Understanding Diabetes and Kidney Disease: Key Questions Answered
Diabetes and Kidney Disease Dr. Huang, I would like to ask: My mother is 82 years old and her blood test results show (1) a fasting blood glucose level of 160. Does this indicate typical diabetes? Should she start medication? (2) An eGFR value of 47 indicates chronic kidney disea...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
1. Fasting blood glucose is 160 mg/dL. It may be necessary to measure fasting blood glucose 1-2 more times; if it consistently exceeds 116 mg/dL, diabetes (likely type 2 diabetes) should be considered. It is recommended to consult an endocrinologist for follow-up and to discuss w...[Read More] Understanding Diabetes and Kidney Disease: Key Questions Answered
Understanding Your Thyroid Test Results: T4 and TSH Explained
Thyroid values Hello, my test results show T4 at 11.68 and TSH at 0.0028. Does this indicate a problem with hyperthyroidism? Should I continue treatment or dietary control? Thank you.
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: Based on your test results, it is indeed necessary to consider hyperthyroidism; however, hyperthyroidism can have various underlying causes. I recommend that you visit an endocrinology clinic to identify the cause and receive appropriate treatment. Dietary control cannot r...[Read More] Understanding Your Thyroid Test Results: T4 and TSH Explained
Understanding Bilateral Renal Cysts: Concerns and Management Options
Bilateral renal cysts? Hello, Doctor. Around May, I underwent a health check-up due to frequent feelings of dizziness and lack of energy. An abdominal ultrasound revealed "bilateral renal cysts" and a "right lobe liver mass." Initially, my family medicine phys...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Dear Tesuia: Based on your description (both kidneys are filled with various sizes of cysts), it is possible that you have "hereditary polycystic kidney disease." Fortunately, your blood test results for kidney function are normal, and the urine protein test is (±) pend...[Read More] Understanding Bilateral Renal Cysts: Concerns and Management Options
Managing Cold Symptoms and Breathing Issues with Autoimmune Conditions
Cold with wheezing and chest discomfort? Hello, doctor. I have been taking corticosteroids and immunosuppressants for a long time due to an autoimmune disease. Since I started these medications, every time I catch a cold (which I can feel more distinctly), I experience noticeably...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, user: The need to use bronchodilators to effectively alleviate discomfort from a cold may indicate respiratory issues, which could be related to chronic inflammation, allergies, or autoimmune diseases. It is recommended that you consult a pulmonologist for a more detailed ...[Read More] Managing Cold Symptoms and Breathing Issues with Autoimmune Conditions
Managing Kidney Disease: Dietary Tips for Optimal Health
Diet for Kidney Disease Hello Dr. Yang: A year ago, I inquired about dietary issues related to kidney disease. At that time, I was advised to follow a low-protein diet, but the doctor recommended a normal diet, so I increased my protein and caloric intake. However, my muscle mass...
Dr. Yang Zhongwei Reply:
Hello: Currently, the formulas used worldwide to estimate kidney function utilize four variables: serum creatinine levels, age, gender, and race. Therefore, kidney function tends to decline with age. However, the symptoms you described do not seem to be closely related to kidney ...[Read More] Managing Kidney Disease: Dietary Tips for Optimal Health
Am I Infected with Herpes? Understanding My Test Results
Do I have herpes? I had a serological test for herpes simplex virus, and the results show that HSV 1 IgG and HSV 1+2 IgG are positive, while HSV 2 IgG is negative. Does this mean I have herpes? Is this considered a sexually transmitted infection? Thank you. Here are the test resu...
Dr. Guo Hanyue Reply:
HSV is the virus that causes herpes, typically occurring in the oral or genital regions, with HSV-1 primarily affecting the oral area. A positive HSV-1 IgG test indicates that you have been infected with this virus. Since this virus can remain dormant in the body, it may reactiva...[Read More] Am I Infected with Herpes? Understanding My Test Results
Understanding Methylprednisolone: Effects on Liver Enzymes and Potassium Levels
Regarding steroids? Currently, due to vasculitis, I have been using methylprednisolone for three weeks. The initial dosage was an injection twice a day (30 mg each time), administered for three consecutive days, then reduced to half the dosage for another three days, followed by ...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello: Long-term use of steroids can lead to obesity and fatty liver, which may result in a mild increase in GOT (AST) and GPT (ALT) levels. However, it is essential to rule out the possibility of hepatitis B and C. Additionally, this may cause mild hypokalemia and an increase in...[Read More] Understanding Methylprednisolone: Effects on Liver Enzymes and Potassium Levels
Understanding White Particles in Urine During Bowel Movements
excuse me? Hello Dr. Yang: I would like to ask about the small white objects that appear when I urinate and have a bowel movement at the same time. The size of these objects is about 0.5 cm or less. I would like to know what they are. When I only urinate, there are no white objec...
Dr. Yang Weishun Reply:
It is recommended that you perform a urine screening at least 5 to 7 days after your menstrual cycle ends to check for hematuria, proteinuria, or crystals. If the urine test results are normal, you may consider a stool screening, as your description does not clarify whether the s...[Read More] Understanding White Particles in Urine During Bowel Movements
Managing High Blood Sugar and Cholesterol: What You Need to Know
I'm sorry, but I need more context to provide a translation. Could you please provide additional information or content? I went to the hospital for an examination and found that I have high blood sugar and high total cholesterol levels. The 24-hour urine test results are unk...
Dr. Qiu Zhengbin Reply:
Hello; you have undergone examinations at the hospital and found that you have high blood sugar and elevated total cholesterol levels, which may indicate the possibility of diabetes and dyslipidemia. The rapid weight gain may be related to the psychiatric medications you are taki...[Read More] Managing High Blood Sugar and Cholesterol: What You Need to Know
Understanding Fluctuations in ANA Antibody Test Results: A Patient's Dilemma
excuse me? Hello, I received different results for the ANA (antinuclear antibody) test from Renai Hospital and National Taiwan University Hospital within the same week. One result was 1:320+ and the other was 1:40+. Three years ago, my result was also 1:320+. I consulted Dr. Wu Y...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. ANA (Antinuclear Antibody) results can vary between different laboratories, which is related to the testing methods and the experience of the laboratory personnel. Generally, manual testing methods are considered the most accurate, but this als...[Read More] Understanding Fluctuations in ANA Antibody Test Results: A Patient's Dilemma
Understanding Immune-Related Miscarriage: Insights and Expert Opinions
Immune miscarriage Hello, Doctor. I would like to inquire about "immune-related miscarriage." In late February of this year, I experienced a miscarriage at around 35 weeks of pregnancy and underwent blood tests. The results for ANA, IgG, PTT, and protein S were all norm...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, currently, immune-related miscarriage is gradually gaining attention in reproductive medicine. Although this concept is not yet fully accepted domestically, clinical experience cannot ignore the role of the immune system during pregnancy. However, when considering whether ...[Read More] Understanding Immune-Related Miscarriage: Insights and Expert Opinions
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
Understanding Postprandial Blood Sugar Testing: Key Insights and Considerations
Regarding blood glucose testing? Hello Doctor: Two days ago in the afternoon, I had my blood sugar tested two hours after a meal, and the result was 110 mg/dL. I’ve heard that in the case of prediabetes, fasting blood sugar levels are normal, but postprandial blood sugar levels c...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
A formal blood glucose test is typically conducted after fasting or after consuming a specific amount of glucose solution, with the test performed two hours later. Random blood glucose tests can still be informative, but there is no definitive standard for interpretation.[Read More] Understanding Postprandial Blood Sugar Testing: Key Insights and Considerations
Understanding Low Creatinine Levels: Symptoms and Improvement Strategies
Low creatinine levels in the liver, how to improve? Hello Dr. Yang, I recently received my health check report, and one of the special tests indicated a creatinine level of 0.65 (the report states that the normal reference range is F: 0.6–1.5; M: 0.9–1.5). As I am male, my resul...
Dr. Yang Weishun Reply:
Creatinine levels are typically not affected by protein intake. Creatinine is a metabolic byproduct of muscle metabolism and is excreted by the kidneys. Muscle wasting (in individuals with low muscle mass) results in decreased creatinine production, leading to lower serum creatin...[Read More] Understanding Low Creatinine Levels: Symptoms and Improvement Strategies
Concerns About Kidney Health: Understanding Atrophy and Function Tests
Concerned about needing dialysis? I underwent an ultrasound examination in 1999, which revealed left kidney atrophy. I have been having regular health check-ups every two years, and my left kidney measures approximately 6 centimeters. I have also had detailed examinations at a ma...
Dr. Yang Zhongwei Reply:
Hello: 1. A person only needs one normal kidney to manage bodily functions, so in your case, even though only the right kidney is functioning normally, your blood test results for kidney function and urinalysis are normal. 2. The presence of foam in the urine without proteinuria ...[Read More] Concerns About Kidney Health: Understanding Atrophy and Function Tests
Understanding Urine Test Results: Protein and Blood Levels Explained
Regarding urine reports? Dr. Yang: I would like to ask a few questions. I have been experiencing issues with proteinuria and hematuria for some time. Recently, I underwent a routine check-up, and the report showed: proteinuria at 1.85, but the physician there said the normal rang...
Dr. Yang Zhongwei Reply:
Hello: Currently, proteinuria refers to the detection of albumin in urine using a dipstick test, where a level exceeding the detectable limit of 30 mg/dL is indicated. If it exceeds this limit, it will be expressed as 1+ to 4+ or in numerical values. Regarding the values of 1.85 ...[Read More] Understanding Urine Test Results: Protein and Blood Levels Explained
Understanding Changes in Kidney Function Test Results: What Do They Mean?
Issues with renal function test values? Hello Doctor: Three days ago, I had a blood test, and my kidney function is normal. However, in previous tests, my BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen) levels were around 8 or 9, and my creatinine levels were around 0.9. Now, my BUN is 11, and my crea...
Dr. Yang Weishun Reply:
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels can be influenced by physiological factors such as protein intake, muscle mass, and physical activity. As long as these levels remain within the normal range, slight fluctuations are common and typically do not warrant excessive con...[Read More] Understanding Changes in Kidney Function Test Results: What Do They Mean?
Should You See a Doctor for Abnormal Carbon-13 Test Results?
Should I go to the clinic for abnormal carbon-13 testing? Our company recently conducted health check-ups, and the results of the carbon-13 test were abnormal (along with elevated cholesterol and creatine kinase levels)! I researched a lot online and found that an abnormal carbon...
Dr. Sun Yizhen Reply:
Hello: You may consider undergoing an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for further evaluation to determine if eradication therapy is necessary.[Read More] Should You See a Doctor for Abnormal Carbon-13 Test Results?
Understanding Blood Test Results: What Your Elevated White Blood Cell Count Means
Blood test report Hello Dr. Chen: Two weeks ago, I discovered a small lump on the left anterior side of my neck. It is soft, not hard or painful when pressed. I suspected it might be a thyroid issue, so I went to National Taiwan University Hospital for an examination. The docto...
Dr. Chen Qingbin Reply:
Hello, Liunionio: You can visit National Taiwan University Hospital to inquire about your condition, and whether further examinations are needed will be determined by the attending physician. As for your lab report, you can apply for a copy according to regulations. The fees and ...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: What Your Elevated White Blood Cell Count Means
Request for Online Consultation: Unable to Attend Scheduled Appointment
I have an appointment scheduled for 970830 but am unable to attend the follow-up in person. Is it possible to receive a response online? I had a follow-up appointment on August 16, 1997, and I scheduled another appointment for the morning of August 30, 1997, under number 95. Howe...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Thyroid function tests conducted on August 16 were normal; current management can continue as is.[Read More] Request for Online Consultation: Unable to Attend Scheduled Appointment