Understanding Starch Digestion Time and Food Emptying Rates
Starch digestion time 1. If a person consumes two slices of toast with a little strawberry jam, is it possible for most adults to have digested and emptied about 40% of that amount within 30 minutes from the start of eating? If it is not possible to digest and empty around 40% of...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, I am unclear about what you mean by "emptying" and which part you are referring to. After 30 minutes, most of the food is still in the stomach, and the proportion that enters the duodenum can vary significantly depending on individual physiology, making it diffic...[Read More] Understanding Starch Digestion Time and Food Emptying Rates
Ants Near the Toilet: Could It Indicate Diabetes Symptoms?
There are ants near the toilet? Hello doctor, my grandmother, her mother, and her brother all have diabetes, but my mother does not. Recently, I noticed a few ants (about 3 or 4) on the floor next to the toilet and on the toilet lid; it’s not a large number and they haven't ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If there is a family history of diabetes and there are ants around the toilet, it is advisable to visit a metabolic specialist to check fasting blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin to rule out the possibility of diabetes.[Read More] Ants Near the Toilet: Could It Indicate Diabetes Symptoms?
Understanding Height and Weight Changes in Aging: A Guide for Families
Mother's height and weight issues? Hello, doctor. My mother is 58 years old, and I would like to ask about her health check-up report. The report shows that her height and weight are normal, but she has been losing a few millimeters in height each year, totaling a decrease o...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If you experience a decrease in height, you can visit an orthopedic clinic to check for osteoporosis. If you have experienced weight loss, you can go to a metabolic clinic to check for diabetes or thyroid dysfunction.[Read More] Understanding Height and Weight Changes in Aging: A Guide for Families
Understanding Unintentional Weight Loss and Blood Pressure Concerns
Weight gradually decreases year by year? Hello, doctor. I apologize for asking you this question. I'm not sure if this is something for an internist. My mother is 58 years old. Although her weight is normal according to her health check report, it has decreased by 2 kilogram...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Weight loss can be evaluated at a metabolism clinic to check for thyroid antibodies or diabetes. A systolic blood pressure below 130 is preferable; it is advisable to reduce sodium intake and then monitor changes in blood pressure.[Read More] Understanding Unintentional Weight Loss and Blood Pressure Concerns
Managing Fluctuating Creatinine Levels: Causes and Solutions
What should be done if creatinine levels fluctuate and increase over a short period? In January 2020, the urea nitrogen level was 0.88, in July 2020 it was 1.22, in January 2021 it was 1.14, in February 2021 it was 0.98, and in April 2021 it was 1.26. There was foamy urine, but t...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on the data you provided, the calculated e-GFR (estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) values are 95, 66, 70, 84, and 63, which indeed show some variation. Recommendations are as follows: 1. If there is no proteinuria, a low-protein diet is not necessary at this time, but a ...[Read More] Managing Fluctuating Creatinine Levels: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Are You at Risk for Prediabetes?
Blood glucose level is 102, but glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is normal? Hello doctor, my height is 176 cm and my weight is 77 kg. My fasting blood glucose level is 102 mg/dL, but my hemoglobin A1c is 5.5%. Am I considered to be in the prediabetic range, or do I need to retest my f...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Fasting blood glucose levels exceeding 100 mg/dL raise concerns for prediabetes, and regular monitoring is necessary. Both hemoglobin A1c and fasting blood glucose have their respective reference values; no single number can provide complete assurance, so both should be considere...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Are You at Risk for Prediabetes?
Understanding Thyroid Issues: Should You Get Further Testing?
Thyroid issues Recently, I had a blood test for my thyroid due to issues with hand tremors, and my TSH level came back slightly low. Do I need to get further testing? I have been experiencing persistent low-grade fever, fatigue, insomnia, irritability, reduced menstrual flow, and...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: Further related tests for the thyroid gland can be conducted.[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Issues: Should You Get Further Testing?
Understanding Blood Sugar and Kidney Health: Key Insights for Patients
Regarding blood sugar and the kidneys? Hello, doctor. At the end of last month, I visited a nearby clinic due to a urinary tract infection. My postprandial blood glucose was measured at 217 (more than one hour after eating). After a blood test, my hemoglobin A1c was found to be 5...
Dr. Chen Jianyu Reply:
Your situation is complex, and it is difficult to convey through text, which may lead to misunderstandings. It is recommended to seek assistance from a specialist in endocrinology, nephrology, or urology. Thank you. 109.12.24[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar and Kidney Health: Key Insights for Patients
Understanding Creatinine Levels: Impact of Exercise and Hydration
Creatinine: Differences Before and After Exercise Hello Doctor, during the company health check, my creatinine level was found to be 1.38 mg/dL, and my glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was 63.9 mg/dL. My cholesterol level was 205 mg/dL. I am a carrier of hepatitis B, obese, and h...
Dr. Su Zhehong Reply:
Intense exercise or an increase in muscle mass can cause a slight rise in creatinine levels, which does not necessarily indicate a decline in kidney function. If the levels are not continuously rising or accompanied by proteinuria, it is generally acceptable to monitor the situat...[Read More] Understanding Creatinine Levels: Impact of Exercise and Hydration
Understanding Your Cholesterol and Blood Sugar Levels: Key Insights
Issues with blood lipids and blood glucose? Hello Dr. Lin, I have a few questions regarding my blood sugar and lipid levels. Below are my test results from two health check-ups spaced seven months apart: - Total Cholesterol (TCH): 235 mg/dL, 256 mg/dL (Reference value: <200)...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
1. According to your Glu AC and HbA1C, they are currently within the standard range. 2. Whether you need to take lipid-lowering medication depends on other risk factors, such as a family history of cerebrovascular disease or cardiovascular disease, among others. 3. It is currentl...[Read More] Understanding Your Cholesterol and Blood Sugar Levels: Key Insights
Understanding Esophageal Sensitivity and Its Impact on Induced Vomiting
Esophageal sensitivity? Hello, doctor. I have a question about a friend who seems to be using vomiting as a weight loss method. I'm curious if eating food without any liquids makes it difficult to vomit. Even if she can vomit, would it only be a small amount because the food...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, inducing vomiting can be easy primarily due to the sensitivity of the throat, which varies from person to person. Long-term vomiting can lead to gastroesophageal reflux, resulting in esophageal burns. Prolonged injury to the esophagus may increase the risk of esophageal ca...[Read More] Understanding Esophageal Sensitivity and Its Impact on Induced Vomiting
Understanding Declining GFR: When to See a Nephrologist?
The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) has been continuously declining? I would like to inquire about my health check report. My glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is 78, creatinine is 1.09, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is 13.2, and uric acid is 4.9. All other reports are normal, and th...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Hello: The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a variable value. If the GFR is <60 ml/min and persists for more than three months, the likelihood of a diagnosis of renal failure is high. If the GFR is >60 and there are no other pathological findings (such as renal biopsy), ...[Read More] Understanding Declining GFR: When to See a Nephrologist?
Am I at Risk for Diabetes? Understanding Symptoms and Dietary Habits
Am I at risk for diabetes? I am 179 cm tall and weigh 54 kg. Since I contracted pneumonia at the age of 12, I have been experiencing irritable bowel syndrome and fatigue. No matter what I eat, I can't gain weight. After a car accident at 14, I began to show symptoms of traum...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the risk of diabetes is very complex and includes factors such as body composition and genetics, which cannot be generalized. However, it is recommended to reduce the intake of sugary beverages and increase physical activity, as these measures can indeed lower the risk. Ad...[Read More] Am I at Risk for Diabetes? Understanding Symptoms and Dietary Habits
Understanding Lymphedema in Dialysis Patients: Causes and Treatment Options
Lymphedema caused by dialysis? Hello Doctor: My father has a long history of dialysis due to a family history of hereditary diseases. As a result of the dialysis, he frequently experiences various side effects (such as weight loss, dizziness, low blood pressure, nausea, diarrhea,...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Due to the lack of direct examination of the patient, it is difficult to distinguish what you refer to as "lymphedema" from the "general edema" seen in dialysis patients. If it is general edema in dialysis patients, enhancing dehydration should resolve the iss...[Read More] Understanding Lymphedema in Dialysis Patients: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Consistent Hemoglobin A1c Levels of 5.7: Causes and Management
Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) 5.7? Hello, Doctor: If I have been testing my hemoglobin A1c and fasting blood glucose every 3-6 months over the past few years, with the hemoglobin A1c consistently at 5.7 and normal fasting blood glucose (around 90), and my BMI has been stable at 16....
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If there are doubts about the accuracy of glycated hemoglobin, one can also have glycated albumin tested at a major hospital as a reference.[Read More] Understanding Consistent Hemoglobin A1c Levels of 5.7: Causes and Management
Navigating Endocrine Issues: Finding the Right Specialist for Your Health
Endocrine issues Hello, Doctor: Our family has a history of diabetes and thyroid nodules, but I seem to be the unluckiest one. After undergoing thyroid cancer surgery, I have been taking thyroid hormone (levothyroxine), which causes my heart rate to be consistently between 110 an...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on the situation you described, it is indeed necessary to conduct a detailed examination of the thyroid. I recommend visiting the endocrinology department at a major hospital. You can refer to the outpatient schedule to find a physician who specializes in thyroid dis...[Read More] Navigating Endocrine Issues: Finding the Right Specialist for Your Health
Understanding Sebaceous Gland Disorders: Symptoms and Specialist Guidance
Sebaceous gland abnormalities Symptoms: 1. Several small white spots on the inner side of the lips (appeared at the end of October, confirmed by a dentist as sebaceous glands). 2. Dense small white spots on the upper eyelids and around the eyes (have been present for some time, c...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Excessive hair loss and weight loss can be evaluated for thyroid function abnormalities, while sebaceous gland issues should be referred to a dermatologist.[Read More] Understanding Sebaceous Gland Disorders: Symptoms and Specialist Guidance
Understanding Potential Diabetes and PCOS: Symptoms and Management
Suspected diabetes / polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) issues? Hello, Doctor. I apologize for the lengthy explanation, and I appreciate your patience. About mid-last year, I consulted an endocrinologist because I felt that my weight loss efforts were ineffective, and I suspected i...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
You can discuss your condition and how to monitor it with your physician. Most doctors are willing to engage in a collaborative discussion with you, but please clearly communicate your concerns. You may eat between meals, but it is important to avoid foods that could affect your ...[Read More] Understanding Potential Diabetes and PCOS: Symptoms and Management
Understanding Foamy Urine: When to Worry About Kidney Health
I would like to ask the doctor about the issue of foamy urine? Hello, doctor. Recently, I noticed that there are always bubbles in my urine. I searched for some information online, but I'm not sure if it's accurate. Some articles suggest that the first urine in the morn...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Hello: Whether or not there is foamy urine, please go to the hospital for testing to ensure accuracy. Creatinine (cre): 1.01; it is necessary to calculate the estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) which should be eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73m²; and it must remain so when compare...[Read More] Understanding Foamy Urine: When to Worry About Kidney Health
Managing Cholesterol and Wound Care: Your Health Questions Answered
Two questions? Hello Doctor, I received my health check results today as school is starting. The only red flags were a heart rate of 92 and a cholesterol level of 219. I would like to ask if there are any methods to lower cholesterol. I feel that my weight is not high, but this c...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding your health check-up, a heart rate of 92 is still within the normal physiological range, and a liver enzyme level of 37 is also within normal limits, so there is no need to worry. The only thing you should consider is your cholesterol level of 219; it is recommen...[Read More] Managing Cholesterol and Wound Care: Your Health Questions Answered