Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Do I Need Diabetes Medication?
Blood sugar issues Hello, Director Hsiao. A week ago, I had a fasting blood test at the hospital to check my blood sugar levels. Today, the outpatient physician informed me that my fasting blood sugar of 70 is a precursor to diabetes and that I need to take medication. This has l...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Gao Xing, 1. The treatment of diabetes primarily involves dietary control, regular exercise, and medication. Unless dietary control and regular exercise can completely manage the progression of diabetes, continuing medication is necessary. Do not discontinue medication ...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Do I Need Diabetes Medication?
Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Test Results and Treatment Options
Hyperthyroidism At the Taipei Hospital of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the thyroid examination results are as follows: 1. Test Name Test Value Reference Range Result Anti-TPO Ab 1.450 0~5.61 IU/mL Nor...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. A-Kuo: Based on the values you provided: - Anti-TPO Ab: 1.450 (Reference range: 0–5.61 IU/mL) - Anti-Tg Ab (ATA): 4.380 (Reference range: 0–4.11 IU/mL) - Free T4: 1.520 (Reference range: 0.7–1.48 ng/dL) - TSH: <0.0025 (Reference range: 0.35–4.94 µIU/mL) - T3: 2....[Read More] Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Test Results and Treatment Options
Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Symptoms, Tests, and Treatment Options
Hyperthyroidism Test Name Test Value Anti-TPO Ab 1.450 Anti-Tg Ab (ATA) 4.38 Free T4 1.52 TSH <1.52 T3 2.220 Is this hyperthyroidism? Should medication be taken to control it? Does tak...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. A-Guo: 1. Your test results are as follows: - Anti-TPO Ab: 1.45 IU/ml (Reference range: <5.61) - Anti-Tg Ab (ATA): 4.38 IU/ml (Reference range: <14.4) - Free T4: 1.52 ng/dl (Reference range: 0.89–1.76) - TSH: <1.52 μIU/ml (Reference range: 0.39–4.2...[Read More] Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Symptoms, Tests, and Treatment Options
Post-Meal Blood Sugar Lower Than Pre-Meal: A Case Study
Postprandial blood glucose is lower than preprandial blood glucose? Dr. Hsiao, about a month ago (on August 12), I had a blood test that revealed a fasting blood glucose level of 214 mg/dL. At that time, my weight was 87.5 kg and my height was 166 cm. Following the physician'...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Shan: 1. You have diligently changed your diet, increased your exercise, and lost weight, while frequently monitoring your blood glucose levels. As a result, you have lost 7.5 kilograms, and your blood sugar has shown significant improvement. The recommendations from yo...[Read More] Post-Meal Blood Sugar Lower Than Pre-Meal: A Case Study
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 Abdominal Discomfort While Lying Flat: Possible Causes
Abdominal discomfort? When lying flat on your back while sleeping, you experience discomfort around the area between your chest and abdomen, but you do not feel this discomfort when sleeping on your side. What could be the possible reasons for this? You do not have a significant ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems that you are experiencing discomfort in the area of the esophagus and stomach. The most common cause for this is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It is recommended to eat smaller, more frequent meals and to reduce the intake of ir...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Discomfort While Lying Flat: Possible Causes
Understanding Hormonal Imbalance: Acne, Weight Gain, and Mood Swings
Endocrine disorder Hello, doctor. For the past few months, I have been experiencing persistent acne that keeps appearing and disappearing. My skincare routine has remained the same, but the acne continues to occur on my philtrum, the sides of my face near the philtrum, chin, and ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your symptoms, it is indeed possible that there is a thyroid issue. I recommend that you first consult with an endocrinologist. If the tests come back normal, it is advisable to maintain a regular routine, avoid staying up late, and engage in appropriate exercise,...[Read More] Understanding Hormonal Imbalance: Acne, Weight Gain, and Mood Swings
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
Managing Diabetes: Should My Father Be Hospitalized or Treated at Home?
Diabetes issues My father, 46 years old, male, has no family history of diabetes. He was recently diagnosed with diabetes and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) after a hospital visit where his blood glucose level was measured at 486 mg/dl. Due to a lack of available beds in the hospita...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Chen, Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is classified as a hyperglycemic emergency. Key diagnostic points include hyperglycemia, the presence of ketones in urine or blood, and a significant acidotic blood pH. The symptoms can vary widely and may include dehydration, abdominal...[Read More] Managing Diabetes: Should My Father Be Hospitalized or Treated at Home?
Frequent Bacterial Infections: Is It a Sign of Immune System Issues?
Repeated bacterial infections – is it a problem with the immune system? Hello, doctor. In mid-May of this year, I had an acne wound infection that spread inflammation to half of my face within a week. After taking antibiotics for three weeks, I recovered. Shortly after, at the en...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The frequent infections during this period are indeed unusual. It is recommended to consult with an immunologist or a hematologist. The Changhua Hospital of the Ministry of Health and Welfare has an Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Departme...[Read More] Frequent Bacterial Infections: Is It a Sign of Immune System Issues?
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
Controversy Over Breath Alcohol Testing: Understanding Discrepancies in Results
Controversy over Breathalyzer Tests Controversy over Breathalyzer Test Before Duty: I underwent a breath alcohol test using the Alco-Sensor IV, which recorded a value of 0.11 mg/L. I requested a blood test, which was conducted two hours later and showed a result of <10 mg/dL, ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, due to individual differences in alcohol metabolism, it is indeed possible to have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.11 mg/L after drinking for 13.5 hours. As for the blood test result of <10 mg/dL taken two hours later, it may be due to the testing equipment bei...[Read More] Controversy Over Breath Alcohol Testing: Understanding Discrepancies in Results
Understanding Mild Chronic Kidney Dysfunction: Key Insights and Lifestyle Tips
Kidney function issues? Hello: In my recent health check-up in June, my serum creatinine (Cr) level was 1.01, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) was 10, and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was 85. An ultrasound examination revealed a right renal cyst (0.7 cm) and bilateral renal calculi ...
Dr. Wang Weijie Reply:
Mr. Tsao: Hello, the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is calculated based on your serum creatinine level along with your age, gender, and weight. Your value falls within stage 2 of chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, based on your description of the kidney ultrasound report an...[Read More] Understanding Mild Chronic Kidney Dysfunction: Key Insights and Lifestyle Tips
Understanding Creatinine Levels and Kidney Function in Health Checkups
Creatinine, Glomerular Filtration Rate, Health Checkup Issues? Hello, doctor. I apologize for bothering you, but I would like to ask a question. About two months ago, I went to a health check-up at a clinic. The doctor reviewed my report and said that my liver and kidney function...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Hello Mr. Yang: "Creatinine 1.10, Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) 86.69" is only a single data point, making it difficult to assess the overall kidney function. Changes in kidney function need to be evaluated through multiple blood tests over time to understand the con...[Read More] Understanding Creatinine Levels and Kidney Function in Health Checkups
Understanding Creatinine Levels and Glomerular Filtration Rate Changes
Creatinine and Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) Hello Doctor, two weeks ago, the hospital came to the community to conduct free health check-ups. Today, when I went to review the report, the doctor informed me that my creatinine level is 1.05 mg/dL and my glomerular filtration ra...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Hello Mr. Wang: Regarding your question, I will address it in two parts. (1) The changes in creatinine and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) should be evaluated based on their "trends." If you only have two data points for comparison, you can only determine whether the...[Read More] Understanding Creatinine Levels and Glomerular Filtration Rate Changes
Managing High HbA1c Levels: Tips for Diabetes Prevention and Care
Health check values Hello doctor, there is a family history of diabetes in my household, and I have had consistently high HbA1c levels for the past three months, with values of 6.0, 5.8, and 5.8. My fasting blood sugar levels are 90 and 116, but I forgot the third measurement. Ad...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: Based on your test results, you are currently in the "prediabetes" stage, and there is a significant risk of progressing to diabetes. It is recommended that you consult an endocrinologist to guide you in weight management and other lifestyle changes to prevent th...[Read More] Managing High HbA1c Levels: Tips for Diabetes Prevention and Care
Understanding Leg Swelling in Teenagers: When to Seek Medical Advice
About Edema Consulting a physician: My 15-year-old daughter has gained about 7 kilograms over the past year, with no change in height. Her face, upper arms, and upper body have not changed, but she has gained weight primarily in her thighs and calves. Should we see a doctor for a...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
Hello Ms. Ting: First of all, thank you for your question. I will divide your inquiry into two parts. 1. "Am I experiencing lower extremity edema?" Based on your description, you have gained approximately 7 kilograms over the past year without a change in height, and ...[Read More] Understanding Leg Swelling in Teenagers: When to Seek Medical Advice
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 Creatinine Levels and Kidney Function Concerns
Creatinine and Kidney Function Related Issues Hello, Doctor. I apologize for the lengthy description of my issue. Here are the results from my blood and urine tests conducted at the clinic two weeks ago: Fasting blood glucose: 100 mg/dL (reference range: 70-100) Blood urea ni...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on your description, your creatinine level is 1.34 mg/dL (reference range 0.7-1.5), and your glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is 66.9 (reference value > 60). Given your age, your GFR is slightly low, and the most common risk factors affecting kidney function are hyperten...[Read More] Understanding Creatinine Levels and Kidney Function Concerns