Understanding Acanthosis Nigricans and Blood Sugar Levels: A Guide
Blood sugar exceeds? Hello, doctor. I am currently 176 cm tall and at my heaviest, I weighed 103 kg. I have now reduced my weight to 89 kg and am continuing to lose weight. My body fat percentage is 23% (down from 32% at my heaviest) and my visceral fat is 12 (down from 16 at my ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Hello: If you have acanthosis nigricans, it is recommended to test for hemoglobin A1c. If the result is between 5.7 and 6.4, it indicates prediabetes.[Read More] Understanding Acanthosis Nigricans and Blood Sugar Levels: A Guide
Assessing Kidney Function and Medication Safety for Hair Transplant Patients
Consultation on kidney function tests and medication after hair transplantation? Hello, Doctor. I am 31 years old with a creatinine level of 1.1 and an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 82.9. At 27 years old, my creatinine was 1.2 with an eGFR of 77.8, and at 26 year...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
I usually love to eat meat and consume very few vegetables, but next month I will undergo hair transplantation. The hair transplant physician advised me to take Boscal (1/3) and also to add a blood pressure medication, Lornidine 10 mg (1/4 is 2.5 mg). He mentioned that this medic...[Read More] Assessing Kidney Function and Medication Safety for Hair Transplant Patients
Concerns About Undercooked Pork: Symptoms and Parasitic Infection Risks
Undercooked pork consumption issues? Hello, doctor. Before the Qingming Festival, I dined at a Japanese pork cutlet chain restaurant and noticed that some pieces of meat seemed undercooked. The symptoms I experienced are as follows: 1. After returning home, I did not have any sig...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: Parasites in raw pork typically die after freezing, so unless you are consuming freshly slaughtered and cooked pork chops, the likelihood of contracting parasites from undercooked pork in Taiwan is quite low. Given the current COVID-19 pandemic, it is more appropriate to f...[Read More] Concerns About Undercooked Pork: Symptoms and Parasitic Infection Risks
Understanding Lung Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Next Steps
Lung cancer issues? My husband was diagnosed with malignant liver cancer (stage II) last August. The tumor pressed against the diaphragm, so a small portion was surgically removed. Since March of this year, he has been experiencing persistent shortness of breath, occasional fever...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is likely that a weakened immune system has led to a lung infection or inflammation. Whether there is emphysema or lung cancer requires further examination for confirmation. Typically, your condition is indeed managed by a pulmonologist; howev...[Read More] Understanding Lung Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Next Steps
Understanding Glucose Tolerance Test Results and Diabetes Risk
Glucose tolerance test Dear Doctor, I recently underwent a glucose tolerance test at the hospital, and the results are as follows: Hemoglobin A1c 5.5%, OGTT: Fasting—96 mg/dL; 30 minutes—167 mg/dL; 60 minutes—212 mg/dL; 90 minutes—174 mg/dL; 120 minutes—132 mg/dL. The outpatient...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) is more closely associated with early and late insulin secretion deficiencies. If there are abnormalities in the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), it can be confirmed again the next day. The diagnostic criteria for diabetes are: (1) sympt...[Read More] Understanding Glucose Tolerance Test Results and Diabetes Risk
Understanding Thyroid Issues: Low Free T4 and TSH Levels Explained
Thyroid issues Hello, doctor. I am 20 years old, with a height of 160 cm and a weight of about 48 kg. I have lost 10 kg in just one year. Recently, I had a blood test for my thyroid, and my Free T4 level was 0.76 and my TSH level was 0.695, both of which appear to be low. I did s...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if you have hyperthyroidism, free T4 levels would be elevated and TSH levels would be decreased. Conversely, if you have hypothyroidism, the opposite would be true. Your blood test results suggest that your significant weight loss may not be due to a thyroid issue. I would...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Issues: Low Free T4 and TSH Levels Explained
Understanding Slightly Low Complement C3 Levels in Healthy Individuals
The complement C3 level is slightly low in a normal individual? Hello Doctor, The results of my health check report show that both the anti-nuclear antibody and specific antibodies are negative. Complement C3: 86.8 (reference value 87-120), Complement C4: 19.1 (reference value ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. What could cause a slightly low complement level in a normal healthy person? --> Complement proteins are produced by the liver, so liver disease can lead to decreased complement levels. In a healthy individual, it ...[Read More] Understanding Slightly Low Complement C3 Levels in Healthy Individuals
Managing Diabetes: Weight Loss, Diet, and Cholesterol Control
Diabetes, Weight, and Diet Last October, I was diagnosed with diabetes and started medication—Metformin. At the end of November, I began intermittent fasting (16:8) to lose weight, eating only lunch and dinner. During my follow-up appointment in February, my weight decreased from...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: Avoid consuming items that contain refined sugars, such as candies, sodas, cakes, etc. Instead, try to choose less sweet fruits, such as firm guavas and large tomatoes. You should also discuss with your physician how many calories you can reasonably consume each day based ...[Read More] Managing Diabetes: Weight Loss, Diet, and Cholesterol Control
Managing High Fasting Blood Sugar and Cholesterol Levels: A Guide
Health check-up shows elevated fasting blood glucose levels? Hello Doctor, I had a health check-up in 2021 with a fasting blood glucose level of 100 mg/dL and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol of 139 mg/dL. On January 15, 2022, my fasting blood glucose was 112 mg/dL and t...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to avoid foods and beverages that contain alcohol. Fruits and carbohydrate-rich foods, such as desserts, can also lead to issues with blood sugar and blood lipids. It is advised to have a controlled diet for breakfast, and to exercise regularly and consis...[Read More] Managing High Fasting Blood Sugar and Cholesterol Levels: A Guide
Is Drinking Licorice Juice Daily Harmful to My Mother's Health?
Is it harmful for my mom to drink licorice root juice as if it were water? Hello Dr. Wu, my mother was born in 1938 and underwent thyroid surgery thirty years ago. She received chemotherapy and radiation therapy for nasopharyngeal cancer over twenty years ago, which resulted in i...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on your inquiry, excessive consumption of licorice juice may lead to hypokalemia. Additionally, considering the issue of edema, it is recommended to consult a nephrologist to clarify your condition. Thank you for your question; the Nephrology Department at Changhua Hospital...[Read More] Is Drinking Licorice Juice Daily Harmful to My Mother's Health?
Understanding Kidney Function: Interpreting Your Blood Test Results
Kidney problems? Hello Doctor, I recently had a blood test and my kidney function indicators were slightly elevated: Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) was 17 (normal range is within 20), Creatinine was 1.16 (normal range is within 1.20), and Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) was 83 (norma...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on the slight changes in your blood test results, particularly in creatinine levels, it is suggested that this may be due to mild dehydration. It is recommended to maintain a regular habit of drinking water, engage in consistent exercise, and follow a regular daily r...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Function: Interpreting Your Blood Test Results
Understanding High Cholesterol: The Role of HDL and Health Risks
High cholesterol Hello, my mother is currently 61 years old and recently had a health check-up with the following results: height 167 cm, weight 51 kg, BMI 18.3, blood pressure 138/81, pulse 75, blood glucose 102 (slightly elevated), triglycerides 51, cholesterol 322 (severely el...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: High total cholesterol can be partly attributed to high-density lipoprotein (HDL), while low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is a significant factor contributing to cardiovascular disease. Whether or not to take medication depends on health insurance regulations, which consider ...[Read More] Understanding High Cholesterol: The Role of HDL and Health Risks
Understanding Creatinine Levels: Concerns About Kidney Health
Confusion Regarding Blood Test Report for Serum Creatinine Hello Doctor, I am 37 years old, weigh 75 kg, and am 167 cm tall. I have symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease and Barrett's esophagus, for which I have been taking proton pump inhibitors (such as Pantoprazole)...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
1. According to your inquiry, first, it is important to understand the definition of chronic kidney disease (CKD). It can be classified as stage 1 or stage 2 when the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is greater than 60 mL/min/1.73 m² and there are abnormalities in urine or imagin...[Read More] Understanding Creatinine Levels: Concerns About Kidney Health
Understanding Sudden Decline in Kidney Function: Causes and Concerns
Acute decline in renal function? At the end of the year, my health check revealed a blood urea nitrogen level of 13, creatinine level of 1.7, urine protein negative, specific gravity of 1.030, and blood pressure of 126/71. Over the past years, my health check results have remaine...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
According to your inquiry: 1. If the health check has confirmed low vitamin D levels, please proceed with vitamin D supplementation. 2. If you experienced diarrhea about a month prior to the health check, it is indeed possible that dehydration may have caused changes in kidney fu...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Decline in Kidney Function: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Low Lipase Levels: What Does a Result of 8 Mean?
Low lipase levels in blood? I just saw that in my previous blood test, the lipase level was marked in red, showing only 8. Could you tell me if there is a problem with this result?
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, elevated lipase levels may indicate possible pancreatitis. Conversely, low lipase levels do not necessarily indicate a specific disease; for example, the use of certain medications or being underweight can also lead to low lipase levels. As long as there are no discomforti...[Read More] Understanding Low Lipase Levels: What Does a Result of 8 Mean?
Understanding Microalbuminuria: Causes, Risks, and Treatment Options
Microalbumin Hello Doctor, During my health check on January 3rd, I found that my "urine microalbumin (UMA)" test result was 41.3 mg/L, with a normal range of 0-20 mg/L. Additionally, I have gallbladder polyps, prostatic calcifications, weakly positive urine ketones, ...
Dr. He Yonghe Reply:
Hello Mr. Li, Gallbladder polyps should be monitored at least once every six months, and urine protein should be tracked together. There's no need to worry; you can return to Taiwan for follow-up.[Read More] Understanding Microalbuminuria: Causes, Risks, and Treatment Options
Understanding High Cholesterol in Underweight Individuals: A 22-Year-Old's Case
Very thin with high cholesterol? Hello doctor, I am 22 years old, 176 cm tall, and weigh 49 kg, which is quite thin. However, my total cholesterol is 201, which exceeds the standard. Due to my work schedule, I often have irregular sleeping patterns and eat convenience store food....
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
In response to your inquiry regarding oral isotretinoin, it is important to note that a small percentage of patients may experience an increase in blood lipids. It is advisable to monitor lipid levels after discontinuing the medication; if levels decrease, this may indicate a rel...[Read More] Understanding High Cholesterol in Underweight Individuals: A 22-Year-Old's Case
Significant Drop in eGFR: Should You Be Concerned About Kidney Health?
The most recent test showed a significant decrease in glomerular filtration rate (GFR)? Hello, Doctor. I am currently 29 years old, 153 cm tall, and weigh 50 kg. Last year, during a company health check, I was found to have elevated fasting blood glucose levels (118), but my hemo...
Dr. He Yonghe Reply:
Hello Ms. Wang, drinking less water can also lead to a decrease in eGFR. Generally, 2500-3000 cc per day should be sufficient. If your cholesterol is elevated, dietary changes and exercise can help improve it. You may consider visiting an internal medicine specialist for further ...[Read More] Significant Drop in eGFR: Should You Be Concerned About Kidney Health?
Navigating Unexplained Symptoms: A Guide to Possible Vasculitis Diagnosis
I'm not sure where to look? The patient has experienced abnormal sensations in the left limb for approximately two years and has had persistent hematuria for over three years, although kidney examinations have returned normal results. There is a mild Raynaud's phenomeno...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Based on your symptoms, I believe it may still be an issue related to immunology or rheumatology. I recommend that you first visit the immunology and rheumatology department at a medical center, where they can arrange for more detailed examinati...[Read More] Navigating Unexplained Symptoms: A Guide to Possible Vasculitis Diagnosis
Understanding Frequent Urination and Dry Mouth: Possible Causes and Solutions
Medical consultation Recently, I've been experiencing sudden dry mouth and frequent urination. Chewing gum helps a bit. What could be the issue? (I haven't been eating much, and my weight is normal.)
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Symptoms of excessive thirst and frequent urination may warrant a visit to the endocrinology department to check for elevated blood glucose levels.[Read More] Understanding Frequent Urination and Dry Mouth: Possible Causes and Solutions