Q&A with Top Doctors

Is a fasting blood glucose level of 10.2 mmol/L severe?

In general, a fasting blood glucose level of 10.2 mmol/L may be quite serious.

The normal fasting blood glucose range for healthy individuals is generally between 3.9 and 6.1 mmol/L, and a blood glucose level of 10.2 mmol/L far exceeds this range. When fasting blood glucose is ≥7.0 mmol/L, combined with symptoms of diabetes or a random blood glucose level ≥11.1 mmol/L, or a 2-hour post-glucose load blood glucose level ≥11.1 mmol/L during an oral glucose tolerance test, diabetes can be diagnosed.

It is recommended that patients seek medical attention at a hospital as soon as possible, where an endocrinologist can assess the condition and develop an appropriate treatment plan, including dietary adjustments, exercise guidance, and medication therapy. At the same time, regular monitoring of blood glucose levels in daily life is important to prevent diabetes-related complications, such as diabetic ketoacidosis, which can threaten the patient's health and life.

In daily life, individuals with high blood sugar should follow a low-sugar diet, engage in appropriate physical activity, and maintain a healthy lifestyle, which can help control blood glucose levels.

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Dr. Liu Feng
May 28, 2025
Do I need to get a shot if I'm scratched by a cat and it bleeds?

Cat scratches that result in bleeding usually require an injection; it is recommended to go to the hospital promptly for vaccination.

Immediately wash the wound, rinsing with soap and running water for at least five minutes. Then disinfect with iodine or alcohol, and cover with a clean bandage. If the wound is deep, continues to bleed, or shows significant redness, swelling, heat, and pain, or if the cat shows symptoms suggestive of rabies (such as abnormal behavior), seek medical attention promptly.

If the cat has not received a rabies vaccination or is a stray cat, and is in the infectious stage, the virus may be transmitted through saliva contaminating the wound. In such cases, rabies vaccination must be administered within 24 hours. For deep or extensive wounds, rabies immunoglobulin should also be administered.

When treating the wound, thoroughly rinse with soapy water and squeeze out contaminated blood first, then disinfect with iodophor or 75% alcohol. Wounds are generally left open without bandaging to facilitate drainage of blood. After receiving the rabies vaccine, attention should be paid to daily diet—avoid alcohol and smoking, refrain from eating seafood and spicy or irritating foods, drink plenty of water, rest adequately, and avoid strenuous exercise.

Even if the cat has been vaccinated against rabies, it cannot completely rule out the possibility of carrying the virus. Cats that are free-roaming or have contact with stray animals have a higher risk of infection. In daily life, it is recommended to maintain a safe distance when interacting with animals, especially stray cats and dogs.

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Dr. Liu Feng
May 28, 2025
Is it necessary to preserve umbilical cord blood?

Whether it is necessary to preserve umbilical cord blood mainly depends on personal preference and family circumstances.

The advantage of preserving umbilical cord blood lies in its potential for autologous transplantation for the child or other family members, thereby reducing the risk of rejection. Additionally, with advances in medical research, the future applications of umbilical cord blood stem cells may become even broader.

However, preserving umbilical cord blood involves certain costs. Typically, storage for ten years ranges from 15,000 to 20,000 yuan, while storage for 20 years costs approximately 30,000 yuan. Furthermore, umbilical cord blood must be collected and stored by professional institutions to ensure its quality and safety.

At the same time, the chance of needing an autologous transplant is relatively low. In most cases, the cord blood is more likely to be used for matching transplants among other family members or unrelated individuals. The decision to preserve umbilical cord blood should be made after comprehensive consideration of factors such as family financial status, family medical history, and personal health risk assessments.

It is recommended to consult a professional physician before the child's birth to obtain detailed information and make an informed decision.

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Dr. Liu Feng
May 28, 2025
Is it okay not to get a shot after being scratched by a cat and bleeding?

Whether or not one should receive injections after being scratched by a cat and bleeding depends on a comprehensive evaluation of multiple factors.

Firstly, rabies is the most critical risk to consider. If the cat carries the rabies virus, the virus can enter the human body through the wound. Once symptoms develop, the fatality rate is nearly 100%. If the cat has not received the rabies vaccine and is in the rabid stage, the risk of infection is extremely high. In such cases, rabies vaccination should be administered as soon as possible, and rabies immunoglobulin may also be required when necessary.

If the cat has been regularly vaccinated against rabies, is confirmed healthy, or remains asymptomatic for 10 days after the incident (the "10-day observation method" recommended by the World Health Organization), the likelihood of rabies infection is low. However, cat claws may still carry other bacteria (such as Pasteurella), which can cause wound infections, leading to symptoms such as redness, swelling, pus formation, and fever.

Therefore, even if rabies vaccination is not required, the wound should be thoroughly flushed for at least 15 minutes with alternating soap and running water, followed by disinfection with iodophor. Medical consultation is also necessary to determine whether antibiotics or a tetanus vaccine are needed.

After being scratched by a cat and bleeding, it is advisable to promptly consult a healthcare professional to determine, based on the specific circumstances, whether vaccination is necessary. Never attempt to manage such injuries on your own without medical advice.

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Dr. Liu Feng
May 28, 2025
What does Rh blood type positive mean?

The Rh blood group system is a blood type system in humans, alongside the ABO blood group system. In the Rh blood group system, Rh positive (Rh+) indicates the presence of the D antigen on the surface of red blood cells.

Individuals who are Rh positive can receive either Rh positive or Rh negative blood (only in emergency situations and with strict control of the transfusion volume). However, Rh negative individuals can only receive Rh negative blood; otherwise, it may trigger an immune reaction leading to a risk of hemolysis.

If the mother is Rh negative and the fetus is Rh positive (with the father being Rh positive), the first pregnancy typically has no significant effects. However, during subsequent pregnancies, the mother's body may have become sensitized during the first pregnancy and produced antibodies that attack the fetal red blood cells, causing hemolytic disease of the newborn. This risk generally does not exist for Rh positive mothers.

Rh negative blood is considered rare and is often referred to as "panda blood," whereas Rh positive blood, being more common, ensures a relatively sufficient blood supply. Being Rh positive is a normal blood type and generally does not require special concern. In daily life, there are no differences between Rh positive and Rh negative individuals, although awareness is important for preventing hemolytic reactions and hemolytic disease of the newborn.

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Dr. Liu Feng
May 28, 2025
What blood type is "Panda Blood"?

Panda blood, medically referred to as Rh-negative blood type, is a relatively rare blood type within the general population.

The Rh blood group system is another blood typing system most closely related to human blood transfusions, aside from the common ABO system. It is generally divided into positive and negative types, with Rh-positive blood being more common, and Rh-negative blood being quite rare.

The distribution of Rh-negative blood type is not uniform globally, with significant differences in frequency among different ethnicities and regions. In the Chinese population, the proportion of Rh-negative blood type is low, approximately only 0.3% to 0.5%, thus it is vividly called "Panda blood."

Due to the rarity of this blood type, difficulties may arise in finding compatible blood supplies during emergencies, pregnancy, and other situations. Therefore, it is particularly important for individuals with Rh-negative blood type to know their blood type and take appropriate preventive measures.

Panda blood refers to Rh-negative blood type, which has a low prevalence in the population, thus requiring special attention and management in the medical field.

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Dr. Liu Feng
May 28, 2025
What are the symptoms of alcohol poisoning?

Alcohol intoxication may present symptoms such as impaired judgment and coordination, slurred speech, headache, nausea and vomiting, and drowsiness. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Impaired judgment and coordination

Alcohol exerts an inhibitory effect on nerve cells in the brain, particularly affecting the functions of the prefrontal cortex and cerebellum. The prefrontal cortex is responsible for higher cognitive functions, including judgment, decision-making, and planning; the cerebellum mainly regulates body movement and balance.

2. Slurred speech

Alcohol affects the areas of the brain that control language function, interfering with the transmission of neural signals, which leads to uncoordinated movements of speech organs such as the tongue and lips. Patients may speak with inaccurate pronunciation, speak faster or slower than usual, and their sentences may lack coherence, making it difficult for others to understand their intended meaning.

3. Headache

Alcohol can cause blood vessels to dilate. When blood vessels in the brain expand, they may pull and press on surrounding nerves and tissues, resulting in headache. Additionally, alcohol may affect the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain, altering nerve excitability and further worsening headache symptoms.

4. Nausea and vomiting

Alcohol directly irritates the gastric mucosa, damaging its protective barrier and increasing gastric acid secretion, which can cause stomach discomfort. At the same time, alcohol can also affect normal gastrointestinal motility and digestive function, prolonging food retention in the stomach and further increasing the stomach's workload, thus causing nausea and vomiting.

5. Drowsiness

This is a symptom seen in patients with severe alcohol intoxication. Patients may exhibit cyanosis of the lips, pale face, decreased body temperature, and fall into a state of drowsiness or coma. In severe cases, it may endanger life. At this point, immediate hospitalization is required for further treatment.

If alcohol intoxication is suspected, mild cases can be managed by having the patient rest in bed and drink more warm water or honey water to promote alcohol metabolism. In extreme cases, alcohol intoxication can be life-threatening. If alcohol poisoning is suspected, immediate medical attention at a hospital is necessary.

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Dr. Yang Ziqi
May 28, 2025
Is applying honey effective for mouth ulcers?

Under normal circumstances, honey may help alleviate symptoms but cannot replace standard medical treatment. If symptoms do not improve or worsen, timely medical consultation is necessary. Analysis is as follows:

Honey contains antibacterial components such as hydrogen peroxide and vitamins, which may relieve symptoms by inhibiting bacterial growth and promoting mucosal repair. Its thick consistency can form a protective film, temporarily isolating the ulcerated area and reducing irritation from food, saliva, and other stimuli, thus alleviating pain.

However, honey is not a medication and lacks active ingredients that directly promote ulcer healing. Its effectiveness on severe or persistent ulcers is limited. The high sugar content may irritate damaged mucosa, intensify pain, and even increase the risk of infection, such as dental caries or bacterial proliferation.

For mild ulcers, applying honey locally with a cotton swab may be attempted. Avoid contact with teeth and refrain from eating for 30 minutes afterward. However, careful observation is necessary to detect any worsening discomfort. If ulcers persist without healing, increase in size, or are accompanied by fever, prompt medical attention is advised to identify the underlying cause. During the illness, it is recommended to maintain good oral hygiene, avoid spicy or hard foods, drink plenty of water, and maintain regular sleep patterns.

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Dr. Liu Chao
May 26, 2025
Can mouth ulcers be contagious to others?

In most cases, mouth ulcers are not contagious. However, if a mouth ulcer is caused by a pathogen infection, it may be transmissible. Detailed analysis is as follows:

Common mouth ulcers, such as recurrent aphthous ulcers, are mainly associated with genetic factors, immune disorders, mental stress, vitamin deficiencies, and other non-infectious factors. Therefore, they are not transmissible to others. Traumatic ulcers, caused by physical irritation such as residual tooth roots, broken crowns, or ill-fitting dental restorations, are similarly non-contagious.

A special situation exists when mouth ulcers are triggered by pathogenic infections, such as herpetic stomatitis or hand, foot, and mouth disease. In these cases, the mouth ulcers are contagious, and the pathogens can be transmitted through saliva, blister fluid, and other means.

For ordinary mouth ulcers, there is no need to worry about transmission. Maintaining good personal oral hygiene, such as brushing teeth regularly, rinsing the mouth after meals, and keeping the oral cavity clean, can help promote ulcer healing. If the mouth ulcer is caused by an infectious disease, patients should take appropriate isolation precautions, avoid close contact with others, and not share personal items such as eating utensils, drinking cups, or toothbrushes to prevent the spread of pathogens.

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Dr. Liu Chao
May 26, 2025
Can I drink coffee after tooth extraction?

Generally, it is not recommended to drink coffee shortly after a tooth extraction. After the initial healing of the extraction wound, coffee may be consumed in moderation depending on the recovery progress.

A blood clot forms in the mouth after tooth extraction to protect the wound from infection and promote healing. Coffee is an acidic beverage, and its acidic components may affect the stability of the blood clot, potentially causing it to dislodge and lead to complications such as dry socket. Caffeine has stimulating effects on the nerves and promotes blood circulation; after consumption, it may dilate blood vessels, increasing the risk of bleeding from the extraction wound. Additionally, the acidity and bitterness of coffee may irritate the wound and worsen pain. Caffeine also has a diuretic effect, which may lead to dehydration and slow down the healing process. Hot beverages may further increase the risk of bleeding, and dark-colored drinks can stain teeth and increase the burden of oral hygiene.

Typically, it takes about a week for the wound to heal after tooth extraction. If, 3–7 days post-extraction, the wound pain has significantly subsided, there are no abnormal symptoms such as bleeding or redness and swelling, and a stable blood clot has formed, a small amount of coffee may be considered. When drinking coffee, ensure it is cooled to room temperature to avoid irritating the wound with excessive heat. Avoid chewing or swallowing with the side of the mouth where the tooth was extracted, to prevent coffee from entering the wound and causing infection. Limit the amount consumed to avoid excessive intake that may impair recovery.

Whether or not coffee can be consumed after tooth extraction mainly depends on individual recovery and the manner of consumption. With proper guidance from a dentist, moderate and timely coffee consumption may be acceptable. However, avoid irritating the extraction site before the wound is fully healed to ensure rapid and healthy oral recovery. Maintaining good oral hygiene habits and attending regular follow-up appointments are also important for post-extraction recovery.

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Dr. Liu Chao
May 26, 2025