As society progresses and the population ages, diabetes among the elderly has become an issue of increasing concern. Not only does diabetes pose challenges to the physical health of those affected, but it also significantly impacts their quality of life. In light of this, traditional Chinese medicine offers a unique and effective approach to managing diabetes in older adults. It is worth learning more about this topic.

 

Dr. Chen Shujiao, a physician at the Traditional Chinese Medicine Health Management (Preventive Treatment) Center of the Third People’s Hospital affiliated with Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, appeared on the live broadcast of ‘Shared Doctor’ to introduce us to the health management of diabetes in the elderly.

 

 

In ancient China, diabetes was known as “spleen heat disease” or “wasting thirst”. Diabetes in modern people can generally be classified under the category of “wasting and thirst disease” in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

 

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, practitioners diagnose and treat patients based on their individual constitution, environment, and other factors such as pulse and tongue coating. Through syndrome differentiation, practitioners aim to expel pathogenic factors and support the body’s natural defenses.

 

Dr. Chen appeared on the live broadcast of “Shared Doctor”.

 

Research into the underlying causes of diabetes has revealed that there is a significant genetic heterogeneity in the disease, with 1/4 and 1/2 of patients having a family history of diabetes. Furthermore, studies have shown that modern lifestyles, characterized by irregular eating habits, reduced physical activity, obesity, mental stress, and high work pressure, can all contribute to the development of diabetes.

 

According to the theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), long-term indulgence in fatty, sweet, rich and greasy foods can lead to obesity, dampness, and phlegm. This can cause heat to accumulate in the body. The dampness and phlegm obstruct the flow of Qi, eventually developing into wasting thirst. TCM proposes the concept of nourishing the triple energizer, which are the upper energizer (nourishing the heart and lungs), the middle energizer (protecting the spleen and stomach), and the lower energizer (regulating the liver and kidneys). This emphasizes the importance of nourishing both the body and mind to prevent the occurrence of wasting and thirst disease. 

 

How does traditional Chinese medicine prevent and treat diabetes?

 

Firstly, traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes early treatment. Dr. Chen suggests that anyone with a fasting blood sugar level greater than 5.5mmol/L during a physical examination should undergo a glucose tolerance test for diabetes screening.

 

In the early stages of diabetes, traditional Chinese medicine can be used to invigorate the spleen, resolve phlegm, and activate blood circulation to intervene in treatment, reduce blood sugar and blood lipids in patients with abnormal glucose tolerance, improve insulin resistance, increase the sensitivity of target cells to insulin, and reverse abnormal glucose tolerance.

 

As we all know, the main harm of diabetes is manifested in its complications.

 

In the prevention and treatment of diabetes complications, traditional Chinese medicine uses methods such as invigorating the spleen and replenishing qi, activating blood circulation and unblocking collaterals to improve overall blood circulation, relieve symptoms of cold, numbness, and pain in the lower limbs due to vascular and nerve lesions.

 

In the early stages of diabetic retinopathy, treatment methods such as nourishing the liver and kidney, activating blood circulation and unblocking collaterals are used to promote the absorption of fundus hemorrhage and exudation at the back of the eye, improve the patient’s vision, and delay its development. Treatment methods such as nourishing the kidney are used to reduce the excretion of urinary protein in patients, protect kidney function, and reduce the incidence of diabetic nephropathy.

 

Traditional Chinese medicine can also significantly alleviate or improve clinical symptoms, such as dry mouth, fatigue, excessive sweating, insomnia, and other symptoms. This is achieved through the use of syndrome differentiation treatment and symptomatic medication at different stages and periods of the disease. By tailoring treatment to the individual’s specific conditions, TCM can help eliminate or alleviate symptoms and improve overall quality of life. 

 

In the live broadcast, Dr. Chen recommends the “Six-Step Sugar Reduction and Fat Reduction Exercise” to achieve the goal of reducing sugar and fat through exercise.

 

 

“This exercise targets two key acupoints, promoting accelerated metabolism within the body. It appears soothing, but in reality, the patient will be drenched in sweat after completing it,” said Dr. Chen. She recommended practicing the Six-Step Exercise whenever the patient has time each day, as long-term adherence produces good results.

 

Live broadcast Q&A

 

1. I have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Does this mean I have to take medication for life? What impact does it have on my life? Are there any methods in traditional Chinese medicine?

If diabetes is detected in its early stages, there is still a possibility of reversal. If blood sugar control is up to standard, it can be alleviated and there is no need to take medication for life.

 

2. My mother has had diabetes for three years and her blood sugar control is not very good. How can traditional Chinese medicine help control it?

For a diabetes history of less than 5 years, it is highly recommended to use the traditional Chinese medicine “Trinity” to assist in treatment. The first is internal medication, such as traditional Chinese medicine. The second is lifestyle adjustment, such as medicinal diet and flower tea combinations according to the characteristics of the mother’s physique, and daily dietary control. The third is exercise, through the six-step sugar reduction exercise to regulate. What is more important is the external treatment method, through the Trinity, combined with taking western medicine to comprehensively treat diabetes.

 

3. For long-term diabetics who feel that the effects of taking medication and not taking medication are the same, what suggestions does traditional Chinese medicine have?

There are now many options for hypoglycemic drugs. If the original medication does not lower blood sugar, new medication can be used. In addition, blood sugar can be regulated by changing one’s lifestyle, including regularly practicing the Six-Step Exercise.

 

References:

Fujian Provincial Third People’s Hospital. (2023, July 29). Elderly Health Promotion Week | Traditional Chinese Medicine Health Management for Elderly Diabetes.