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 ...[Read More] Managing Elevated Blood Sugar: Tips for Diet and Health Monitoring
Understanding Injection Allergies: Symptoms and What to Do Next
Injection allergy Hello Doctor: Two days ago, I strained my neck and it became swollen and painful, so yesterday I went to a clinic to receive anti-inflammatory injections (one clear and one yellow, administered in the back of my right hand). Shortly after the first injection, I ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Wang: 1. During a single intravenous injection, it is almost always possible to see some degree of blood return; generally, it is not excessive, and you can simply push the blood back into the syringe. 2. Intravenous injections circulate throughout the body quickly und...[Read More] Understanding Injection Allergies: Symptoms and What to Do Next
Understanding Gynecomastia: Why Liver Function Tests Matter
Gynecomastia I went to see a doctor for gynecomastia, and I have stretch marks on my abdomen that resemble those associated with obesity. The doctor mentioned that it might be influenced by steroids. The blood tests I need to undergo include ALT, ALK, and alpha-fetoprotein. I loo...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Sir, 1. The causes of gynecomastia in males are numerous; the fundamental pathological mechanism is due to an increase in the action of female hormones. In fact, female hormones, male hormones, adrenal corticosteroids, aldosterone, and others can interconvert within the end...[Read More] Understanding Gynecomastia: Why Liver Function Tests Matter
Managing Diabetes Medications for Lean Patients: Key Considerations
Diabetes medication consultation? Hello Doctor, my father is 63 years old and has symptoms of diabetes (pre-meal blood sugar around 120). He is currently taking diabetes medication. My father has a lean body type and is not obese, follows a vegetarian diet, and avoids greasy food...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Paul Chen: 1. The first-line medication for most patients with type 2 diabetes is Metformin, which you referred to as Asures®. Regarding medication choices for leaner diabetic patients, there can indeed be some controversy in the medical community. It is advisable to in...[Read More] Managing Diabetes Medications for Lean Patients: Key Considerations
Understanding Bruising and Bleeding: Could It Be Leukemia?
Bruising and bleeding during brushing? Hello, doctor. I have two or three unexplained bruises on my body and I've been experiencing bleeding while brushing my teeth, so I went for blood tests. My white blood cell count was normal, and I had two tests done about a month apart...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Chiu Rong-Ching: 1. Leukemia, also known as blood cancer, is characterized by the abnormal and uncontrolled proliferation of precursor cells of granulocytes, lymphocytes, monocytes, or leukocytes, leading to a reduction in normal white blood cells. It includes acute lym...[Read More] Understanding Bruising and Bleeding: Could It Be Leukemia?
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
Impact of Diet and Liver Function on Cholesterol Levels: Key Insights
High cholesterol and liver enzymes? Hello, Doctor. I apologize for the interruption, but I would like to ask a question. I had an all-you-can-eat barbecue a few days before my health check, where I consumed seafood and organ meats. Additionally, I had a lot of seafood about ten d...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, it is possible that you have fatty liver disease. I recommend visiting a gastroenterologist for differential diagnosis of liver function abnormalities. Thanks.[Read More] Impact of Diet and Liver Function on Cholesterol Levels: Key Insights
Understanding Sjögren's Syndrome: Managing Symptoms and Treatment Options
Sjögren's syndrome Doctor: Hello, I have been experiencing dry mouth and dry eyes, and I initially thought it was due to menopause. However, blood tests revealed that I have Sjögren's syndrome, and the results for lupus and rheumatoid arthritis are still pending. I am c...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, user: Mild dizziness, diarrhea, belching, and sweating are likely side effects of the medication. 1. If you only experience dry mouth and dry eyes without any other organ abnormalities, you can discontinue the medication and manage the symptoms. 2. It is possible for the m...[Read More] Understanding Sjögren's Syndrome: Managing Symptoms and Treatment Options
Can Cryptococcus Infections Be Treated Before Symptoms Appear?
Cryptococcal infection... should treatment wait until symptoms develop? Hello Dr. Liao, I would like to ask... If a person is infected with Cryptococcus, must we wait for the disease to manifest before treatment can begin? If there are no symptoms, does it mean that the Cryptococ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. First, refer to an article from Han Ming Hospital titled "Cryptococcal Pneumonia: A Concern for Immunocompromised Individuals." A. Unlike typical pneumonia, which presents with symptoms such as fever, cough, and sputum production, patients with crypto...[Read More] Can Cryptococcus Infections Be Treated Before Symptoms Appear?
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 Biochemical Reports: Managing Diabetes and Kidney Health
Family's biochemical report Hello Dr. Wu, I consulted with you in February this year, and today I am attaching more biochemical report data for your explanation. My father is 60 years old today and has been suffering from diabetes and kidney stones for a long time. He was or...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
My father is 60 years old today and has long been troubled by diabetes and kidney stones. He has been seeing a family medicine doctor, but for some reason, his case has been referred to a nephrologist. I have attached the examination reports from February of this year to the pres...[Read More] Understanding Biochemical Reports: Managing Diabetes and Kidney Health
Understanding Acute Kidney Failure: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Concerns
Kidney problems Hello, doctor. Recently, I have been drinking a lot of water, but the amount I urinate is very little. I usually exercise a lot and sweat a lot, but lately, my sweat has had a very sour smell, somewhat like ammonia. Additionally, I have been experiencing a dull pa...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
1. Regarding acute renal failure (acute renal failure, also known as acute kidney injury): It is essential to understand the functions of the kidneys in the body. The kidneys primarily eliminate toxins produced from protein metabolism (commonly referred to as uremia) and regulate...[Read More] Understanding Acute Kidney Failure: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Concerns
Where to Seek Help for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Taiwan?
If you suspect you have chronic fatigue syndrome, you can consult a primary care physician or a specialist in internal medicine. Additionally, you may consider seeing a rheumatologist or an infectious disease specialist, as they often have experience in diagnosing and managing th...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, based on your symptoms, here are a few suggestions. 1. Hepatitis B requires close monitoring, with liver function tests every three months and abdominal ultrasounds every six months. Liver issues can also cause fatigue, so please do not take this lightly. Therefore, cons...[Read More] Where to Seek Help for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Taiwan?
Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Concerns and Next Steps
SGOT: 22, SGPT: 43 On September 21, my health check report indicated that my GOT is 22 and GPT is 43. I do not have Hepatitis B or C. Although my levels are only slightly above the standard values by 3, I am still quite worried. Today, I visited a traditional Chinese medicine doc...
Dr. Xiao Jingqin Reply:
There are many reasons for elevated liver function tests, with common causes including viral hepatitis, fatty liver disease, alcoholic hepatitis, and drug-induced hepatitis. Based on your levels, it does not appear to be viral hepatitis (acute hepatitis A or E can likely be ruled...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Concerns and Next Steps
Understanding Abdominal Discomfort and Elevated White Blood Cell Count
There is a feeling of bloating in the stomach, and blood tests show a white blood cell count of 12,500? Initially, on the early morning of September 28, I felt very uncomfortable due to a sensation of gas in my stomach, so I went to the emergency department at Min-Sheng Hospital....
Dr. Hong Hongchang Reply:
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to respond to your question and provide the following advice: Your blood test report indicates elevated white blood cell count. It is advisable to undergo further examinations, such as for the pancreas or hepatobiliary system. ...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Discomfort and Elevated White Blood Cell Count
Understanding Liver Fibrosis in Chronic Hepatitis B Carriers: Key Concerns
The liver is enlarged and coarse in patients with chronic hepatitis B? I am 36 years old and a carrier of hepatitis B. My liver function and fetal protein levels are normal. In June of this year, I had an ultrasound examination, and the doctor mentioned that the surface of my liv...
Dr. Sun Yizhen Reply:
Regarding the above issue, being a carrier does not necessarily lead to fibrosis, and fibrosis does not always progress continuously, making it difficult to predict how long it will take to harden. Fibrosis may be a remnant of past inflammatory repair, but it can also be part of ...[Read More] Understanding Liver Fibrosis in Chronic Hepatitis B Carriers: Key Concerns
Managing High Triglycerides and Liver Health: A Guide for Families
Triglyceride issues I would like to ask about my mother, who is 57 years old. She has been experiencing high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and over the past six months, her liver enzymes have also been abnormal. However, blood tests have ruled out hepatitis. The doctor men...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello: High blood lipids can lead to fatty liver and abnormal liver function. Simply reducing the intake of sweets, avoiding alcohol, and minimizing fried foods, along with increasing physical activity and consuming more fish and fruits and vegetables, can lead to improvement. It...[Read More] Managing High Triglycerides and Liver Health: A Guide for Families
Managing Chronic Hepatitis B with Abnormal Liver Function: Key Considerations
Chronic hepatitis B carrier with abnormal liver function? Hello, doctor. I am a carrier of vertical transmission hepatitis B and have been monitoring my liver function annually since childhood, which has always been normal. This year, on May 20, my AST was 43, ALT was 918, and on...
Dr. Sun Yizhen Reply:
Hello, you can visit the Gastroenterology and Hepatology outpatient clinic for an actual assessment by a physician, who will then provide recommendations. Thank you![Read More] Managing Chronic Hepatitis B with Abnormal Liver Function: Key Considerations
Managing Gout in Hepatitis B Carriers: Safety of Benzbromarone
Patients with hepatitis B who require treatment for gout should be carefully managed to avoid potential drug interactions and complications. It is essential to consult a healthcare provider for appropriate medication options that are safe and I am a carrier of hepatitis B and hav...
Dr. Yang Weishun Reply:
The likelihood of benzbromarone causing fulminant hepatitis is low, with some scholars estimating an incidence of approximately one case per 17,000 people. However, if you have concerns about the medication, there are alternative drugs available. It's important to note that ...[Read More] Managing Gout in Hepatitis B Carriers: Safety of Benzbromarone
Should You Start Antiviral Treatment for Hepatitis B with Normal Liver Function?
Liver function and liver ultrasound are normal, but there was one instance where the viral load exceeded 10,000 copies. Should medication be taken? Hello Dr. Hsiao: I am a 53-year-old male. I was diagnosed as a carrier of Hepatitis B in 1982, and I have been under follow-up for a...
Dr. Xiao Jingqin Reply:
According to the current expert consensus, if liver function is normal, antiviral medications are only required if cirrhosis or severe liver fibrosis is present along with a viral load exceeding 10,000 copies/ml. The use of antiviral medications is primarily divided into two diff...[Read More] Should You Start Antiviral Treatment for Hepatitis B with Normal Liver Function?