Q&A with Top Doctors

Will a blood sugar level of 6.17 develop into diabetes?

A blood glucose level of 6.17 mmol/L may develop into diabetes, primarily depending on subsequent blood glucose management and individual lifestyle habits.

A blood glucose level of 6.17 mmol/L is already close to the range of "impaired fasting glucose" (IFG), which refers to a fasting blood glucose level between 5.6-6.9 mmol/L. This indicates a possibility of being in the prediabetic stage, and without implementing measures such as dietary control and lifestyle interventions like increased physical activity, the risk of developing diabetes in the future is relatively high.

To prevent the onset of diabetes, proactive lifestyle interventions are necessary. These include improving dietary composition, reducing intake of high-sugar and high-fat foods, and increasing consumption of vegetables, fruits, and dietary fiber. At the same time, maintaining appropriate physical activity and keeping body weight within a normal range are important. Additionally, maintaining good sleep patterns and avoiding excessive fatigue and late nights are also essential.

It is recommended to monitor blood glucose regularly, perform an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) when necessary, and consult with a healthcare professional to develop a personalized health management plan.

avatar
Dr. Liu Feng
May 28, 2025
Which finger is standard for measuring blood glucose?

When measuring blood glucose, it is generally recommended to prioritize blood collection from the ring finger or little finger.

The ring finger and little finger are used less frequently, and have relatively fewer pain nerve endings, which can reduce discomfort during blood collection. However, in fact, any finger can be used for blood glucose monitoring. The key is to ensure that the blood collection site varies each time to avoid local infection or the formation of hard nodules. In addition, correct blood collection techniques and disinfection measures are also important to reduce the risk of infection after blood collection.

However, in some special circumstances, such as when there are wounds, infections, or poor blood circulation in the fingers, alternative sites such as the palm or forearm may be selected for blood glucose testing. It should be noted that blood glucose values from these alternative sites may differ from those obtained from the fingertips. Therefore, when using non-traditional sites for blood glucose monitoring, consultation with healthcare professionals is necessary to ensure the accuracy of the monitoring results.

During blood glucose testing, it is important to keep the fingers clean, use the second drop of blood for testing, and avoid excessive squeezing of the finger to ensure the accuracy of the measurement results.

avatar
Dr. Liu Feng
May 28, 2025
Is a blood sugar level of 137 mg/dL considered serious?

A blood glucose level of 137 mg/dL should be evaluated based on specific circumstances to determine its severity.

If it's a fasting blood glucose level, 137 mg/dL is above the normal range but has not yet reached the diagnostic criteria for diabetes, falling within the prediabetic range. If it's a random blood glucose level, 137 mg/dL is also above normal but does not meet the diagnostic threshold for diabetes. If it's a 2-hour postprandial glucose level, 137 mg/dL is below the diagnostic threshold for diabetes but still above the normal range, also indicating prediabetes.

It is recommended to undergo further testing, such as 2-hour postprandial glucose and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), to determine whether prediabetes or diabetes is present. If prediabetes is diagnosed, lifestyle modifications, such as dietary changes and increased physical activity, can effectively reduce the risk of developing diabetes.

In daily life, it is advisable to monitor blood glucose regularly and adjust lifestyle habits promptly, including maintaining regular作息 (作息 should be translated as "作息" is not fully translatable literally, but refers to maintaining a regular routine), adopting a low-sugar diet, and avoiding the long-term harmful effects of high blood glucose on the body.

avatar
Dr. Liu Feng
May 28, 2025
What does two plus signs for blood sugar mean?

In general, two plus signs for blood glucose indicate that the blood glucose concentration in the body has exceeded the normal range and is at a high level.

Two plus signs for blood glucose typically appear in urine glucose test results, indicating that the glucose content in the urine exceeds the normal range. In clinical testing, the "+" symbol represents the degree of positive reaction, and two plus signs indicate a moderate urine glucose positive result, suggesting the patient may have hyperglycemia. This could be a sign of diabetes, or it could be caused by other diseases or conditions resulting in temporary high blood sugar, such as reduced renal threshold, stress conditions, or pancreatic dysfunction.

A single blood glucose test result cannot serve as the sole basis for diagnosing a disease; it needs to be evaluated in conjunction with other tests and assessments. It is recommended that when two plus signs for blood glucose appear, the patient should seek medical attention promptly for further examination and treatment to ensure effective control of blood glucose levels.

In daily life, it is recommended that patients regularly monitor their blood glucose levels and follow a low-sugar diet to help stabilize blood glucose levels.

avatar
Dr. Liu Feng
May 28, 2025
When to measure the four-point blood glucose

Blood glucose monitoring at four time points refers to measuring blood glucose at four key moments during the day, aiming to comprehensively understand a patient's blood glucose control.

Fasting blood glucose is measured after awakening in the morning, following at least eight hours without food intake, to evaluate basal insulin levels and overnight glucose control. Pre-meal blood glucose is measured before each meal, helping to assess the effects of diet, exercise, and medications on blood glucose levels, as well as to adjust pre-meal insulin dosage.

Postprandial blood glucose is measured two hours after the first bite of breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The normal reference range is below 7.7 mmol/L. Blood glucose measured before bedtime helps to understand overall fluctuations throughout the day, ensuring stable nighttime glucose levels and preventing hypoglycemia.

Through monitoring, doctors can more accurately evaluate a patient's overall blood glucose control. Patients should maintain a light diet and avoid consuming spicy or irritating foods such as garlic, hot pot, and mustard. Additionally, adequate rest is important and excessive fatigue should be avoided to maintain overall health.

avatar
Dr. Liu Feng
May 28, 2025
How long after getting angry can you check your blood sugar?

To obtain a more accurate blood glucose reading, it is recommended to wait at least half an hour to an hour after emotional excitement has subsided before performing a blood glucose test.

When angry or experiencing other intense emotions, the body releases stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, which can elevate blood glucose levels to provide extra energy to cope with stress. Therefore, measuring blood glucose immediately after anger may yield a higher reading that does not necessarily reflect the baseline blood glucose level.

Fasting blood glucose tests typically require no food intake for 12 hours and are performed in the morning before drinking or eating. Therefore, if you have experienced anger but meet the above fasting conditions, a fasting blood glucose test can still be conducted. Emotional excitement may affect blood glucose levels, but this impact is usually transient and has a relatively smaller effect on fasting blood glucose.

If you are concerned that emotional excitement might affect your blood glucose, it is recommended to perform the blood glucose test after your emotions have stabilized and to closely monitor any changes in blood glucose levels.

avatar
Dr. Liu Feng
May 28, 2025
How long does it take for blood sugar test results to come out?

The time required for blood glucose results primarily depends on the testing method. If it is a finger-prick blood glucose test, it usually takes a few minutes. However, if it is a venous blood glucose test, results may take several hours.

The finger-prick test uses a blood glucose meter to measure blood from the fingertip. This method is fast and convenient, suitable for patients needing immediate knowledge of their blood glucose levels, with results available within minutes. In contrast, venous blood testing must be conducted at a hospital, where instruments analyze glucose levels in plasma. The reporting time for this method is longer, typically taking several hours.

Please note that these timeframes are only estimates. Actual reporting times may vary depending on healthcare facilities and workload. If the blood glucose results are abnormal or unclear, timely consultation with a doctor is recommended. Combining clinical symptoms and other test results can help formulate an individualized treatment plan for optimal disease management.

In daily life, it is advisable to monitor blood glucose regularly and adjust dietary patterns promptly to maintain stable blood glucose levels.

avatar
Dr. Liu Feng
May 28, 2025
What type of tube is used for drawing blood for glycated hemoglobin testing?

Testing for glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is an important indicator for assessing long-term blood glucose control, especially in diabetic patients. From a professional standpoint, this test typically involves collecting blood using a purple-top anticoagulant tube (EDTA-K2 tube).

This is because the measurement of glycated hemoglobin requires prevention of red blood cell rupture. The purple-top anticoagulant tube effectively prevents this situation. EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) is an effective anticoagulant that prevents blood clotting while maintaining the integrity of red blood cells, which helps ensure accurate HbA1c measurements.

Using EDTA anticoagulant tubes can avoid test result inaccuracies caused by blood coagulation or red blood cell damage. It is worth noting that after sample collection, specimens should be sent for testing as soon as possible to minimize any changes during specimen handling and thereby ensure the reliability of the test results.

In addition, laboratory technicians should also follow strict operating procedures when handling specimens. If fasting blood glucose or other related tests are not being performed simultaneously, patients do not need to fast for the glycated hemoglobin test.

avatar
Dr. Liu Feng
May 28, 2025
Is a platelet count of 23×10^9/L severe?

A platelet count of 23×10^9/L is generally quite serious, indicating a severe reduction, which may be caused by serious hematologic disorders.

The normal platelet count should be between 100-300×10^9/L, while a platelet count of 23×10^9/L is far below this standard. This may indicate serious blood system diseases such as immune thrombocytopenic purpura, aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndrome, or infectious diseases.

Patients may experience symptoms such as skin petechiae, ecchymosis, nosebleeds, and gum bleeding. Severe cases may develop gastrointestinal bleeding or intracranial hemorrhage. Patients with such low platelet counts should undergo immediate detailed examinations, including bone marrow aspiration and biopsy, to determine the underlying cause.

Targeted treatments should also be administered, such as hormone therapy, immunosuppressive agents, and platelet transfusions. Hospitalization may be necessary for close monitoring to prevent sudden bleeding events. Patients should also rest adequately, avoid strenuous exercise and trauma, to prevent worsening of bleeding.

avatar
Dr. Liu Feng
May 28, 2025
How long after receiving erythropoietin injections will anemia resolve?

Erythropoietin usually refers to erythropoietin-stimulating agents (ESAs). The time required for improvement of anemia after ESA injection depends on the type and cause of anemia, as well as individual response to the medication. Generally, it takes 2–12 weeks, with possible variation in specific timing.

For renal anemia, the effect usually begins within 2–4 weeks, with gradual increase in hemoglobin levels. Complete correction of anemia may require 8–12 weeks or even longer. This is because erythropoietin must stimulate hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow to produce red blood cells, which take approximately 10 days to mature, resulting in a relatively slow onset of action that cannot rapidly reverse severe anemia.

In cases of myelosuppression recovery following chemotherapy, ESAs can only take effect after bone marrow function has recovered. It may take more than 4 weeks to observe a significant increase in hemoglobin (Hb). Treatment should be used appropriately under medical guidance, with regular monitoring of complete blood counts and blood pressure.

When hemoglobin reaches 100–110 g/L or approaches the normal range, the dosage can be gradually reduced and maintained rather than discontinued immediately to prevent recurrence of anemia. The duration of treatment should be individually tailored based on etiology and treatment response. Do not adjust the dosage or discontinue the medication on your own.

avatar
Dr. Liu Feng
May 28, 2025