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
Understanding Persistent Edema: Seeking Answers Beyond Normal Test Results
Edema issues Hello Doctor: I previously inquired about edema and have since visited the Metabolism Department at Shuanghe Hospital. My hormone levels and thyroid function are normal. (I had my heart, liver, and kidney blood tests done at the Family Medicine Department last August...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Hello! Based on the information you provided, I can sense your concerns about your current physical condition. However, there are many causes of edema, and clinical judgment is necessary; written communication may not accurately address your concerns. If you have previously consu...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Edema: Seeking Answers Beyond Normal Test Results
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?
Effective Strategies to Manage Persistent Edema: A Patient's Guide
How can edema be improved? Hello, doctor... I have asked a question recently. I previously visited a family medicine doctor who ruled out issues with my liver, kidneys, and heart. My blood tests have been normal for several years. I inherited my father's genetic tendency to ...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
1. First of all, I would like to express that everyone has a different definition of edema. Since I have not seen you in person and you did not mention your current weight, I cannot assess the degree of your edema. 2. You mentioned that you have seen a family physician, who has ...[Read More] Effective Strategies to Manage Persistent Edema: A Patient's Guide
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 Hyperthyroidism: Key Questions and Considerations for Patients
Hyperthyroidism Hello Doctor: Recently, during a routine health check at my company, I found that my Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) level was 0.01, Free Thyroxine (Free T4) was 3.07, fasting blood glucose was 100, heart rate was approximately 100 beats per minute, and my white...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Lin: 1. In our country, most testing laboratories are certified, and to maintain their reputation, the likelihood of significant errors in test results is low. Additionally, Free T4 and TSH levels do not fluctuate rapidly under normal physiological conditions. This mean...[Read More] Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Key Questions and Considerations for Patients
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
Can Drinking Excessive Water Really Aid Weight Loss?
Meal replacement for weight loss / Is it really possible to drink more water? Hello, Doctor. I am currently using Herbalife products for weight loss, and I have noticed that they all claim that drinking plenty of water is essential for effective weight loss (suggesting a water in...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello: Typically, weight loss medications are designed to increase satiety to prevent overeating, which is why they often contain substances that expand in water, necessitating increased water intake. This is indeed a requirement for weight loss medications. However, if you drink...[Read More] Can Drinking Excessive Water Really Aid Weight Loss?
Understanding Weight Loss: Thyroid vs. Gastrointestinal Issues
Gastrointestinal issues / Thyroid problems Recently, I have noticed a slight trend of weight loss. Last September, I weighed 60 kg, and by last Tuesday, I was around 58 kg, and this morning, I weighed 57 kg. Although my eating habits have changed (I no longer eat late-night snack...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your symptom description, it does not appear to be typical hyperthyroidism symptoms. As for the weight change, a fluctuation of one kilogram is not significant and may not indicate actual weight loss. The increased hunger you are experiencing is likely due to bein...[Read More] Understanding Weight Loss: Thyroid vs. Gastrointestinal Issues
Understanding Abnormal Creatinine Levels: What You Need to Know
Creatinine level Hello Doctor, I recently received a notification regarding abnormal results from my health check-up. My creatinine level in kidney function tests is 0.59, while both blood urea nitrogen and uric acid levels are normal. What should I be aware of? Thank you for t...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Dear Sender, Many factors can interfere with changes in creatinine levels, such as kidney function and muscle mass. Generally speaking, elevated creatinine levels are more concerning, while low levels are typically indicative of reduced muscle mass. It is advisable for individu...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Creatinine Levels: What You Need to Know
Sudden Stomach Pain: Causes, Remedies, and Dietary Tips
Sudden abdominal pain? Doctor, I suddenly felt a burning pain in my stomach after dinner last night. I noticed I gained weight, and it hurt a lot when I lay down to sleep, but it was more tolerable when I was standing. I drank some milk, which helped ease the pain and allowed me ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Fang: 1. Based on your description, most physicians would likely consider conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers, and acute gastritis; of course, gallstones, acute cholecystitis, acute pancreatitis, and other less com...[Read More] Sudden Stomach Pain: Causes, Remedies, and Dietary Tips
Understanding Chest Pain: A Student's Concerns About Heart Health
I woke up in the early morning due to chest tightness and pain? Hello, Doctor. I am a resident student. Due to being overweight, I use the treadmill for at least an hour each day at a speed of about 6 to 7 kilometers per hour. However, I have been inactive for a while, so I get q...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your current condition, exercising is indeed your best option and will likely provide you with the most benefit. However, since you do not have a regular exercise routine, I recommend starting gradually. In terms of speed, you should run at a pace where you can ta...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: A Student's Concerns About Heart Health
Managing Diabetes and Cholesterol: Key Questions and Insights
Regarding diabetes and cholesterol issues? Hello Dr. Hsiao, Six months ago during my health check-up, my fasting blood glucose was 123 mg/dL and my hemoglobin A1c was 8.3%. The doctor advised me to take medication for control and to focus on weight loss. After four months of ef...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Justin: 1. If weight loss is achieved gradually, and normal weight is maintained with good dietary control and regular exercise, it is possible to discontinue medication. However, this is contingent upon lifestyle changes and maintenance. Rapid weight loss can lead to r...[Read More] Managing Diabetes and Cholesterol: Key Questions and Insights
Understanding Radiation Exposure in Abdominal Medical Imaging
Abdominal medical radiation examinations and medical history inquiry? Condition: Recently, I have had a poor appetite and felt unwell overall. I have developed an aversion to food and experienced some watery diarrhea, but without abdominal pain. I have been having bowel movements...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: A diagnosis can only be confirmed after arranging for examinations. Generally, a CT scan of the abdomen does involve radiation exposure, but it is within safe limits. Additionally, an endoscopy may be arranged to check for Helicobacter pylori infection, as this bacterium c...[Read More] Understanding Radiation Exposure in Abdominal Medical Imaging
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?