Should I Take Medication for Diabetes? Exploring Treatment Options
Is medication necessary? I have been diagnosed with diabetes for a year and a half. During this time, my fasting blood sugar levels have ranged from 140 to 160 mg/dL, and my postprandial blood sugar levels have been between 180 and 200 mg/dL. My HbA1c levels are between 7.0% and ...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Generally, a hemoglobin A1c level below 7.0% is considered acceptable, while a level above 8.0% necessitates intervention. Since your level is currently between these two thresholds, you can try to enhance your diet and exercise as non-pharmacological treatments. However, if you ...[Read More] Should I Take Medication for Diabetes? Exploring Treatment Options
Should My 64-Year-Old Mother Start Medication for High Blood Sugar and Cholesterol?
Do you recommend whether medication is necessary? Dr. Kuo, my mother is 64 years old, obese, and has a postprandial blood sugar level of 142. Recently, her cholesterol was checked at 266 and triglycerides at 198. Do you recommend that she needs medication? Thank you! Sincerely, Y...
Dr. Guo Qinghui Reply:
Is medication necessary? To answer this question, it is important to understand your mother's health status, such as whether she has heart disease or high blood pressure. Therefore, please have your mother visit a nearby healthcare facility for a comprehensive assessment of ...[Read More] Should My 64-Year-Old Mother Start Medication for High Blood Sugar and Cholesterol?
Understanding Hyponatremia: Causes, Symptoms, and Risks for Seniors
Hyponatremia Hyponatremia, or low sodium levels in the blood, can be caused by various factors, including excessive fluid intake, certain medications (such as diuretics), hormonal imbalances (like adrenal insufficiency), and underlying medical conditions (such as heart failure, l...
Dr. Xie Yonghui Reply:
Hyponatremia (1) Definition: A state of low osmolarity, with serum sodium concentration below 135 mmol/L. (2) Clinical Manifestations: In normal individuals, serum sodium levels are approximately 135-145 mmol/L. If hyponatremia is chronic or the decline in sodium levels is grad...[Read More] Understanding Hyponatremia: Causes, Symptoms, and Risks for Seniors
Essential Dietary Tips for Diabetes Prevention and Management
Dietary Considerations for Diabetes Management Please provide prevention strategies and dietary considerations related to diabetes.
Dr. He Niaotong Reply:
Dear Lee, Primary prevention of diabetes starts from the community-based healthcare system, providing necessary regular screenings for high-risk groups (as shown in Table 1-1). The goal of primary prevention is to implement preventive interventions for populations with a high su...[Read More] Essential Dietary Tips for Diabetes Prevention and Management
Managing High Cholesterol: Alternatives to Statins Without Liver Impact
Taking lipid-lowering medications can cause liver inflammation? Hello Dr. Ke: I have high triglycerides (360) and cholesterol (255), and I have been taking a lipid-lowering medication, LIPITOR (atorvastatin) 10 mg, one tablet daily for three months. After a follow-up test, my tri...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
If you do not have risk factors for cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension or diabetes, a cholesterol level below 240 is acceptable. If your triglycerides are high but your high-density lipoprotein (HDL) is not below 40, treatment may not be necessary. You can initially man...[Read More] Managing High Cholesterol: Alternatives to Statins Without Liver Impact
Managing Diabetes: Risks of Poor Diet and Alcohol Consumption
Diabetes mellitus Hello Dr. Ke: I hope it's not too presumptuous to ask you a few questions. Question 1: My father has been suffering from diabetes for about a year and takes diabetes medication daily, but he hasn't been very careful with his diet and has a habit of dri...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
The treatment for diabetes includes diet, medication, exercise, and a healthy lifestyle, along with monitoring blood glucose and other metabolic parameters. Simply taking medication is not sufficient; if dietary habits are not considered, blood glucose levels may remain poorly co...[Read More] Managing Diabetes: Risks of Poor Diet and Alcohol Consumption
Understanding Thyroid Nodules and High Triglycerides: What You Need to Know
There are 0.7 cm cysts on both sides of the thyroid gland? Hello, my husband recently received his health check report indicating that his triglyceride levels are elevated. Additionally, there are small nodules approximately 0.5 and 0.7 cm on both sides of his neck's thyroid...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
The causes of thyroid cysts include poor blood circulation leading to degenerative changes within the gland, bacterial or viral infections, inflammation (such as chronic thyroiditis), or suppuration. The contents are typically colorless and clear. If there is a rupture of blood v...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Nodules and High Triglycerides: What You Need to Know
Understanding Vascular Hardening: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
Vascular sclerosis Hello Dr. Chen, Recently, our company conducted a health check-up, and my health report indicated a vascular sclerosis risk factor (RF) of 2.7, which is noted as an abnormal condition. My blood pressure is 110/68 mmHg, and my heart rate is 99 beats per minute...
Dr. Chen Qingbin Reply:
Hello Popo: The main purpose of a health check-up is to screen for potential abnormalities. If there are any issues, it is still necessary to go to the hospital for further confirmation of diagnosis and treatment. Health Education Department Director, Chen Ching-Pin.[Read More] Understanding Vascular Hardening: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
Exploring Possible Causes Beyond Anemia: A Patient's Inquiry
The user continues to ask? Dr. Wang Fangli: Thank you very much for your reply. Regarding the tests and symptoms you mentioned, I have undergone some examinations at various hospitals. Initially, other doctors suspected anemia, but after ruling that out, they proceeded with tests...
Dr. Wang Fangli Reply:
Hello Mr. Lin: I think you may need to undergo some additional biochemical tests such as blood glucose, liver function, kidney function, cholesterol, and triglycerides. If these tests are normal, we should consider physiological responses caused by psychological stress. Internal ...[Read More] Exploring Possible Causes Beyond Anemia: A Patient's Inquiry
Understanding Kidney Function and Cholesterol Levels in Patients
Kidney function and cholesterol? I have a history of hypertension and hyperglycemia for about three years and have been on medication. On April 5, 2002, my blood test results showed HDL-C 75, LDL-C 75, Total Cholesterol 163, Triglycerides 60, BUN 20, Creatinine 1.2, and Uric Acid...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your questions: 1. BUN and Creatinine generally indicate kidney function. The differences in your two test results are within acceptable ranges, so it cannot be concluded that kidney function has deteriorated based on this. 2. Elevated LDL, decreased HDL, an...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Function and Cholesterol Levels in Patients
Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: A Guide for Parents
Blood test results Hello: On March 9, 2002, my blood test results were as follows: Triglycerides: 221 mg/dL, Cholesterol: 259 mg/dL, Blood Glucose: 97 mg/dL, Total Protein (TP): 7.6 g/dL, Albumin (ALB): 4.5 g/dL, Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT): 86 U/L, Alkaline Phosphatase (ALK...
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
Hello Mr. Max: Please note that the standard values set for each testing instrument may vary slightly. I will explain your test results as follows: triglycerides 221, cholesterol 259, with other values normal. Both of these values should not exceed 200. I recommend starting with ...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: A Guide for Parents
Understanding Low Triglycerides: Health Implications and Management Tips
Low triglycerides? I found related questions in the FAQ, but I still cannot understand my situation. I would greatly appreciate Dr. Tseng's clarification! I am 162 cm tall and weigh 50 kg, a non-smoker, and I usually eat little meat and almost no seafood, preferring sweet fo...
Dr. Zeng Fenyu Reply:
If the total cholesterol is greater than 200 mg/dL without other risk factors, dietary and lifestyle modifications can be initiated, and a follow-up should be done after three months. If the levels remain high, medication treatment may be considered. It is recommended that you co...[Read More] Understanding Low Triglycerides: Health Implications and Management Tips
Improving Low HDL and Managing High Cholesterol Through Diet
High cholesterol Hello Dr. Lee: My father is 57 years old, and during his health check-up, it was found that he has high cholesterol levels—specifically, elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Additionally, his trigl...
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
Do you know your father's cholesterol levels? If only the cholesterol is elevated while the triglycerides are normal or below normal, it is referred to as pure hypercholesterolemia. If HDL is low, there is a potential risk for vascular hardening. Management can be divided in...[Read More] Improving Low HDL and Managing High Cholesterol Through Diet
Understanding Triglycerides: What High Levels Mean for Your Health
Triglycerides Hello, doctor: I recently had a check-up and my triglycerides levels were elevated. Could you please explain what triglycerides are? Is this serious?
Dr. Zeng Fenyu Reply:
Triglycerides are a type of fat found in the blood. When levels are too high, they can lead to acute pancreatitis or increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Elevated triglycerides may sometimes have a family history, and treatment should primarily focus on dietary managemen...[Read More] Understanding Triglycerides: What High Levels Mean for Your Health
Managing High Triglycerides: When to See a Doctor and Which Specialist?
Triglycerides The company health check report shows a triglyceride level of 570. How should this be managed, and which medical specialty should I consult for this issue?
Dr. Zeng Fenyu Reply:
Please refer to the outpatient services of the Department of Internal Medicine, specifically the Metabolism and Endocrinology sections. The management approach is to start with dietary control; if levels remain high despite dietary management, pharmacological treatment may be add...[Read More] Managing High Triglycerides: When to See a Doctor and Which Specialist?