Understanding Diabetes: Key Questions About Diagnosis and Management
Diabetes concerns? Hello Doctor: My son is 26 years old and has been attracting ants with his urine. He went to the clinic for a blood test, which showed a fasting blood glucose level of 266 mg/dL and a hemoglobin A1c of 10.58%. There is a family history of diabetes (both of my p...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Wang Su-Chen: 1. According to the diagnostic criteria for diabetes set by the American Diabetes Association, a. a fasting plasma glucose level ≥126 mg/dL after fasting for more than 8 hours, b. a 2-hour plasma glucose level ≥200 mg/dL during an oral glucose tolerance t...[Read More] Understanding Diabetes: Key Questions About Diagnosis and Management
Am I at Risk for HIV After Unprotected Sex? Understanding Symptoms
Is this an HIV infection? On the third day of my period, I had intercourse with my boyfriend (who frequents nightclubs) without using a condom, and there was no ejaculation inside. That night and the next day, my knees were a bit sore, but then it went away. The following day, I ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the symptoms and incubation period do not strongly resemble HIV. However, it is advisable to consider a urinary tract infection. I recommend increasing your water intake and urinating frequently to alleviate the symptoms. If you continue to feel ...[Read More] Am I at Risk for HIV After Unprotected Sex? Understanding Symptoms
Struggling to Lose Weight: Why Diet and Exercise Aren't Working
No matter how I eat and exercise, I still can't lose weight? I am currently 171 cm tall and weigh 90 kg, and I have been obese for nearly six years. My weight has been gradually increasing. My diet is normal, and I rarely snack. I have consistently engaged in both aerobic an...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello Aya, Coincidentally, I have also been working on weight loss recently, and I would like to share my experience for your reference. There is an abundance of knowledge regarding weight loss that cannot be detailed here, so I recommend consulting an endocrinologist and a nut...[Read More] Struggling to Lose Weight: Why Diet and Exercise Aren't Working
Can Steroids Cause Dizziness? Understanding Side Effects and Concerns
Can steroids cause dizziness? Hello, Doctor. I have had SLE for 15 years, and I was recently discharged from the hospital due to vasculitis. I have been resting at home for ten days now and am currently taking eight corticosteroids. I feel about 90% recovered, but I am troubled b...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello Julia, thank you for your question. Here is my response summarized as follows: 1. The dosage of 8 steroid pills is not considered high, and it should not be used for a long duration; you can always consult your physician about this. 2. Steroids are unlikely to cause dizz...[Read More] Can Steroids Cause Dizziness? Understanding Side Effects and Concerns
Could My Symptoms Indicate Diabetes? Understanding Blood Sugar Levels and Weight Loss
Could this indicate the possibility of diabetes? Hello, Doctor. In mid-May of this year, I had a blood test that showed a hemoglobin A1c of 5.0 and a fasting blood glucose level of 86. From the end of May until today, my height and weight changed from 160 cm/55 kg to 160 cm/52 kg...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. NN: 1. Zoloft® (Sertraline) is classified as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) because it specifically inhibits the reuptake of serotonin, exhibiting a selectivity for serotonin transporters that is 300 to 3000 times greater compared to norepinephrine tran...[Read More] Could My Symptoms Indicate Diabetes? Understanding Blood Sugar Levels and Weight Loss
Understanding Proteinuria and Elevated Blood Sugar: A Guide for Patients
Urinary protein and blood glucose? A few days ago, my father went to the clinic for a blood test, and the results are as follows: Urine protein 1+, fasting blood glucose 125 mg/dL (after fasting for just over 7 hours), total cholesterol 127 mg/dL, triglycerides 229 mg/dL, HDL 39....
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, In response to your father's concerns, here are my replies: First, regarding the protein in urine, the clinic report indicates a preliminary positive result. It is recommended to visit a larger hospital for a quantitative urine protein test, and possibly a 24-hour ...[Read More] Understanding Proteinuria and Elevated Blood Sugar: A Guide for Patients
Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Heart Rate, Anxiety, and Symptoms
Hyperthyroidism? Panic? Anxiety? I would like to ask about hyperthyroidism. My heart rate has been consistently high. Recently, during the day, my heart rate is quite fast, sometimes reaching 80-90 beats per minute while sitting, but at night when I sleep, it drops to about 50 be...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description and the examination data, it does not appear to be a case of hyperthyroidism. In a normal individual, the heart rate should be between 50 and 100 beats per minute, so your heart rate should still be within the normal range. As for the palpitations, there...[Read More] Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Heart Rate, Anxiety, and Symptoms
Understanding Periodic Low Fever: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Periodic low-grade fever? Hello doctor, recently I've been experiencing slight weakness in my limbs, and my body temperature rises to 37.7 to 37.8 degrees Celsius in the afternoon, during which I feel a bit unwell. However, by the evening, my temperature returns to normal, a...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the symptoms of tuberculosis are often very atypical, making it difficult to simply distinguish whether it is pulmonary tuberculosis based solely on symptoms. Conditions such as chronic allergies, rheumatic autoimmune diseases, and chronic bronchitis can present similar sy...[Read More] Understanding Periodic Low Fever: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Is Abnormal Blood Sugar with Normal HbA1c a Sign of Diabetes?
Abnormal blood glucose levels with consistently normal glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) may not necessarily indicate diabetes. It is important to consider other factors and conduct further testing to determine the underlying cause of the abnormal blood glucose levels? Hello Doctor, fo...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Huang: 1. According to the diagnostic criteria for diabetes set by the American Diabetes Association: a. A fasting plasma glucose level of ≥126 mg/dL after fasting for more than 8 hours; b. A 2-hour plasma glucose level of ≥200 mg/dL during an oral glucose tolerance tes...[Read More] Is Abnormal Blood Sugar with Normal HbA1c a Sign of Diabetes?
Understanding Fasting Blood Sugar Variations: What You Need to Know
Fasting blood glucose Hello doctor, I have a habit of regularly checking my blood sugar. This morning, I went to the clinic and had my blood sugar tested, and the result was 124. About three months ago, at the same clinic, it was in the 90s. Then, about 10 minutes later, I went t...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Cheng, 1. According to the diagnostic criteria for diabetes set by the American Diabetes Association: a. A fasting plasma glucose level of ≥126 mg/dL after fasting for at least 8 hours, b. A 2-hour plasma glucose level of ≥200 mg/dL during an oral glucose tolerance test...[Read More] Understanding Fasting Blood Sugar Variations: What You Need to Know
Am I Diabetic? Understanding Symptoms and Blood Sugar Levels
Do I have diabetes? I have been experiencing frequent dry mouth and thirst lately, constantly drinking water and urinating, yet I still feel thirsty. I have had similar episodes before, and one morning my fasting blood sugar was as high as 124. I'm not sure if it was related...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Allen: 1. According to the diagnostic criteria for diabetes set by the American Diabetes Association: a. A fasting plasma glucose level of ≥126 mg/dL after fasting for at least 8 hours. b. A 2-hour plasma glucose level of ≥200 mg/dL during an oral glucose tolera...[Read More] Am I Diabetic? Understanding Symptoms and Blood Sugar Levels
Understanding Blood-Streaked Nasal Discharge: Symptoms and Concerns
Blood-streaked nasal mucus issue? Hello, doctor. I was hospitalized recently due to a continuous fever for five days, with temperatures above 39 degrees Celsius. I was treated with antibiotics, which helped reduce the fever. The hospital could not determine the cause of the fever...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, I can sense your concern about having cancer. Based on your age and symptoms, it is likely that you are experiencing a respiratory infection, and these symptoms are probably complications of that infection rather than indicative of nasopharyngeal cancer. However, if your s...[Read More] Understanding Blood-Streaked Nasal Discharge: Symptoms and Concerns
Understanding Chronic Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Insights
Lower abdominal pain? I have had this issue for about 5 to 6 years. When I was younger, I had a habit of holding in my urine, but I have changed that now. However, about 5 to 6 years ago, I started experiencing occasional pain just below the navel. This pain is particularly inten...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, it seems that there is a higher likelihood of an abdominal muscle strain. I wonder if you often engage in activities that utilize your abdominal muscles, such as sit-ups, or if you experience constipation that requires straining. Typically, issues like ...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Insights
Could Your Thirst and Weight Loss Indicate Diabetes?
What is the likelihood of developing diabetes? Hello Doctor: I have been drinking a lot of beverages in the past few months because I still feel thirsty even after drinking water. I researched ways to quench my thirst and unexpectedly came across the symptoms of diabetes, which s...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Su: 1. According to the diagnostic criteria for diabetes set by the American Diabetes Association: 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 ≥...[Read More] Could Your Thirst and Weight Loss Indicate Diabetes?
Understanding Urticaria and Thyroid Medication: Key Insights for Patients
Urticaria and Thyroid Medications Hello Doctor: At the end of March, I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and started taking methimazole in early April. However, about three weeks into the treatment, I began experiencing widespread itching and hives. The doctor prescribed one ant...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Lin, Please read the following explanation, primarily based on the recommendations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for healthcare professionals in January 2016: Procil® (Propylthiouracil, PTU; 50mg/tablet) primarily works by inhibiting the production of thyro...[Read More] Understanding Urticaria and Thyroid Medication: Key Insights for Patients
Understanding Chest Tightness: Causes and Concerns After Exercise
Chest tightness? Doctor, I have a question. I’ve been experiencing a feeling of tightness in my chest, which makes me want to take deep breaths, but I don't feel any pain. This symptom started after I began exercising and also after I started drinking plum vinegar. Could thi...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: If you continue to feel chest tightness, it is advisable to visit a hospital for further examination to determine the underlying cause, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), angina, or other potential chest issues. Thank you for your message![Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness: Causes and Concerns After Exercise
Understanding Abdominal and Lower Back Pain: Kidney Health Concerns
Pain around the abdomen and waist? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing a dull pain in my abdomen lately, which has affected my sleep quality. I also feel a lot of stress, and occasionally I experience soreness in my lower back. The first urine in the morning is foamy, with som...
Dr. Lin Peifeng Reply:
Dear Mr. Avi: Hello, regarding the issue you raised, we recommend that you visit the outpatient clinic for an examination. Hualien Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal and Lower Back Pain: Kidney Health Concerns
Effective Strategies to Manage Persistent Edema: A Patient's Guide
How can edema be improved? Hello, doctor... I have asked a question recently. I previously visited a family medicine doctor who ruled out issues with my liver, kidneys, and heart. My blood tests have been normal for several years. I inherited my father's genetic tendency to ...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
1. First of all, I would like to express that everyone has a different definition of edema. Since I have not seen you in person and you did not mention your current weight, I cannot assess the degree of your edema. 2. You mentioned that you have seen a family physician, who has ...[Read More] Effective Strategies to Manage Persistent Edema: A Patient's Guide
Understanding Shortness of Breath: When Forceful Exhalation Helps
It feels better to exhale forcefully? I have been feeling shortness of breath lately, and I have to exert effort to exhale in order to feel comfortable. Sometimes, my heart feels like it's beating faster, and I also feel bloated after eating.
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your symptom description, it is possible that you are experiencing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or gastric bloating. These conditions are often caused by lifestyle factors, including sleep patterns, diet, and habits. I recommend maintaining a regular sch...[Read More] Understanding Shortness of Breath: When Forceful Exhalation Helps
Understanding Gastroesophageal Reflux: Symptoms and Management Tips
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) Before the consultation, I experienced severe bloating that did not improve with burping, and I was unable to have a bowel movement. I also had no appetite. For about three months, I had recurrent gastrointestinal issues approximately three ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your symptom description, there are several possible conditions to consider. First, the most likely cause is chronic constipation, especially if your intake of vegetables is low and you have little time for exercise. This can easily lead to the symptoms you described. ...[Read More] Understanding Gastroesophageal Reflux: Symptoms and Management Tips