Understanding Elevated IGF-1 Levels: Concerns and Follow-Up Recommendations
Questions related to IGF-1 levels? Hello Doctor: I previously visited the endocrinology department due to weight loss and fatigue. The doctor ordered a blood test, and only one result, IGF-1, was above the standard range (exact value unknown). The doctor is concerned about a pote...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Chelle: 1. In medical terms, the hypothalamus in the brain secretes releasing hormones that stimulate the pituitary gland to secrete growth hormone. Growth hormone not only acts directly on target organs but also stimulates the liver and other tissues to secrete insuli...[Read More] Understanding Elevated IGF-1 Levels: Concerns and Follow-Up Recommendations
Seeking Medical Help for Unexplained Weight Gain at 40
Abnormal weight gain Hello: I am 40 years old, 170 cm tall, and currently eat one meal a day while walking 10,000 steps. My lifestyle is regular. I have gained 12 kg in the past six months, and my endocrine blood tests have shown no issues. How should I seek medical assistance?
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Aqi: 1. Factors contributing to weight gain include diet, patterns of physical activity, and differences in energy metabolism; very few cases are due to single-gene mutations or specific genetic disorders. 2. Familial obesity may be influenced not only by genetic facto...[Read More] Seeking Medical Help for Unexplained Weight Gain at 40
Can You Get Parasitic Infections from Handling Water Plants?
Parasitic infection issues? Due to the need for fish farming, I manually pulled aquatic plants from a field ditch. After pulling them out, I washed my hands, and once they were dry, I ate some mint candy. Later, I discovered some worms in the aquarium that seem to be schistosomes...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding <Parasites...> the response is as follows: A: You can refer to the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov.tw/diseaseinfo.aspx? 1. Overview of Common Intestinal Parasitic Diseases: Intestinal parasitic diseases are prevalent in tropical and subtropical ...[Read More] Can You Get Parasitic Infections from Handling Water Plants?
Understanding Kidney Issues: Insights on Recovery and Dietary Considerations
Kidney problems Hello, my sister is 29 years old and has a history of refractory epilepsy for 23 years, is a carrier of hepatitis B, and has been diagnosed with schizophrenia for 2 years. She was hospitalized on July 31 due to cellulitis and developed sepsis, requiring intubation...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on the data you provided, this condition is classified as "acute kidney injury," which may be caused by cellulitis complicated by sepsis. The key point is that as the infection is brought under control, your kidney function will gradually improve. It is recommende...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Issues: Insights on Recovery and Dietary Considerations
Understanding HbA1c Testing: Impact of Blood Donation and Accuracy Concerns
Glycated Hemoglobin Test (HbA1c Test) Hello Doctor: Recently, I have been experiencing intermittent itching around the skin near my ankles. I found online that this could be a symptom of peripheral neuropathy related to diabetes. Two years ago, my company's health check repo...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Xiao Lu: 1. The diagnosis of diabetes has consensus standards in medicine: According to the diagnostic criteria from the American Diabetes Association, a. Fasting plasma glucose level ≥126 mg/dL after at least 8 hours of fasting, b. 2-hour plasma glucose level ≥200 mg/d...[Read More] Understanding HbA1c Testing: Impact of Blood Donation and Accuracy Concerns
Could These Symptoms Indicate Diabetes? Expert Insights on Testing
Is it possible that this could be diabetes? Hello Dr. Lee! Recently, I have been experiencing the following conditions: 1. Frequent urination (I often wake up in the middle of the night to urinate, about 1-2 times per night). 2. Weight loss from 63.5 kg to 60.5 kg (over about one...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello, regarding your inquiries: 1. The measurements of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) before and after meals are the same. 2. According to your routine health check data from June, there are no signs of diabetes. If you are still concerned, you can have your fasting blood glucose a...[Read More] Could These Symptoms Indicate Diabetes? Expert Insights on Testing
Effective Weight Loss Strategies: Overcoming Common Challenges
Struggling to lose weight? Hello, Doctor: My height is 161.5 cm, weight is 70 kg, and my BMI is 26.83. I have read several weight loss books, and the doctor has mentioned to eat less and exercise more, but when I exercise more, I tend to eat more! Just relying on the phrase "...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. Your height is 161.5 cm, weight is 70 kg, and your BMI is 26.83 kg/m², which classifies you as overweight. In medicine, there are various weight loss methods; however, there is no single method that is universally effective for everyone. Since obesity can lead to insulin resis...[Read More] Effective Weight Loss Strategies: Overcoming Common Challenges
Does Drinking Sugary Beverage Before Fasting Blood Test Affect Results?
Drank a sip of sugary beverage before blood draw? Fasting for 8 hours before a blood draw is typically required for accurate results, especially for tests related to blood glucose levels. Drinking a small amount of sugary beverage at 7 AM before a 9 AM blood draw may affect the r...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Lee: 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 at least 8 hours. b. Plasma glucose level ≥ 200 mg/dL during a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test. c. HbA1c ...[Read More] Does Drinking Sugary Beverage Before Fasting Blood Test Affect Results?
Understanding the Discrepancy Between Blood Glucose Meter and Lab Results
Questions about blood glucose meters? Hello Doctor: Recently, a family member noticed that urination attracted ants, so they went to the clinic for a blood test. On the same day, after the nurse drew blood, she used the venous blood to measure fasting blood glucose with a Roche A...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Wang Su-Chen: 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 tolera...[Read More] Understanding the Discrepancy Between Blood Glucose Meter and Lab Results
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
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
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 Thyroid Issues After Total Thyroidectomy: Free T4 Levels and Heart Health
Thyroid issues? Hello, doctor! I have undergone a total thyroidectomy due to papillary thyroid carcinoma. Currently, I am taking Eltroxin 0.1 mg, averaging 1.5 tablets per day. During my follow-up visits, my doctor has mentioned that my reports are normal. However, recently I hav...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Liang: 1. After undergoing a total thyroidectomy due to papillary thyroid carcinoma, secondary hypothyroidism often occurs, necessitating long-term thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Levothyroxine (T4) is typically used for this treatment; due to its long half-life, i...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Issues After Total Thyroidectomy: Free T4 Levels and Heart Health
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
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
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?
Am I Diabetic? Understanding Blood Sugar and Cholesterol Levels
Could you please tell me if I have diabetes? Hello, last year my tests were normal, but this year I received my health check results showing abnormal blood sugar and lipid levels. Am I diabetic? After fasting for over 12 hours, my weight is 49 kg and my height is 155.7 cm. My cho...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Vivi: 1. Your fasting blood glucose level is 102 mg/dL, your body mass index (BMI) is 20.4 kg/m², and you do not exhibit any obvious symptoms of diabetes. 2. According to the diagnostic criteria for diabetes set by the American Diabetes Association: a. A fasting ...[Read More] Am I Diabetic? Understanding Blood Sugar and Cholesterol Levels
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