Q&A with Top Doctors

Is drinking glucose helpful for anemia?

The effectiveness of drinking glucose for anemia varies depending on the condition and underlying causes; overall, its direct effect is limited.

Glucose is a monosaccharide that is easily absorbed and utilized by the body, mainly providing energy and maintaining normal metabolism. For patients with anemia, glucose does not contain the raw materials required for blood formation and therefore cannot directly promote bone marrow hematopoiesis or increase hemoglobin levels.

For patients with mild to moderate anemia, appropriate supplementation with glucose may help alleviate fatigue and increase energy, as glucose provides energy. However, this does not mean that glucose can treat anemia, as the fundamental cause of anemia is the deficiency of hematopoietic raw materials or other underlying factors.

For patients with severe anemia, simply supplementing glucose cannot achieve therapeutic effects. A comprehensive approach involving various treatment methods, such as blood transfusions and medication, must be considered.

Drinking glucose has limited benefits for anemia and should not be considered a primary treatment method. Patients should, under a doctor's guidance, select appropriate treatments based on their specific condition and cause. At the same time, maintaining a balanced diet is also an effective way to improve anemia.

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Dr. Liu Feng
Jun 11, 2025
Can women with anemia drink coffee?

Whether female anemia patients can drink coffee should be analyzed comprehensively based on coffee's effect on iron absorption and individual conditions.

Caffeine and polyphenols present in coffee may inhibit iron absorption. Polyphenols can form complexes with non-heme iron, reducing its solubility in the intestines, thereby affecting iron absorption efficiency. This may have an adverse impact on anemia patients who rely on dietary iron supplementation.

However, this inhibitory effect is related to the timing and dosage of coffee consumption. Drinking coffee during or immediately after meals results in a more pronounced inhibitory effect, while consumption 2-3 hours apart may reduce this influence. Furthermore, the type of anemia is also critical: for patients with iron-deficiency anemia, due to insufficient iron stores, absorption efficiency must be strictly monitored, and coffee should be consumed cautiously or avoided during iron supplementation. For non-iron-deficiency anemia, coffee's impact on folate and vitamin B12 absorption is minimal, and moderate coffee consumption may not worsen anemia.

Therefore, female anemia patients, especially those with iron-deficiency anemia, are advised to control their coffee intake, avoid consuming it with iron-rich foods or iron supplements, and may drink coffee at least two hours after meals, limiting intake to no more than 1-2 cups daily. If anemia is severe, priority should be given to dietary adjustments or medical treatment, along with consulting a physician or nutritionist to develop an individualized plan.

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Dr. Liu Feng
Jun 11, 2025
Is a triglyceride level of 2.26 mmol/L severe?

The normal range for triglycerides is <1.70 mmol/L, 1.70–2.25 mmol/L is considered borderline elevated, and ≥2.26 mmol/L is classified as elevated. A triglyceride level of 2.26 mmol/L falls into the elevated range but has not yet reached the threshold for severe elevation requiring emergency intervention, thus it is considered a mild to moderate abnormality.

Common contributing factors include a high-fat diet, excessive alcohol consumption, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, or hypothyroidism. If the elevation is isolated and there is no underlying disease, most cases can normalize through interventions such as a low-fat diet, alcohol restriction, and regular physical activity. However, it is important to be vigilant about combined risk factors: if the patient also has hypertension, diabetes, a history of smoking, or cardiovascular disease, elevated triglycerides can exacerbate the risk of atherosclerosis, and pharmacotherapy may be necessary. Additionally, persistent elevation warrants investigation for liver or kidney disease or hereditary hyperlipidemia.

In summary, a triglyceride level of 2.26 mmol/L indicates metabolic abnormalities, but the severity depends on the individual's overall health status. It is recommended to first implement lifestyle modifications for 2–4 weeks and then repeat testing. If there is no improvement or if risk factors are present, timely medical evaluation is necessary to identify the underlying cause and prevent long-term cardiovascular risks associated with neglect.

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Dr. Liu Feng
Jun 11, 2025
Is a platelet count of 118×10^9/L normal?

A platelet count of 118 is generally considered normal in most cases, but whether it is truly normal depends on the specific testing standards and individual circumstances.

Typically, the normal range for platelets is between 100 and 300×109/L, so a platelet count of 118×109/L falls within this normal range. It is important to note that reference ranges may vary slightly between different hospitals or laboratories, so the exact normal values might differ.

Individually speaking, if the platelet count remains consistently around 118×109/L over time and there are no signs of bleeding or other symptoms of concern, this value is usually considered normal and not a cause for worry. However, if there is a significant fluctuation in platelet count within a short period or if symptoms such as bleeding, fever, or fatigue occur, prompt medical attention is advised.

Of course, if platelet levels remain consistently low or show significant variation, further investigation is recommended to rule out any underlying health conditions. Maintaining healthy lifestyle and dietary habits in daily life can also help support overall blood health.

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Dr. Liu Feng
Jun 11, 2025
What type of cell is a platelet?

Platelets are an important cellular component in the blood, classified as anucleate cell fragments, and morphologically appear as biconvex disc-shaped structures. Platelets play crucial roles in various physiological and pathological processes, including hemostasis, wound healing, inflammatory responses, thrombosis, and organ transplant rejection.

The primary functions of platelets are to promote hemostasis and accelerate blood coagulation, while also maintaining the integrity of capillary vessel walls. When blood vessels are injured, platelets rapidly adhere to the site of damage and aggregate to form a loose platelet plug, achieving the purpose of stopping bleeding.

Assessment of platelet function and count is one of the important indicators for evaluating hematologic disorders, immune diseases, tumors, and other conditions. For example, reduced platelet counts may be associated with autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura, drug reactions, viral infections, and bone marrow disorders.

Conversely, increased platelet counts may be linked to myeloproliferative neoplasms, polycythemia vera, chronic myeloid leukemia, and other diseases. Therefore, platelets play an essential role in maintaining vascular health and preventing hemorrhage.

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Dr. Liu Feng
Jun 11, 2025
Causes of High Blood Sugar in Thin People

The causes of high blood glucose in thin individuals need to be analyzed from multiple dimensions, including metabolic mechanisms, disease factors, and individual differences. First, insulin resistance is not exclusive to obese individuals; some thin people may experience reduced efficiency in glucose utilization due to genetic factors or decreased insulin sensitivity in tissues such as skeletal muscle and liver, leading to high blood glucose even with a slim body type.

Secondly, dysfunction of pancreatic beta cells is a core cause. Whether it is autoimmune damage in type 1 diabetes or insufficient beta cell compensation in type 2 diabetes, it can lead to an absolute or relative deficiency of insulin secretion, causing imbalance in blood glucose regulation. Some thin individuals may experience gradual beta cell dysfunction due to long-term unnoticed glucotoxicity, before significant changes in body weight occur due to metabolic disturbances.

In addition, specific types of diabetes and endocrine disorders, such as hyperthyroidism and Cushing's syndrome, can also cause elevated blood glucose in thin individuals. In hyperthyroidism, thyroid hormones accelerate glycogen breakdown, while in Cushing's syndrome, glucocorticoids antagonize insulin action, both of which can cause abnormal blood glucose levels, with weight loss commonly presenting as a concurrent symptom. Medications or stress conditions, such as infections or surgery, can also induce temporary increases in blood glucose.

Weight loss or a slim body type should not rule out glucose metabolism abnormalities. If symptoms such as polyuria, thirst, or fatigue appear, or elevated blood glucose is detected during a medical checkup, timely diagnostic tests such as oral glucose tolerance test and insulin release test should be conducted to identify the underlying cause, avoiding delays in diagnosis and treatment due to the misconception that thin individuals are less likely to develop diabetes.

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Dr. Liu Feng
Jun 11, 2025
Is asthma a serious condition?

Asthma may sound concerning, but it is not something to be feared. The key lies in scientific understanding, proper management, and prevention. Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways, characterized by recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, or coughing. These symptoms often worsen at night or in the early morning and may be triggered by exposure to allergens, cold air, or physical or chemical irritants. With advances in medical technology, asthma can now be effectively controlled and treated.

By regularly using inhaled corticosteroids and other controller medications, along with necessary quick-relief medications, most patients can maintain stable conditions, reduce acute exacerbations, and preserve normal quality of life and physical activity levels. Additionally, avoiding allergens, maintaining fresh indoor air, and engaging in regular physical exercise to enhance immune function are also important measures for preventing asthma attacks.

Therefore, in facing asthma, patients should maintain a positive attitude, follow medical advice, and pursue scientific treatment to minimize asthma's impact on their daily lives.

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Dr. Ren Yi
Jun 11, 2025
Metformin duration of action

Metformin is an oral medication commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes. Its primary mechanism of action involves reducing glucose production in the liver and increasing the body's sensitivity to insulin, thereby lowering blood glucose levels. The duration of metformin's effect typically refers to how long its pharmacological effects last in the body and the time required to achieve optimal therapeutic efficacy.

Immediate-release formulations of metformin generally begin to take effect within 1 to 2 hours after administration, with the effects lasting approximately 4 to 6 hours. To maintain stable blood glucose control, patients usually need to take multiple doses throughout the day. Metformin lowers blood glucose levels by enhancing insulin sensitivity, reducing hepatic gluconeogenesis and glucose output, promoting anaerobic glycolysis, and improving glycogen synthesis in muscle tissue.

Extended-release formulations of metformin can maintain their effects for 12 to 24 hours. These formulations are released more slowly in the body, thus providing prolonged glucose-lowering effects.

It should be noted that the therapeutic effects of metformin are not immediate and may require several weeks to months of continuous use before significant improvements in blood glucose control can be observed.

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Dr. Yang Chuanjia
Jun 11, 2025
Why does a newborn breathe rapidly while sleeping?

A newborn's respiratory rate is typically faster than that of an adult, reaching 40-60 breaths per minute. However, if obvious tachypnea (rapid breathing) occurs, it may require attention. Tachypnea in newborns can be caused by various factors, including but not limited to:

1. Physiological factors: The respiratory system of a newborn is not yet fully developed. The nasal passages are shorter and narrower, making airflow resistance more likely during breathing, which can lead to tachypnea. Additionally, the central nervous system's regulatory capacity is immature, resulting in irregular breathing patterns that may vary in speed, particularly during sleep. This is considered a normal physiological phenomenon and generally does not require excessive concern.

2. Disease-related factors: If a newborn suffers from respiratory infections, rhinitis, pneumonia, or other illnesses, tachypnea during sleep may also occur. These conditions can impair respiratory function and increase respiratory rate.

3. Environmental factors: Newborns are highly sensitive to changes in environmental temperature. If the sleeping environment is excessively hot or cold, it may stimulate the newborn's respiratory system, causing an increased respiratory rate.

If tachypnea is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, coughing, or refusal to feed, prompt medical evaluation should be sought to rule out potential pathological causes. Additionally, maintaining an appropriate indoor environment is important to avoid adverse effects on the newborn.

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Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Jun 11, 2025
Is a blood glucose level of 6.15 mmol/L considered high?

Whether a blood glucose level of 6.15 mmol/L is considered high needs to be determined by combining the testing scenario, reference standards, and individual health status. If this is a fasting blood glucose measurement, the normal range for healthy adults is generally 3.9 to 6.1 mmol/L. In this case, 6.15 mmol/L slightly exceeds the upper limit; although it doesn't meet the diagnostic criteria for diabetes, it falls within the range of impaired fasting glucose, indicating possible abnormalities in glucose metabolism. Further evaluation using an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) should be conducted to assess postprandial glucose levels and screen for prediabetes risk.

If the measurement is a random or postprandial blood glucose test, 6.15 mmol/L falls within the normal range. For example, normal 2-hour postprandial glucose levels should be less than 7.8 mmol/L, and random glucose levels should be below 11.1 mmol/L; in these scenarios, this value does not exceed normal thresholds. Additionally, the standard for fasting glucose in pregnant women is stricter. If a pregnant woman's fasting glucose level is 6.15 mmol/L, it significantly exceeds the upper limit, raising concerns about gestational diabetes. Diagnosis should be confirmed by evaluating OGTT results.

It is also important to note that blood glucose measurements can be influenced by multiple factors, such as whether fasting was strictly observed before testing, stress conditions, and medication interference. If a single test result is abnormal, retesting is recommended to rule out measurement errors. If fasting glucose levels are confirmed to consistently remain around 6.15 mmol/L, although not meeting the criteria for diabetes diagnosis, this serves as an early warning signal for impaired glucose metabolism, and lifestyle interventions should be implemented to prevent progression to diabetes.

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Dr. Liu Feng
Jun 11, 2025