DEAR DR. ROACH: I was under the impression that fat was the major cause of Type 2 diabetes. When fat clogs the arteries, it does not allow sugar, from any source (table sugar, potato or Twinkie), to pass through the clogged arteries, which in turn causes the insulin levels to be abnormally heightened. Is this […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: The physician group I go to recently sent out letters to their patients that they are going to a partial concierge format. Each doctor will accept 150 patients, in addition to his or her regular patient base, for $2,500 each. They sent a list as to why one should consider this, including […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I have blepharospasm (eye twitching, for those who have never heard of it). It’s terrible. I’m 58 and have had it for 10 years, but it has gotten worse as I’ve gotten older. Are there ANY treatments other than Botox that you have heard of? I’ve read all that’s on the Internet, […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: Our 19-year-old son, who is 6 feet, 2 1/2 inches tall and weighs 130 pounds, wants to know if there’s anything that can decrease his metabolism. He’s always been thin and very active, loves outdoor sports, running, hiking, surfing. He’s employed and will be graduating high school next month, but lately he […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I lost weight, and had terrible symptoms. My gastroenterologist gave me several tests but couldn’t seem to make a diagnosis. Long story short, it was chronic pancreatitis, which my mom also has (we even had the same doctor). There seems to be a stigma attached to this disease and a lot of […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am 76 years old. For the past three years, my hemoglobin has been very low. The lowest it has been is 7. I took iron for more than three months, and it made no difference. I have been checked several times for internal bleeding and do not have any. I have […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 77-year-old woman who has enjoyed good health. Several weeks ago, I fell off a stepstool while trimming a tree in the backyard, bruising the shin on my left leg. The bruising has all disappeared by now, but a large (quarter-size), hard lump remains on my leg. I massage it […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 63-year-old female. I have been treated for high cholesterol since I was in my 30s. My cholesterol levels are difficult to control, and as a result I am closely monitored. My meds are adjusted accordingly. I find this frustrating but am used to it. My weight has ranged from […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am always asked to redo tests — echo ECG, stress test ECG, nuclear stress test. The results are barely mentioned, yet the test is always indicated another time. Is this a waste of money (for the patient)? In someone with no known blockages and no symptoms, how often should a stress […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I’m a 67-year-old female. I’ve been talking in my sleep while dreaming. Usually the dream is about me being chased or struggling to get away from someone. I’m shouting out loudly, but my son says that I’m making muffled noises, as if someone has a hand over my mouth. I wake myself […]