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 Lyme Disease: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Insights
Leigh syndrome Hello, Dr. Gao: About a month ago, I started experiencing pain in all my bones, followed by urinary tract infection and conjunctivitis. I have a history of ankylosing spondylitis, but what's strange is that I had a urinary tract infection about 10 months ago. ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello Mr. Zhang, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Although most cases of Lyme disease occur within a month of infection, there are rare instances where it may be related to infections that happened a long time ago. The longer the duration of the infection,...[Read More] Understanding Lyme Disease: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Insights
Understanding Floating White Fibers in Stool: Causes and Concerns
Floating stools Hello, doctor! After having a bowel movement, I noticed white, thread-like floating objects in the toilet. In early May, I experienced frequent urination and a burning sensation in the urethra. I visited a doctor and took a week of doxycycline, which resolved the ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: <Regarding the use of doxycycline for one week> Here is the response: A: 1. Doxycycline can treat Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, rickettsiae, and some sexually transmitted pathogens. 2. The most common side effect is gastrointestinal discom...[Read More] Understanding Floating White Fibers in Stool: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Diabetes Diagnosis: Key Blood Test Criteria Explained
Diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus Hello, Dr. Hsiao. I would like to ask about a recent blood test where the fasting blood glucose and HbA1c levels were 140 mg/dL and 7.3%, respectively. I saw Dr. Hsiao's response regarding the diabetes diagnostic criteria published by the Ameri...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Kiwi: 1. In clinical medicine, diagnostic standards or treatment guidelines often serve as references when research is uncertain or controversial. In practice, clinicians must make diagnoses or interventions based on the patient's own complaints, symptoms, or chan...[Read More] Understanding Diabetes Diagnosis: Key Blood Test Criteria Explained
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 Increased Urination: Is It Normal After Hydration?
Experiencing a quick urge to urinate after drinking water, along with a total urine output that exceeds the amount of water consumed, can indicate a condition known as polyuria. This may be associated with various factors, including diabetes mellitus, excessive fluid intake, or c...
Dr. Wang Weijie Reply:
Hello, 1. Fluid intake includes both the water content in food and the amount of water consumed. Relying solely on water intake can lead to inaccuracies; it is advisable to check the specific gravity of urine and the presence of proteinuria to assess hydration status. 2. What...[Read More] Understanding Increased Urination: Is It Normal After Hydration?
Understanding Blood Sugar Fluctuations: Symptoms and Testing Insights
Blood sugar inquiry? Hello, Doctor: A few days ago, during lunch, I drank a soda and suddenly felt unwell, experiencing neck pain and fatigue. After about half an hour, I still felt uncomfortable, so I consumed an oral rehydration solution (8.44 grams of sucrose and 2.8 grams of ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Ming: 1. According to your information, I agree with your attending physician; in other words, there is no evidence indicating the presence of diabetes. 2. Any blood glucose meter can produce inaccuracies; therefore, it is necessary to have the manufacturer perform cali...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Fluctuations: Symptoms and Testing Insights
Understanding Right Kidney Pain: Causes and Concerns for Patients
Kidney problems Hello, Doctor Wu. I would like to ask, around noon today, I experienced pain in my right kidney. It hurts when I squat down and when I get back up. My job involves standing and squatting to pick things up. In mid-February of this year, the clinic conducted blood a...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Hello: There are many issues related to lower back pain that can be referenced in the attached document or addressed at a hospital. Wishing you safety from bothersome back pain. In the United States, back pain is the second most common reason for seeking medical attention in inte...[Read More] Understanding Right Kidney Pain: Causes and Concerns for Patients
Low Lymphocyte Count: Could It Indicate HIV Infection?
A low lymphocyte count and a neutrophil count near the upper limit of normal could potentially indicate various conditions, including HIV. However, these findings alone are not definitive for an HIV diagnosis. It is important to consult a healthcare professional for further evalu...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Regarding <My Story>, the response is as follows: 1. I discovered painful urination and purulent discharge in mid-December last year and immediately sought medical attention at a clinic. However, there was no discharge during the examination. The doctor administered an in...[Read More] Low Lymphocyte Count: Could It Indicate HIV Infection?
Understanding Hemoglobin A1c: Can Weight Loss Reverse Type 2 Diabetes?
Glycated hemoglobin Doctor, I would like to ask you about my situation. In September, my hemoglobin A1c was 6.1, and in January of this year, it was 6.5. Am I diabetic? When I went to the hospital to review my report, the doctor advised me to lose weight. Is this to manage my dia...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Anonymous: 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....[Read More] Understanding Hemoglobin A1c: Can Weight Loss Reverse Type 2 Diabetes?
Does Severe Illness Affect Blood Sugar Levels? Insights and Answers
Does serious illness affect blood sugar fluctuations? Hello Dr. Hsiao, Due to acute renal failure that occurred in the middle of this year, accompanied by severe edema and fluid accumulation in the body, various kidney indicators were significantly elevated, leading to my hospi...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Anonymous: 1. Conditions such as illness, infection, stress, pregnancy, irregular lifestyle, and the use of certain medications can lead to elevated blood glucose levels or significant fluctuations. 2. If anxiety is severe, it can indeed cause an increase in blood gluco...[Read More] Does Severe Illness Affect Blood Sugar Levels? Insights and Answers
Understanding Frequent Urination: Causes and Solutions for Your Symptoms
Frequent urination issues? Recently, I have been experiencing frequent urges to urinate, but the urine output is very low or even nonexistent. I went to the hospital for a urinalysis, and everything came back normal. However, the frequent urge to urinate has not improved. Could t...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the situation of frequently feeling the urge to urinate but having very little or no urine output, and after testing at the hospital showed normal urine results, is this a case of overactive bladder or related to anxiety? A: 1. If there is a history of s...[Read More] Understanding Frequent Urination: Causes and Solutions for Your Symptoms
Unexplained Urethritis: Persistent Pain and Discomfort Solutions
Unexplained urethritis? Hello Dr. Wang, I have experienced a burning sensation during urination and pain at the urethral opening three times in the past two months. However, each time I have undergone urinalysis, the results have been normal, and no infection has been identified,...
Dr. Wang Weijie Reply:
Dear Ms. Wu, Thank you for your letter. A urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs when bacteria invade the urinary system, leading to infection. Common symptoms include: 1. A burning sensation, pain, difficulty urinating, frequent urination, nocturia, cloudy urine, or hematuria dur...[Read More] Unexplained Urethritis: Persistent Pain and Discomfort Solutions
Is It a Kidney Issue? Understanding Bladder and Urinary Symptoms
Is it a kidney problem? Hello doctor, two months ago I experienced severe symptoms of cystitis, including fever, nausea, vomiting, chills, frequent urination, and painful urination. An ultrasound revealed a benign cyst on my kidney. A few weeks ago, I experienced frequent urinati...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on your inquiry, it seems that you may have a urinary tract infection. If you have completed the necessary treatment but are still experiencing discomfort, it is advisable to follow up with a urologist or nephrologist. If necessary, consider undergoing a urine culture. Addi...[Read More] Is It a Kidney Issue? Understanding Bladder and Urinary Symptoms
Understanding Frequent Urination: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Frequent urination issues? Hello, Doctor. About a month ago, I was diagnosed with gastritis at a clinic and took medication for two weeks without improvement. I then went to Tzu Chi Hospital for an endoscopy, where the physician confirmed that I only had inflammation and no signi...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems that you don't have much trouble during the day, although you do wake up several times at night to urinate, and each time the volume is quite large. The most common reason for this could be that you are drinking too much water in th...[Read More] Understanding Frequent Urination: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Could Your Diet and Dehydration Be Causing Kidney Pain?
Drinking insufficient water and experiencing lower back pain after consuming certain foods may indicate a potential issue with the kidneys? Hello Doctor: I have noticed that whenever I eat certain specific foods (like Angelica duck noodles or braised dishes), I experience sorenes...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, Regarding your symptoms, there are several possible scenarios: 1. The pain in your elbows and knees may be related to gout. I recommend visiting a hospital for a blood test to check your uric acid levels. 2. A high-sodium diet can lead to increased fluid intake...[Read More] Could Your Diet and Dehydration Be Causing Kidney Pain?
Am I Normal? Understanding Itchy Skin and Kidney Health Concerns
Am I normal? I have recently been experiencing frequent itching on my calves, but I haven't noticed any mosquito bites. Sometimes there are small bumps (most of the time there aren't), but they disappear quickly. I came across information stating that uremia can cause s...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss 123: 1. Uremia can indeed cause skin pigmentation and the deposition of metabolic products, leading to a darker skin color and even a sensation of itching. However, it should not be localized solely to the calves as you described. There are many possible reasons for s...[Read More] Am I Normal? Understanding Itchy Skin and Kidney Health Concerns
Understanding Persistent Foamy Urine: Is It a Sign of Proteinuria?
The first urine in the morning shows a slight foam that has not dissipated for a long time? Hello Doctor: Recently, I have started to pay attention to the issue of foamy urine, so I have been carefully observing the characteristics of each urination daily. Since I am currently wa...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
Hello Mr. Wang: The presence of bubbles in your urine may indicate proteinuria, but it could also be caused by other substances. Clinically, only proteinuria is known to affect health, so when we encounter bubbly urine, we typically conduct a test for urine protein. Urine protein...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Foamy Urine: Is It a Sign of Proteinuria?
Understanding the Causes of Elevated Creatinine Levels in Lupus Patients
Causes of elevated creatinine levels? I have systemic lupus erythematosus, which was diagnosed in 2009. At that time, my serum creatinine level was 4.4. After receiving steroid treatment, it decreased to 2.5. I have since been under the care of rheumatology and nephrology. Howeve...
Dr. Lin Peifeng Reply:
The provided information is limited. Lupus nephritis can cause six types of pathological changes in the kidneys, some of which are acute changes. In such cases, the use of stronger immunosuppressants and corticosteroids may improve some kidney function. However, if the changes ar...[Read More] Understanding the Causes of Elevated Creatinine Levels in Lupus Patients
Understanding Incomplete Urination: Causes and Solutions
The small intestine is not clean? I often feel like I can't fully empty my bladder when I urinate. After finishing, there always seems to be some residual urine stuck in the urethra, and I have to shake a bit to completely finish.
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Jie: 1. If you do not experience frequent urination (more than 7 times a day under normal circumstances), nocturia, urgency, difficulty urinating, painful urination, burning sensation, hematuria, foul-smelling urine, or discomfort in the lower abdomen, your symptoms sh...[Read More] Understanding Incomplete Urination: Causes and Solutions