending physician before starting new medications or adjusting dosages. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease Treatment and Blood Sugar Management
Can Forxiga Be Used for Chronic Kidney Disease Not Caused by Diabetes?
Medication Issues in Kidney Disease Hello Dr. Huang, can the SGLT2 inhibitor Forxiga be used to treat chronic kidney disease (stage 3) not caused by type 2 diabetes? My blood sugar is relatively high, with a hemoglobin A1c of about 6.0.
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
Hello: Farxiga is an SGLT2 inhibitor. You may discuss with your nephrologist whether this type of medication is suitable for your condition. Thank you![Read More] Can Forxiga Be Used for Chronic Kidney Disease Not Caused by Diabetes?
Understanding Your Blood Test Results: Are You at Risk for Diabetes?
Three high issues (referring to high blood pressure, high Hello Doctor: I recently had a basic blood test, and here are the results: eGFR: 80 (Is this low?), ALT: 12 (Does this indicate that my liver is healthy?), Uric Acid: 5.1 (Is this high?), TG (Triglycerides): 63 (I previous...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
A hemoglobin A1c level of 6 indicates prediabetes, and regular monitoring is necessary. Currently, dietary control is recommended. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Your Blood Test Results: Are You at Risk for Diabetes?
Understanding Accurate Diabetes Testing: Insights on HbA1c and Blood Sugar Levels
What are the more accurate methods for measuring blood glucose levels? Hello, doctor. I recently received my health check report, and the results showed that my fasting blood sugar appears normal, but my glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is at 6.0. In the past, my HbA1c levels were bet...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If you are concerned that anemia may affect the accuracy of hemoglobin A1c, you can test for glycated albumin.[Read More] Understanding Accurate Diabetes Testing: Insights on HbA1c and Blood Sugar Levels