Should You Be Concerned About Your Blood Sugar Levels?
Is there a concern for diabetes? I had a company health check-up and my fasting blood glucose level was 101 after fasting for more than 12 hours. According to online standards, it should be below 100. Should I start dietary control and see a doctor for follow-up? I am 180 cm tall...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
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 8 hours or more of fasting, b. A 2-hour plasma glucose level of ≥200 mg/dL during an oral glucose tolerance test, c. An HbA1c of ≥6...[Read More] Should You Be Concerned About Your Blood Sugar Levels?
Should You Continue Anti-Inflammatory Meds for Joint Pain? When to Get Blood Tests
Should I continue taking anti-inflammatory medication? How much should the joint pain improve before I go to the hospital for blood tests? This past Monday, I visited an orthopedic doctor due to pain in the joint of my big toe near the foot. The doctor suspected it might be gout ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Xiao Hong: 1. The pain in the joint of your big toe near the foot can commonly be diagnosed as gout, bunions, toenail ingrowth, toe fracture, calluses, cellulitis, or paronychia, among others. 2. Since you mentioned a history of hallux valgus, it is particularly impor...[Read More] Should You Continue Anti-Inflammatory Meds for Joint Pain? When to Get Blood Tests
Managing Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: Essential Tips for New Mothers
Hashimoto's thyroiditis Dear Dr. Tseng, 1. After giving birth, I discovered that I have hypothyroidism (TSH: 29), which is associated with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. My baby underwent a thyroid screening at birth, and the results were normal. How often should my baby hav...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, I am a rheumatology and immunology specialist. Regarding thyroid diseases, I recommend consulting an endocrinologist for the most up-to-date and accurate medical information. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Managing Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: Essential Tips for New Mothers
Managing High Cholesterol: Should You Choose Medication or Lifestyle Changes?
High cholesterol I have had high cholesterol issues since childhood. After taking lipid-lowering medication for about a year, my cholesterol levels returned to normal. My doctor believes I can try stopping the medication. Since stopping, I have been exercising regularly and follo...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Fei: 1. According to the regulations of our national health insurance, patients with cardiovascular diseases or diabetes whose total cholesterol level exceeds 160 mg/dL or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) exceeds 100 mg/dL may be eligible for pharmacological ...[Read More] Managing High Cholesterol: Should You Choose Medication or Lifestyle Changes?
How to Diagnose My Health Issues: Weight Gain and Urinary Concerns
How can I get a diagnosis? Hello Doctor, I have had a question for a long time. My weight suddenly increased by over 20 kilograms in the past few years. During my health check last year, the report showed that my blood sugar was normal, but my urine glucose was ++. At that time, ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Gigi: According to medical principles, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder that can lead to irregular menstruation, obesity, masculinization, and even infertility. It is often associated with diabetes or insulin resistance-related glucose intoleranc...[Read More] How to Diagnose My Health Issues: Weight Gain and Urinary Concerns
Weight Gain of 15 kg in 8 Months: Is It Related to My Medications?
Gained 15 kilograms in 8 months? Hello, doctor: I would like to ask if gaining 15 kilograms in 8 months indicates a problem with my body. I eat a normal amount for three meals a day and drink 3 to 4 liters of water daily. I also exercise three times a week for one hour. I have be...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
It is recommended to consult an endocrinologist for evaluation. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Weight Gain of 15 kg in 8 Months: Is It Related to My Medications?
Managing High Blood Sugar: When to See a Doctor and Dietary Tips
Blood sugar issues? Hello, doctor. After my health check-up, I found that my blood sugar levels were elevated, so I completely stopped eating sweets. However, I often feel very hungry after meals. Although it doesn't significantly affect my daily routine, I would like to ask...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Ahong: 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. HbA...[Read More] Managing High Blood Sugar: When to See a Doctor and Dietary Tips
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
Managing High Uric Acid and Cholesterol Levels: Dietary Tips and Concerns
Health check shows elevated uric acid and cholesterol levels? Hello Doctor: I recently had a health check, and my uric acid level is 7.1, which is above the normal range. Isn't the normal value for women supposed to be less than 6.6? I currently do not have any symptoms of g...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Kiki: 1. Elevated uric acid levels primarily refer to high concentrations of uric acid in the blood. When uric acid precipitates in joint tissues (such as the big toe joint, the back of the foot, or finger joints), it can trigger an inflammatory response, leading to go...[Read More] Managing High Uric Acid and Cholesterol Levels: Dietary Tips and Concerns
Managing High Uric Acid and Cholesterol Levels: Dietary Tips and Concerns
Health check shows elevated uric acid and cholesterol levels? Hello Doctor: I recently had a health check-up, and my uric acid level is 7.1, which is above the normal range. Isn't the normal value for women supposed to be less than 6.6? I currently do not have any symptoms o...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. KiKi: 1. Elevated uric acid levels primarily refer to high concentrations of uric acid in the blood. If uric acid precipitates in joint tissues (such as the big toe joint, the back of the foot, or finger joints), it can trigger an inflammatory response, leading to gout....[Read More] Managing High Uric Acid and Cholesterol Levels: Dietary Tips and Concerns
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
Is Lymphadenopathy Four Months After Unprotected Sex Related to HIV?
Lymphadenopathy appeared four months after anal intercourse? In early July of this year, I had sexual intercourse with a man. At first, we used a condom, but towards the end, I suddenly realized he had removed it, so I don't know how long I was exposed without protection. Re...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, regarding <enlarged cervical lymph nodes...> the response is as follows: A: 1. Engaging in unsafe sexual practices (including withdrawal during intercourse) places individuals at high risk for sexually transmitted infections (including HIV). Please do not ta...[Read More] Is Lymphadenopathy Four Months After Unprotected Sex Related to HIV?
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 Decreased Kidney Function: When to Adjust Diet and Exercise
Decreased renal function? Hello Dr. Wang, At the end of last year, my health check showed the following kidney function values: blood urea nitrogen (BUN) 18.0 mg/dL, creatinine 1.2 mg/dL, and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) 78 mL/min. Since mid-year, I have started exercising a...
Dr. Wang Weijie Reply:
Hello, due to your high-protein diet and long-term exercise habits, it is likely that your muscle mass has increased, which may result in elevated levels of creatinine and blood urea nitrogen in your bloodstream compared to the average person. This can lead to a decrease in the e...[Read More] Understanding Decreased Kidney Function: When to Adjust Diet and Exercise
Understanding Unexplained Body Sensations: Which Specialist to Consult?
Health issues. Which department should I consult? Hello Dr. Hong, I would like to consult about some unusual symptoms I'm experiencing and which specialty I should see to determine what illness I might have. My symptoms include experiencing internal pulsations after a night...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, there are two possible causes for the palpitations. First, there may be a temporary episode of tachycardia. Since you mentioned that you have previously undergone an exercise electrocardiogram that showed tachycardia, I recommend a 24-hour Holter...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Body Sensations: Which Specialist to Consult?
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
Understanding Elevated Creatinine Levels: Causes and Concerns
Elevated creatinine levels? Hello, doctor. This year, during my health check-up, my kidney function test showed a creatinine level of 1.5 and a uric acid level of 4.31. Last year, my creatinine level was 1.4 and my uric acid level was 5.3. My BMI has been 22 for both years. I hav...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Hello, regarding your elevated creatinine levels, it is recommended that you see a nephrologist for further examination and follow-up. Since your uric acid levels are normal, the cause of the renal dysfunction may require additional urine tests and blood tests to determine whethe...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Creatinine Levels: Causes and Concerns