Q&A with Top Doctors

When should people with high blood sugar start exercising after a meal?

For individuals with high blood sugar, low-intensity exercises such as walking can be performed about 30 minutes after a meal. Such activity will not加重 the burden on the gastrointestinal tract and may aid digestion and nutrient absorption.

Moderate-intensity exercises, such as brisk walking, jogging, or cycling, are recommended to start about one hour after eating. This timing helps avoid digestive issues caused by uneven blood flow during exercise. For vigorous activities like long-distance running or swimming, it's best to wait at least two hours after a meal. This ensures sufficient digestion and reduces the negative impact of exercise on the gastrointestinal system.

The intensity and type of exercise should be adjusted according to individual health conditions and medical advice to avoid risks such as hypoglycemia. Regular physical activity at an appropriate time after meals can help improve blood sugar control and enhance overall health.

Exercising immediately after eating may cause indigestion or discomfort, while waiting too long might miss the optimal window for blood sugar regulation. Individuals with specific health concerns should follow their doctor's recommendations regarding the timing and type of exercise.

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Dr. Liu Feng
May 28, 2025
What is the normal blood glucose level 1.5 hours after a meal?

One and a half hours after a meal, the normal postprandial blood glucose level should typically be below 11.1 mmol/L.

Postprandial blood glucose levels are influenced by multiple factors, including types of food consumed, portion sizes, and individual metabolic conditions. Therefore, postprandial blood glucose values serve only as a reference range and cannot be used as the sole criterion for diagnosing diabetes.

It should be noted that patients already diagnosed with diabetes may have different postprandial blood glucose control targets and should follow individualized guidance from their physicians. Additionally, blood glucose monitoring results can be affected by various factors including diet, physical activity, and medications. Thus, it is recommended to perform regular monitoring and adjust lifestyle and treatment plans under medical supervision.

In daily life, maintaining a low-sugar and low-fat diet and engaging in appropriate physical activity are recommended to help improve conditions. Regarding diet, it is advised to consume foods rich in protein, various vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, such as eggs, lean meats, tomatoes, and apples, which can provide necessary energy and help maintain overall health.

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Dr. Liu Feng
May 28, 2025
What does blood glucose (GLU) mean?

Blood glucose (GLU) usually refers to the abbreviation for blood glucose, indicating the concentration of glucose in the blood.

Glucose is the primary energy source for the human body, and the normalcy of blood glucose levels directly affects overall health. The normal fasting blood glucose range for a healthy individual is typically 3.9–6.1 mmol/L. If fasting blood glucose exceeds 6.1 mmol/L but does not exceed 7.0 mmol/L, it indicates elevated blood glucose, and attention should be given to dietary control and increased physical activity. The normal blood glucose level two hours after a meal should be below 7.8 mmol/L; if it exceeds 11.1 mmol/L, it may meet the diagnostic criteria for diabetes.

When blood glucose levels remain consistently above the normal range, it may indicate diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance. Conversely, levels below the normal range can lead to hypoglycemia. Understanding blood glucose levels is important for diagnosing diabetes, assessing glycemic control, and preventing diabetic complications. In medical testing, it helps physicians accurately understand a patient's glucose metabolism, enabling disease diagnosis and treatment, and preventing the occurrence of complications.

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Dr. Liu Feng
May 28, 2025
How long is the shelf life of blood glucose test strips?

The expiration date of blood glucose test strips is usually clearly indicated on the packaging, generally ranging from 18 to 24 months.

The specific shelf life of blood glucose test strips should be determined by referring to the manufacturer's instructions, as some strips may have expiration dates of 8 months, 12 months, 18 months, or 24 months. During the shelf life, the strips should be stored in a dry, cool place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures to ensure their accuracy and stability. Expired or improperly stored test strips may affect the accuracy of test results, leading to falsely high or low blood glucose readings, which can impact diabetes management and treatment decisions.

In addition, once the blood glucose test strips are opened, they become susceptible to environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and chemicals, which may cause them to become ineffective. It is recommended to follow the manufacturer's guidelines, as the usable lifespan typically shortens to approximately 3 months after opening.

In daily life, test strips should be stored properly, avoiding direct sunlight and refrigeration. The opening date should be marked after opening to prevent the use of expired blood glucose test strips.

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Dr. Liu Feng
May 28, 2025
How to consume Cassia seeds for lowering blood sugar

Cassia seed, as a traditional herbal medicine, has received some attention for its role in assisting blood sugar regulation.

In traditional Chinese medicine theory, it is believed to have functions of clearing liver heat, improving vision, and moistening the intestines to relieve constipation. However, its effect in lowering blood sugar is limited and it cannot replace standard anti-diabetic medications. Common methods of consuming cassia seed include steeping or boiling in water.

When preparing as an infusion, take 10-15 grams of cassia seed (approximately a small handful), pour boiling water over it, and let it steep for 10-15 minutes. It can be consumed as tea and re-steeped 2-3 times. If boiling, place the cassia seeds in a pot, add about 500 ml of water, bring to a boil, then simmer for 15-20 minutes. Allow to cool slightly before drinking.

It should be noted that cassia seed is slightly cold in nature, and the active ingredients may not easily extract when steeped directly in hot water. After being stir-fried, its properties become milder and the active components are more easily extracted. It is recommended to gently stir-fry the cassia seeds in a low flame until they turn light yellow and emit an aroma before use, to reduce irritation to the stomach and spleen.

During consumption, monitor blood glucose levels regularly to observe the effects of cassia seed tea and any bodily reactions, and adjust the consumption plan accordingly. Patients should also pay attention to dietary control, avoid high-sugar foods, and engage in appropriate physical exercise to aid in blood sugar management.

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Dr. Liu Feng
May 28, 2025
Anemia Dietary Therapy Recipes for Women

Jujubes and wolfberries are rich in iron, while chicken provides high-quality protein, helping to increase hemoglobin levels. Simmer jujubes, wolfberries, and chicken pieces together and season before consumption. Consume pork liver porridge, made with 100-150 grams of pork liver and 100 grams of glutinous rice, cooked with an appropriate amount of scallions, ginger, oil, and salt into a thin porridge. This porridge has functions of nourishing the blood, benefiting the liver, and improving vision.

Black beans are rich in iron and protein, while pig trotters are high in collagen, which helps improve blood quality. Soak black beans in advance and stew them together with pig trotters, season and consume. Brown sugar is rich in iron, and ginger promotes blood circulation. Boil brown sugar and ginger slices in hot water, adjust to an appropriate concentration, and drink.

Cook and consume a soup made with 400 grams of goat meat and 25 grams each of Astragalus (Huangqi), Codonopsis (Dangshen), and Chinese angelica (Danggui). This soup is especially suitable for patients with anemia caused by spleen and kidney yang deficiency. Additionally, supplementing with vitamin C is also important as it helps the body absorb iron more effectively. Recommended foods include citrus fruits, strawberries, spinach, and broccoli.

Walnuts and sesame seeds both contain certain amounts of iron and unsaturated fatty acids, which are beneficial for improving anemia. Grind walnuts and sesame seeds into powder, mix with an appropriate amount of brown sugar and water, stir well, and cook before consumption.

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Dr. Liu Feng
May 28, 2025
Which indicators should be checked in a routine blood test and blood lipid test?

Blood routine mainly focuses on formed elements in the blood, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, to assess the health status of the blood. Blood lipid tests primarily include total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein.

Total cholesterol (TC) reflects the total cholesterol content in all lipoproteins in the blood. Triglycerides are the main component of adipose tissue; high triglyceride levels may be associated with an increased risk of pancreatitis and cardiovascular diseases.

High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) is often called "good cholesterol" because it helps remove cholesterol from blood vessel walls. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is considered "bad cholesterol," as high levels are associated with increased risks of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases.

Blood routine tests are primarily used to assess the health status of the hematologic system, while blood lipid tests focus on the prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases. If you experience any discomfort or symptoms, it is recommended to seek medical attention at a hospital promptly and follow the doctor's instructions for appropriate management.

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Dr. Liu Feng
May 28, 2025
What letter is used in medicine to denote blood sugar?

Blood glucose levels are usually represented by the English abbreviation "BG" (Blood Glucose). However, in clinical laboratory reports, blood glucose measurement results are often labeled directly as "Glucose" or its symbol "Glu".

Fasting blood glucose levels are commonly denoted as "FBG" or "FPG," whereas blood glucose levels two hours after a meal are indicated by "PBG." In diabetes management and research literature, terms such as "FPG" (Fasting Plasma Glucose) and "2hPG" (2-hour Postprandial Glucose) are frequently used to more precisely describe blood glucose levels under different conditions.

Additionally, "NGR" stands for normal glucose regulation, "IFG" for impaired fasting glucose, "IGT" for impaired glucose tolerance, "DM" for diabetes mellitus, "DKA" for diabetic ketoacidosis, "HHS" for hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state, "hypoglycemia" for low blood sugar, and "OGTT" for oral glucose tolerance test.

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Dr. Liu Feng
May 28, 2025
How long should one fast for fasting blood glucose?

Fasting blood glucose refers to the blood glucose level measured after an overnight fast of at least 8 hours.

During this period, no caloric food or beverages should be consumed, except for water. This is because after eating, sugars from food are absorbed into the bloodstream, causing blood glucose levels to rise. The fasting state avoids this influence, thereby more accurately reflecting the basal insulin secretion status and hepatic glucose output, which aids in diagnosing diabetes, evaluating pancreatic function, and monitoring treatment effectiveness.

It is recommended to start timing from the end of dinner and maintain a fasting state until blood collection the next morning. For example, if dinner is consumed between 18:00 and 19:00, blood collection can be scheduled between 06:00 and 09:00 the following day, ensuring an interval of at least 8 hours but not exceeding 12 hours.

Fasting for less than 8 hours or longer than 12 hours may affect the accuracy of blood glucose measurements. Therefore, patients preparing for a fasting blood glucose test should strictly control the fasting duration. Standardized fasting duration and preparation measures are key to ensuring accurate fasting blood glucose test results.

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Dr. Liu Feng
May 28, 2025
How many days are required to regulate blood sugar levels?

The time required to regulate blood glucose varies from person to person, mainly depending on the degree of elevated blood glucose, the presence of complications, and the type of intervention. Generally, it may take anywhere from two weeks to three months.

For patients newly diagnosed with mild hyperglycemia and no serious complications, blood glucose levels may improve within 2–4 weeks if strict dietary control and increased physical activity are implemented. Blood glucose may then stabilize near the normal range (fasting glucose 4.4–7.0 mmol/L, postprandial glucose <10 mmol/L) within 1–2 months.

If blood glucose levels are significantly elevated—for example, fasting glucose >11.1 mmol/L, accompanied by ketosis or HbA1c >9%, or combined with metabolic abnormalities such as obesity, hypertension, or dyslipidemia—medications such as metformin or GLP-1 receptor agonists are usually required, along with lifestyle modifications. In such cases, regulation may take 2–3 months.

In stress conditions such as infections, surgery, pregnancy, or in patients with special types of diabetes such as MODY, the blood glucose control period may be longer. The underlying condition should be addressed first, followed by gradual adjustment of glucose levels.

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Dr. Liu Feng
May 28, 2025