Chinese Medicine Treatment for Diabetes

Chinese medicine dates back to more than 2,000 years ago, and though tons of new research has been conducted by Chinese doctors, the basic ideas behind Chinese medicine haven't changed.

In the U.S. alone, 600,000 new cases of type 2 diabetes, which is caused mostly by environmental factors, are diagnosed every year. But because the Chinese have been studying diabetes for so long, they have a deep understanding of the condition. Even in 100 B.C., "xiaoke," which was once the term to describe diabetes, is mentioned in medical writings.

Diagnosis

• The Chinese define diabetes as a deficiency in yin and a shortage of Qi, which translates into vital energy, therefore causing an improper balance of yin and yang. The Chinese separate the different types of diabetes into three terms: upper, middle and lower xiao-ke. The upper is caused by thirst, which affects the lungs; the middle is caused by extreme hunger, which affects the stomach; the lower is caused by excessive urine, which affects the kidneys. These types of diabetes are caused by an improper diet, emotional disturbances or a deficiency of yin. The cause will determine the course of treatment.

Treatment

• Doctors who practice Chinese medicine have more time to spend with each patient than Western medical doctors, according to the Institute for Traditional Medicine and Preventive Healthcare. Therefore, these doctors have the opportunity to discuss diet, daily activities, exercise, sleep patterns, stress levels and other factors that play a role in diagnosing a treatment for each patient's specific case of diabetes. The treatment will most likely be an herb tablet or acupuncture. Dietary changes or meditation are also sometimes used.

Herbs

• Twenty different herbs are used for the treatment of diabetes, but these herbs are used in a variety of combinations, depending on the specific case. For example, a person with low insulin levels but who is still able to produce insulin might receive a tablet with the herbs astragalus, polygonatum, trichosanthes root, pseudostellaria and rehmannia.

  The Kuancheng Institute of Diabetes in China conducted a research study in 1989, with 33 patients given herbal supplements to treat their diabetes. Of these 33 patients, 28 showed improvement.

  Traditional Western medicine and Chinese herbs together could decrease a person's blood sugar too much or too fast. Herbs should be added gradually and once they kick in, should allow a decrease in the amount of Western medicine needed.

Acupuncture

• Acupuncture is the other form of Chinese medicine that is used to treat diabetes. Needles are placed in up to 30 locations on the body to relieve tension and allow Qi energy to flow naturally. The needles are either manipulated manually or with a slight electrical current, and each needle remains in place for 10 to 30 minutes. Six to fourteen sessions are needed, and then tune-ups may be recommended every six months after that.

  At the Kuancheng Institute of Diabetes, two groups of 38 participants were separated and given the same treatment and diet, except one group received acupuncture in 20 different areas. Only three people in the acupuncture group of 38 showed no sign of improvement. All the others in that group improved.