Weight, Internal Medicine FAQ

Understanding Blood Sugar Monitoring: Accuracy and Common Concerns

About diabetes? First of all, I would like to thank Dr. Lee for the previous response. I do have hyperlipidemia and hypertension, which I am currently managing with medication. My average blood pressure is (systolic) 110-120 and (diastolic) 65-75. In my last inquiry, my fasting b...

Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: The blood glucose levels obtained from a standard blood draw are typically about 15% higher than those measured by a glucose meter, which may raise some questions for you. Since you are at high risk for diabetes, it is recommended that you continue to manage your diet and ...

Understanding the Link Between Cholesterol Levels and Obesity

Is there a correlation between cholesterol and obesity? Hello doctor, I am an overweight college student. Recently, the health check-up results from my school showed that my overall health status seems fine, except for being overweight and having a high BMI. However, I am curious...

Dr. Chen Qingbin Reply:
Obesity does not necessarily mean high cholesterol; there is some correlation, but it is not absolute.

Understanding Heart Issues in Premature Infants: Risks and Care Tips

Cardiac issues in premature infants? Hello Dr. Lee, My sister-in-law gave birth to two new lives half a month ago. Due to premature birth, the weights of the two baby girls are 1100 and 1200 grams, and it seems that both of their hearts are underdeveloped. So far, they have rec...

Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
There are many reasons for congenital heart defects in premature infants, with the most common being patent ductus arteriosus. Some cases may require medication or surgical intervention. Other types of developmental abnormalities will be managed based on the specific circumstance...

Understanding Creatinine Levels and Kidney Function in Fitness Enthusiasts

Creatinine levels Hello, during a recent company health check-up, my serum creatinine level was 1.1. I am 38 years old, and the doctor mentioned that my kidney function is not very good. This has made me a bit worried, especially since Taiwan is known as a dialysis kingdom. I rea...

Dr. Chen Jianyu Reply:
1. A creatinine level of 1.1 is still within the normal range. 2. Having a high muscle mass does not impose a burden on the kidneys. 3. If there are any concerns, it is still recommended to visit an outpatient clinic for examination. Thanks, Chen Jianyu, March 28, 101.

Understanding Muscle Pain: Is It Polymyositis or Fibromyalgia?

Generalized muscle soreness? Recently, I have been experiencing muscle soreness throughout my body, even without engaging in any intense exercise. When I wake up the next day, I sometimes feel muscle soreness while walking. My shoulders and latissimus dorsi feel particularly sore...

Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Dear online friend, The symptoms of polymyositis primarily manifest as muscle weakness, and it is rare for them to present as generalized muscle soreness. Generalized muscle soreness can have many potential causes, including infections, rheumatic diseases, medication side effec...

Understanding Nighttime Chest Pain: Causes and Solutions

Chest pain at night? Hello Dr. Lee, I have been experiencing chest pain for the past five nights since February 1st. I cannot determine if the pain is superficial or internal; it feels like being punched or having a heavy weight pressing down. During the day, after I get up, th...

Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
Since there are no issues with your cardiology consultation, you can at least be relieved about heart-related problems. In my opinion, your issue may not be easily identified through blood tests, X-rays, or electrocardiograms. I recommend that you visit a trusted internal medicin...

Can Oral Sex Transmit Chlamydia? Weight Loss Concerns Explained

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) Hello Dr. Liao, 1. Can chlamydia be transmitted through oral sex? 2. What tests should be conducted if there is a sudden and significant weight loss?

Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. There is a wide variety of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), with syphilis and HIV being the most notable. 2. The method of sexual activity can lead to STIs in different areas; typically, these infections are located in the perineal region (both anterior a...

Managing Diabetes: Key Questions on Health, Exercise, and Supplements

Diabetes-related issues Hello Doctor: I have had diabetes since the first year of junior high school, primarily due to being overweight and consuming a lot of junk food from a young age (with a family history of diabetes). I have previously struggled with blood sugar control, but...

Dr. Cai Zonglin Reply:
When muscles are not contracted, they remain in a softer state. It is advisable to consult a sports medicine specialist or a rehabilitation physician regarding diabetes, which primarily involves issues with the pancreatic islet cells. Poor blood sugar control can lead to complica...

Why Can't I Gain Weight? Understanding Unexplained Weight Loss

It's strange, I can't gain weight? No matter how I eat, it seems like I can't gain weight. My height is 173 cm and my weight is 52 kg.

Dr. Cai Zonglin Reply:
There are many reasons for weight loss, including hyperthyroidism, diabetes, tuberculosis, and cancer. Patients should seek consultation at a specialty clinic or general internal medicine or family medicine outpatient department.

Can Drinking Sugary Beverages Lead to Diabetes Beyond Genetics?

Diabetes mellitus Hello, Dr. Lee. Aside from genetics, can long-term consumption of overly sweet beverages lead to diabetes?

Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Mr. Chen: Hello. I would like to inform you of the main risk factors for Type 2 diabetes as follows: 1. Family history of diabetes (parents, siblings with diabetes) 2. Age over 45 years 3. Overweight (Body Mass Index ≥ 24 kg/m²) 4. Lack of physical activity 5. Ethnicity (such as ...

Can Drinking Sugary Beverages Lead to Diabetes?

Diabetes mellitus Hello, Dr. Tsai. Besides diabetes, can long-term consumption of overly sweet beverages lead to diabetes?

Dr. Cai Zonglin Reply:
Diabetes is caused by insufficient insulin production or reduced insulin sensitivity in the body. In healthy individuals, consuming sweet foods typically has a minimal impact on blood sugar levels. However, patients with a predisposition to diabetes or those who are overweight ma...

Understanding Weight Loss in Diabetes: Causes and Insights

Diabetes mellitus Hello, Dr. Lee. What is the reason for significant weight loss in patients with diabetes?

Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello Mr. Chen: The typical symptoms of diabetes usually present as the "three polys" (polyphagia, polydipsia, polyuria) and "one decrease" (weight loss), but not every patient will exhibit these classic symptoms. When a patient's blood glucose concentrat...

Managing Proteinuria: Dietary and Exercise Tips for Better Health

Proteinuria issues? This year during my health check-up, my proteinuria results were abnormal. What dietary and exercise adjustments should I make in my daily life?

Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
In daily life, avoid smoking and drinking alcohol, and do not stay up late. In terms of diet, limit salt intake, avoid excessive protein consumption, and refrain from binge eating (if there are conditions such as diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hyperuricemia, or chronic kidney disease,...

Is Overeating High-Calorie Foods Safe for My Growing Brother?

The issue of height increase? Hello, doctor: I would like to ask about height-related issues. My younger brother is currently in the fifth grade and had an examination at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. The doctor mentioned that he is lacking zinc in his diet, which is causing him ...

Dr. Cai Zonglin Reply:
If you want to supplement zinc, foods rich in zinc include oysters or shellfish, red meat, whole grains, oats, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds. You may also consult a nutritionist for further information. High-calorie foods that are low in zinc can lead to weight gain, which c...

Is Alkaline Ionized Water Safe? Debunking Myths and Health Risks

Questions regarding commercially available alkaline ionized water? Hello, doctor. There are many products on the market labeled as "alkaline ionized water" that claim to adjust the body's pH balance. I would like to know if this is true. I previously saw news repor...

Dr. Hong Hongchang Reply:
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. Here is my response to your question along with some recommendations: It is advisable to boil drinking water before consumption. Regarding hypertension and diabetes, since there is a family history, it is recommended to control weight and f...

How to Increase Height at 18: Tips for Young Adults

Regarding height issues? I am currently 18 years old and preparing to enter college. My height is around 162 cm, and my parents' heights are 170 cm and 161 cm, respectively. I regularly do pull-ups, practice martial arts, and stretch, so my activity level is sufficient. Howe...

Dr. Wang Fangli Reply:
It is important to get enough sleep, maintain regular meals, and continue with your current exercise routine.

Why Can't I Gain Weight? Understanding Metabolism and Health Issues

No matter how much I eat, I can't gain weight! Hello, doctor! I am 174 cm tall and weigh 49 kg. I previously visited a gastroenterologist and had blood tests done, which indicated mild Mediterranean type A anemia (hereditary). A friend suggested I see a metabolic specialist,...

Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Mild Mediterranean anemia should not be related to low body weight. If the low body weight has been present for a long time and there are no other symptoms, it is mostly not indicative of a disease. However, if there has been a significant recent weight loss, it is necessary to u...

Unexplained Weight Loss in Middle-Aged Women: Causes and Concerns

Unexplained weight loss? My mother is 50 years old this year and is a homemaker. She has a balanced diet without significant deviations in the quantity and variety of food. She frequently takes pain relievers or receives pain injections. Over the past month, her weight has decrea...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello, in response to your question: 1. Weight loss is a symptom rather than a disease, and there is no definitive definition. Generally, unintentional weight loss is considered to be a decrease of more than 5% of body weight (or 4.5 kg) within six months, without any specific i...

Understanding High Uric Acid Levels: Causes and Management Tips

Hello, Dr. Hsiao? Hello Dr. Hsiao, I have a habit of donating blood, and the blood donation center also checks some health parameters for us. One of these is the uric acid level, which is 7.1. It shows that the normal range for males is 3.5 to 7.2! It is clearly close to being ...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question regarding serum uric acid levels, hyperuricemia is defined as a level greater than 7.0 mg/dL in men and greater than 6.0 mg/dL in women. The deposition of monosodium urate crystals in joint synovial fluid or other tissues leads to symptoms know...

Can Hyperthyroid Patients Continue Weight Training Safely?

Can patients with hyperthyroidism continue weight training? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if a person with hyperthyroidism can still engage in weight training. I usually take whey protein, BCAAs, and creatine... I forgot to ask my doctor during my last visit. Thank you.

Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Hello: After pharmacological treatment for hyperthyroidism, it can be controlled in a short period of time, and there are no specific lifestyle restrictions thereafter!

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