Understanding Frequent Urination and Gas: Kidney Health Concerns
Incontinence with gas leakage? Dear Dr. Chen: I currently have only one kidney, and I often experience bloating, which leads to frequent urination and urinary incontinence. I have to use overnight sanitary pads before bed to sleep peacefully. Sometimes, I also experience proteinu...
Dr. Chen Jianyu Reply:
Please visit the nephrology outpatient clinic.[Read More] Understanding Frequent Urination and Gas: Kidney Health Concerns
Severe Abdominal Pain: Seeking Answers for Ongoing Discomfort
Severe abdominal pain? Hello, I would like to ask about my mother's abdominal pain that has lasted for over a month. She has visited multiple hospitals and undergone various tests, including X-rays, gynecological exams, CT scans, blood tests, gastroscopy, colonoscopy, and ev...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
In general, abdominal pain lasting more than several weeks or months (3-6 months) is referred to as chronic abdominal pain or recurrent abdominal pain. There are many potential causes, with common conditions including: 1. Gastrointestinal diseases: peptic ulcers, gastroesophageal...[Read More] Severe Abdominal Pain: Seeking Answers for Ongoing Discomfort
Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: When to Test for Diabetes
Blood sugar issues Hello, doctor. Here are my fasting, pre-meal, and post-meal blood glucose readings from my glucose meter for September 9 and 10. On September 9: - Morning blood glucose: 77 (fasting, 10:00 AM), 85 (12:00 PM) - Afternoon blood glucose: 105 (1:00 PM), 108 (3:00...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. Generally, a normal fasting blood glucose level is <100 mg/dL. 2. A fasting blood glucose level between 100 mg/dL and 126 mg/dL indicates an increased risk for diabetes. 3. A fasting blood glucose level ≥126 mg/dL suggests possible diabetes. 4. A hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) l...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: When to Test for Diabetes
Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Signs of Potential Diabetes
Unsure if diabetes has already developed? Hello, Doctor. Recently, I measured my fasting blood glucose at home using a glucometer, and it was 91 mg/dL (after fasting for about 10-12 hours). After eating curry rice (starting the timer from the first bite), my blood glucose one hou...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. If your weight is 92 kg and your height is 160 cm, your Body Mass Index (BMI) is 35.9 kg/m². According to the classification by Taiwan's Ministry of Health and Welfare, since it exceeds 27 kg/m² and is over 35 kg/m², it falls into the category of severe obesity. Additiona...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Signs of Potential Diabetes
Understanding Cloudy Tea-Colored Urine: Causes and Concerns
Cloudy tea-colored urine? Hello Doctor, I have a hereditary issue that causes my uric acid levels to be consistently high, and I have experienced multiple gout attacks. I have been taking Benzobromarone 50 mg once daily for four months to manage this condition. This morning, I no...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on your inquiry (this morning's first urine was found to be cloudy and tea-colored, while the second urine returned to clear), it is not possible to determine whether Benzobromarone has caused hepatotoxicity. Generally, the first urine in the morning is darker because ...[Read More] Understanding Cloudy Tea-Colored Urine: Causes and Concerns
How to Effectively Manage Blood Sugar Levels: Tips and Insights
How to control blood sugar levels? Hello Dr. Hsiao, On July 9, 2015, I had a blood test that showed a blood sugar level of 124. Additionally, my triglycerides and LDL cholesterol were elevated. At that time, my weight was 91 kg, and I currently weigh 84 kg. I measure my fasting ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. On July 9, 2015, your fasting blood glucose level was found to be 124 mg/dL; your lipid levels and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol were elevated. At that time, your weight was 91 kg, and it is now 84 kg. Currently, your average fasting blood glucose levels after 8 ho...[Read More] How to Effectively Manage Blood Sugar Levels: Tips and Insights
Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis in Seniors: Activity vs. Rest and Diet Impact
Rheumatoid Arthritis Hello, doctor. My elderly relative (aged 80) has been suffering from rheumatoid arthritis for 8-10 years. Recently, the frequency of pain in their buttocks has increased, and they experience significant discomfort while lying in bed. Walking, bending over, an...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. We need to investigate the cause of the elder's hip pain while lying down to check for pressure ulcers or wounds, and if necessary, a follow-up examination at the hospital is advised. Additionally, walking with a bent posture may be related...[Read More] Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis in Seniors: Activity vs. Rest and Diet Impact
Is Drinking Milk at Night Safe for Diabetics?
Waking up at night to drink milk for diabetes? Hello, doctor. My father has diabetes, and he often gets up in the middle of the night to drink milk before going back to sleep. Is this good for his health? Thank you.
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Generally speaking, a 250 ml cup of fresh milk contains approximately 150 calories, which includes carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and other nutrients. Currently, there is no information available to explain why someone might wake up in the middle of the night to drink milk; it co...[Read More] Is Drinking Milk at Night Safe for Diabetics?
Chest Impact from Dodgeball: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Hit in the chest by a dodgeball..? Two days ago, I was hit in the sternum and the area between my chest and abdomen while playing dodgeball with my classmates. Now I have a feeling of fullness in my stomach, poor appetite, fatigue, and excessive sleepiness. Will this condition im...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Generally, the area between the sternum and the navel is referred to as the epigastric region. An external force impacting this area can not only directly affect the stomach but may also transmit force to surrounding structures and the posterior abdominal cavity. Therefore, organ...[Read More] Chest Impact from Dodgeball: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Understanding Fluctuating Morning Blood Sugar Levels: What Do They Mean?
The blood glucose levels measured in the morning were different on two occasions? Hello, last year my blood sugar level was 87 during the health check, and this year it was 97. I have a blood glucose meter at home, and I measured it myself: the first reading was 96, the second wa...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. If last year's fasting plasma glucose level was 87 mg/dL and this year's fasting plasma glucose level is 97 mg/dL, both values are actually less than 100 mg/dL; theoretically, they are considered normal. 2. If the glucose meter shows a fasting capillary blood glucose...[Read More] Understanding Fluctuating Morning Blood Sugar Levels: What Do They Mean?
Understanding Fasting Blood Sugar Levels: Key Questions Answered
Fasting blood glucose level of 136? Hello, doctor. Currently, I measured my fasting blood glucose at a nearby pharmacy, and it was 136 (using a blood glucose meter). Question 1: I fasted for 8 hours (with water), and I finished eating at 1:00 AM. I was fasting from 1:00 AM unti...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Question 1: No problem. Question 2: According to the standards published by the American Diabetes Association (ADA, 2011), a fasting plasma glucose level of ≥ 126 mg/dL after fasting for more than eight hours should raise the suspicion of diabetes. Question 3: Although I haven&#x...[Read More] Understanding Fasting Blood Sugar Levels: Key Questions Answered
Understanding Fasting and Postprandial Blood Sugar Testing Guidelines
Questions related to blood glucose testing times and others? Hello Dr. Hsiao! I have a few questions I would like to ask... 1. For fasting blood glucose testing, is it necessary to fast for 8 hours? For example, if I am to test fasting blood glucose today, does that mean I must...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
In healthy individuals, approximately 5 to 15 minutes after eating, glucose absorbed through digestion stimulates the beta cells of the pancreas to release stored insulin granules directly into the bloodstream. Between 20 minutes and 2 hours after eating, insulin is subsequently ...[Read More] Understanding Fasting and Postprandial Blood Sugar Testing Guidelines
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
Should You Consult an Immunologist for Chronic Allergies and Symptoms?
Allergy medications Hello, doctor. I have a history of severe nasal allergies, but now my symptoms have shifted to being sensitive to cold and easily catching colds (such as being uncomfortable with direct air conditioning). I have poor temperature regulation and am prone to heat...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, the medications for nasal congestion and runny nose/sneezing can differ, and commonly used medications, such as antihistamines, are categorized into traditional and newer generations. Therefore, it may be beneficial to consult an allergist or immunologist for tailored medi...[Read More] Should You Consult an Immunologist for Chronic Allergies and Symptoms?
Understanding Stage 1 Chronic Kidney Disease: Symptoms and Concerns
Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 1 Hello, doctor... I have had mild proteinuria since high school. During a company health check, the urine test showed proteinuria intermittently (+/-). About six years ago, I underwent a 24-hour urine test, and the results were within the normal rang...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
1. Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 1 is defined as a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 90 mL/min/1.73 m² or higher, accompanied by proteinuria, hematuria, or abnormal kidney morphology. Based on your description of "24-hour urine test results within normal range," this d...[Read More] Understanding Stage 1 Chronic Kidney Disease: Symptoms and Concerns
Could I Have Ankylosing Spondylitis? Understanding Symptoms and Diagnosis
Ankylosing spondylitis? Hello, doctor! I have been experiencing a low-grade fever for over six months now (around 37.5 degrees Celsius). I tested negative for HLA-B27, but X-rays and a whole-body inflammatory scan showed inflammation in both sacroiliac joints. My symptoms include...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, ankylosing spondylitis is more common in males. If HLA-B27 is negative, the likelihood of ankylosing spondylitis decreases further. Ankylosing spondylitis has specific symptoms, including lower back pain that worsens with prolonged rest, asymmetric arthritis, and some indi...[Read More] Could I Have Ankylosing Spondylitis? Understanding Symptoms and Diagnosis
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 Hunger-Induced Dizziness and Sleepiness: Blood Sugar Issues?
Feeling hungry, dizzy, and experiencing mood swings, followed by sleepiness after eating, could indicate several issues. These symptoms may suggest fluctuations in blood sugar levels, possibly related to conditions such as hypoglycemia or insulin resistance. It could also be rela...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. According to the conclusions and recommendations of the American Diabetes Association in 2010, a fasting plasma glucose level between 100 and 125 mg/dl is classified as impaired fasting glucose, indicating an increased risk of diabetes. Therefore, if your blood glucose level i...[Read More] Understanding Hunger-Induced Dizziness and Sleepiness: Blood Sugar Issues?
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?