Understanding Hemoglobin A1c: Concerns About Blood Sugar and Anemia
Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) Hello Doctor, I have some questions I would like to ask you: I had a blood test done in December. Since both of my parents have diabetes and my weight has decreased from 64 kg in mid-August to only 59 kg recently, I am very anxious about my blood sugar...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is an indicator of the average blood glucose levels over the past three months. The most significant factor affecting it is the blood glucose level itself. The primary influences on blood glucose are diet and lifestyle. Mild anemia does not have...[Read More] Understanding Hemoglobin A1c: Concerns About Blood Sugar and Anemia
Is Syphilis Invisible? Understanding Symptoms and Recurrences
Is syphilis invisible? Last February, I suddenly woke up with a fever, a type of fever I had never experienced before. A few days later, I discovered a half-spherical mass the size of a ping pong ball on my cervix. Initially, I thought I had cancer. After a month, the ulcerous sm...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
A. Your description is quite vivid; however, the Treponema pallidum is not that miraculous. It can be cured with a course of penicillin. B. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the modes of transmission are as follows: 1. Close contact during sexual ...[Read More] Is Syphilis Invisible? Understanding Symptoms and Recurrences
Understanding Fasting Blood Sugar Levels: What Does 97 Mean?
Fasting blood glucose issues Hello Doctor, I recently received my health check report, which shows that my fasting blood glucose level is 97, which is close to the maximum reference value of 100. The night before the test, I was too busy and only ate two tea eggs for dinner, and ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Currently, it is considered normal. If there is a family history of diabetes or if you are overweight, you may consider testing for hemoglobin A1c. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Fasting Blood Sugar Levels: What Does 97 Mean?
Chronic Lower Back Pain Without Diagnosis: What Are Your Options?
If you have been experiencing lower back pain for more than three months without a clear diagnosis, what should you do? Hello, Doctor Wu! I am here to inquire about a family member who is a 47-year-old male, working as a night shift operator for 25 years (his job does not require...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
It is recommended to see a large hospital's Immunology and Rheumatology department or Orthopedics. Wishing you well.[Read More] Chronic Lower Back Pain Without Diagnosis: What Are Your Options?
Understanding SLE: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) Hello, Director Gao. I am 33 years old and have been experiencing various illnesses and unexplained pains over the past few years, but no cause has been identified. I have also consulted a psychiatrist and taken medication without improvement (s...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. A slight fever can still be concerning, and I recommend visiting a rheumatologist. Based on the information you provided, it is not possible to confirm whether there is an issue with your immune system, so it would be best for a physician to exa...[Read More] Understanding SLE: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Fluctuations in Glycated Hemoglobin Over One Month
Fluctuations in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels within one month? Hello Doctor: Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions despite your busy schedule. In my family, besides my parents, my aunts, uncles, and both sets of grandparents have diabetes, so I am particularl...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Weight loss can also be evaluated by testing thyroid function. Currently, there are no significant abnormalities in blood glucose levels, so testing once every 1-2 years is sufficient. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Fluctuations in Glycated Hemoglobin Over One Month
Post-Hernia Surgery: Is Running and Weight Training Safe?
Hernia surgery and running? I would like to ask if, after hernia surgery, it is not recommended to run or do weight training, even after many years? I am concerned about the risk of re-injury.
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
After hernia surgery, it is generally recommended to avoid lifting heavy objects, forceful coughing, or bending over for 2 to 3 weeks. Strenuous activities, such as running, should be avoided for 4 to 6 weeks. However, recovery varies for each individual, so it is advisable to fo...[Read More] Post-Hernia Surgery: Is Running and Weight Training Safe?
Understanding Gout Symptoms: Is Morning Discomfort a Sign of Flare-Up?
Regarding the recent cold weather, I have been experiencing a dull sensation in my big toe, which has a history of gout, upon waking up in the morning. However, after urinating, the discomfort significantly decreases? Hello, Director Gao! I apologize for bothering you, but I have...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, this question has been asked before, so I will repost my response. If your uric acid levels remain consistently normal, I don't believe it is a gout attack. Previously affected joints from arthritis may leave some residual effects, making them more sensitive to change...[Read More] Understanding Gout Symptoms: Is Morning Discomfort a Sign of Flare-Up?
Does Chronic Inflammation from Ankylosing Spondylitis Raise LDL and Heart Disease Risk?
Does chronic inflammation from ankylosing spondylitis lead to elevated LDL (low-density lipoprotein) levels, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease? 1. I am 55 years old and a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. About 4 to 5 years ago, I was effectively managing my condit...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. I am 55 years old and a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. About 4 to 5 years ago, I was effectively managing my condition with Salazopyrin and Celebrex, which normalized my pain and inflammatory markers, so I stopp...[Read More] Does Chronic Inflammation from Ankylosing Spondylitis Raise LDL and Heart Disease Risk?
Understanding Gout Symptoms: Is Morning Discomfort a Sign of Flare-Up?
Regarding the recent cold weather, I have been experiencing a feeling of heaviness in my big toe, which previously had gout, upon waking up in the morning. However, after urinating, the sensation decreases significantly? Hello, Director Gao! I apologize for bothering you, but I h...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. If your uric acid levels remain consistently normal, I don't believe this is a gout attack. Joints that have previously experienced arthritis may leave some residual effects, making them more sensitive to changes in humidity and climate. Y...[Read More] Understanding Gout Symptoms: Is Morning Discomfort a Sign of Flare-Up?
Managing Hypocomplement Urticarial Vasculitis: Treatment Options and Guidance
Hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis syndrome (HUVS) I have been diagnosed with low complement urticarial vasculitis for about six months. My symptoms include skin rashes, weight loss, lower extremity vascular pain, and gum pain, along with peripheral neuropathy and dizziness...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. How to treat hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis? --> Treatment will be arranged based on the severity of the condition. If you only have skin manifestations, antihistamines may be effective; if there is asso...[Read More] Managing Hypocomplement Urticarial Vasculitis: Treatment Options and Guidance
Understanding Pre-meal Blood Sugar and HbA1c Levels: A Patient's Inquiry
Questions about pre-meal blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin? Hello Doctor, during my health check in 2018, my fasting blood sugar was 105, and in 2022, it was 113, with other results normal. After undergoing an endoscopy on September 1st this year, I noticed my previous blood ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Elevated fasting blood glucose is also a risk factor for diabetes. It is recommended that you lose weight and continue to follow up at the metabolic clinic. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Pre-meal Blood Sugar and HbA1c Levels: A Patient's Inquiry
Understanding Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: Weight Loss and Treatment Insights
Hashimoto's thyroiditis In April of this year, when I had my cholesterol checked, my doctor also tested my thyroid function. The results showed T4 at 1.15, TSH at 1.554, and anti-TPO at 5.57, indicating the presence of antibodies consistent with Hashimoto's thyroiditis....
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
You may consider discontinuing the medication, and at least monitor thyroid function annually. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: Weight Loss and Treatment Insights
Dietary Concerns for Patients with Hereditary Polycystic Kidney Disease
Genetic polycystic kidney disease raises concerns regarding dietary supplements such as protein powder? Hello Doctor, I would like to inquire about my situation. I have a family history of polycystic kidney disease, and my recent health check results are as follows: Blood Urea Ni...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
A low-protein diet is defined as 0.6-0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. Currently, it has shown benefits only for patients with a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) below 60; the effects for those with a GFR above 60 are unclear. Unless there are special requirements...[Read More] Dietary Concerns for Patients with Hereditary Polycystic Kidney Disease
Understanding Your Urine Test Results: Total Protein and Creatinine Levels
Total protein (U) & creatinine (U) Doctor, my test report shows that protein is negative, creatinine is 0.56, total protein (U) is 9.7, and creatinine (U) is 95.36. What do these results mean? Are they within the normal range? Is there anything I need to pay attention to? Tha...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Total protein (U) 9.7 and creatinine (U) 95.36 refer to the levels of total protein and creatinine in your urine. The normal reference range for total protein (U) is less than 14, and your result of 9.7 is within the normal range. There is no established normal range for creatini...[Read More] Understanding Your Urine Test Results: Total Protein and Creatinine Levels
Understanding Urine Ketones: What Does a 3+ Result Mean for Your Health?
The medical examination report indicates urine ketones at 3+? Hello doctor, in April of this year, I experienced redness, swelling, and pain in my left foot, and a doctor at a clinic diagnosed it as gout (without blood tests). I have a history of gout and usually manage my diet, ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
The production of urine ketones is usually related to prolonged fasting. Please consult a metabolic specialist. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Urine Ketones: What Does a 3+ Result Mean for Your Health?
Understanding Glomerular Filtration Rate and Hematuria Changes in Kidney Health
The glomerulus and occult blood? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 64.6, with the standard being greater than 60. Two years ago, it was 84. Does this indicate a decline in kidney function? Additionally, the urine occult blood test has ...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Occult blood testing is different from hematuria; it may be caused by recent infections, kidney stones, medications, or excessive exercise. The filtration rate can vary with fluid intake, renal function deterioration, and increased body weight. It is advisable to assess the prese...[Read More] Understanding Glomerular Filtration Rate and Hematuria Changes in Kidney Health
Understanding the Link Between Creatinine Levels and Hypertension Management
Hypertension and Elevated Creatinine Levels Dear Dr. Lin, Last December, my serum creatinine level was 0.78 mg/dL, with a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 122.6 mL/min. I weighed 64 kg and was 170 cm tall. This October, my serum creatinine increased to 0.9 mg/dL, and my micro...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Please take the medication as prescribed and follow up regularly. If you have any concerns, it is advisable to schedule an earlier consultation. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding the Link Between Creatinine Levels and Hypertension Management
Understanding Weight Fluctuations: When to Worry About Gastrointestinal Issues
I'm sorry, but I cannot provide a translation without the specific content you want Hello Doctor, I previously mentioned that I am currently working on weight loss, primarily through dietary control and incorporating walking exercises. I weigh myself about every 2-3 days, or...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
There is only a slight difference in weight, so there is no need to be overly concerned. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Weight Fluctuations: When to Worry About Gastrointestinal Issues
Understanding Diabetes Diagnosis: Is There Room for Reassessment?
Is there still room for maneuver regarding the diagnosis of diabetes? The company's health check showed a fasting blood glucose level of 131 mg/dL (with a hemoglobin A1c of 6.7% from late September). Last week, I had a separate lipid panel test with a triglyceride level of 1...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Since the blood glucose levels were tested separately on two occasions, they meet the criteria for diabetes. It is advisable to control it as soon as possible.[Read More] Understanding Diabetes Diagnosis: Is There Room for Reassessment?