TCM Treatment for Diabetes: Holistic Regulation and Prevention of Complications
Diabetes is a metabolic disease characterized primarily by elevated blood sugar levels. Long-term hyperglycemia can lead to serious complications such as cardiovascular disease, kidney damage, and diabetic foot, significantly impacting quality of life. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, diabetes is classified as "Xiao Ke" (Wasting and Thirsting disorder), with records dating back to the "Huangdi Neijing" and "Jingui Yaolue." TCM treatment emphasizes holistic regulation and individualized care, focusing on "preventive treatment" (Zhi Wei Bing) to not only control blood sugar but also address constitutional imbalances and prevent complications.
The onset of diabetes is closely linked to lifestyle habits, with long-term improper diet being a major trigger. Frequent consumption of high-sugar, high-fat, fried foods, and refined carbohydrates places an excessive burden on the Spleen and Stomach, damaging Qi and Blood and promoting the internal generation of dampness and phlegm. This disruption of the Spleen and Stomach's transformative functions can lead to insulin resistance. Therefore, in addition to herbal medicine, TCM places great importance on dietary therapy, advising patients to maintain a light diet, eat at regular intervals, and avoid sweet, greasy, or spicy foods to consolidate treatment effects.
TCM believes that diabetes is closely related to the dysfunction of the Lungs, Spleen, and Kidneys. Common causes include dietary irregularities, emotional distress, overstrain, Yin-Yang imbalance, and deficiency of both Qi and Yin. TCM categorizes diabetes into three types:
- Upper Xiao: Lung Heat damaging fluids, manifesting as excessive thirst and drinking.
- Middle Xiao: Stomach Heat flourishing, manifesting as excessive eating and constant hunger.
- Lower Xiao: Kidney Yin deficiency, manifesting as frequent and excessive urination.
Treatment is based on syndrome differentiation for each specific type.
The core treatment principles are "clearing heat and nourishing Yin, supplementing Qi and consolidating the root, and strengthening the Spleen and Kidneys." Depending on the patient's constitution, a combination of herbal medicine, acupuncture, and Tuina (massage) is used. This not only helps stabilize blood sugar but also relieves common symptoms such as dry mouth, fatigue, blurred vision, and numbness in the limbs, while improving sleep and immunity.
TCM also offers significant advantages in managing diabetic complications, such as retinopathy, neuropathy, itchy skin, and slow-healing wounds. By utilizing methods to promote blood circulation, resolve stasis, and clear heat, TCM can improve local circulation and promote tissue repair.
In Singapore's hot and humid climate, diabetic patients often present with constitutions characterized by "Spleen Deficiency with Dampness" and "Kidney Yin Deficiency." They are prone to fatigue, a sense of "heaviness," and indigestion. TCM treatment specifically targets the Spleen and Stomach to transform dampness and lower blood sugar, which is particularly suitable for those with a long disease duration or those whose blood sugar remains suboptimal despite Western medication.
Dr Li Rui has over 30 years of integrated TCM and Western medical clinical experience. She specializes in using traditional herbal medicine combined with acupuncture to treat diabetes and its complications. She emphasizes "syndrome differentiation as the foundation" and addresses both the symptoms and the root cause. For high-risk individuals in the pre-diabetic stage, she provides personalized constitutional assessments and regulation advice to help delay the progression of the disease.
The treatment of diabetes is a long-term journey. TCM regulation offers high safety and good patient compliance, serving as a powerful supplement to Western medicine to help patients achieve physical and mental balance. We welcome you to book an appointment with Dr Li Rui at our Yishun TCM clinic and let TCM safeguard your health.
