Diabetes Relief

Why More People Are Turning to Chinese Medicine

In this video, we explore the science behind Chinese Medicine and its surprising potential to transform diabetes management—from easing symptoms to regulating blood sugar and reducing reliance on medication.

Here’s what science says.

 

Watch or read below…

Type 2 Diabetes is a silent epidemic, affecting millions worldwide and leading to life-threatening complications like heart disease, nerve damage, and kidney failure.

Could an ancient medical system like Chinese Medicine provide new insights into managing this modern-day challenge?

Over 537 million people have diabetes today. This number could reach 643 million by 2030 and 783 million by 2045

Chinese Medicine has been managing diabetes—a body imbalance known as Xiao Ke, or ‘wasting and thirsting disease’—for over 2,000 years. Yet, modern science is still catching up.

With clinical studies limited by design challenges and funding gaps, what do we really know?

Let’s dive into the evidence and see what it reveals.

The Surprising Benefits of Combining Chinese Medicine with Western Treatments

A 2024 review in the Journal of Diabetes found that combining Chinese Medicine with Western treatments could offer tangible benefits, including:

• Lowering blood glucose levels
• Easing symptoms
• Slowing disease progression
• And even reducing the need for medications—without the heavy side effects.

 

Herbal Medicine Vs Diabetes

Another 2018 review in the Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine, looked at 132 different Chinese herbal medicines across 58 trials involving over 6,600 patients with Type 2 Diabetes.

The results?

• A staggering 97% of studies – 56 out of 58 – showed effective blood sugar control and symptom relief within just 12 weeks, with very few side effects.

Chinese herbs helped lower two key markers: HbA1c, which tracks your average blood sugar over 2-3 months, and fasting plasma glucose, the amount of blood sugar after fasting (usually overnight). Both are critical for long-term diabetes management.

• In 34 out of 42 trials, HbA1c levels dropped by up to 2.81%. To put that into perspective, lowering your HbA1c even by just 1% can significantly cut your risk of complications like heart disease and nerve damage.
• Fasting plasma glucose levels also improved, dropping by up to 1.75 mmol/L, meaning more stable blood sugar throughout the day. That is fewer highs and lows, and reduced risk of dangerous spikes or drops in blood sugar levels.

But that’s not all. Chinese herbal medicine not only might help control blood sugar but also improve everyday symptoms like excessive thirst, hunger, and frequent trips to the bathroom, improving quality of life and reducing complications.

• In the study, up to 80% of patients reported improvements, with their symptoms improving by anywhere from 12% to 80%.

And it’s not just herbs—acupuncture shows promise too.

Acupuncture and Peripheral Neuropathy

A small 1998  study published in Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, examined the long-term effects of acupuncture on chronic peripheral neuropathy, a painful diabetes complication.

The findings?

• 77% of patients experienced lasting relief after just 10 weeks of acupuncture.
• 21% reported their symptoms disappeared entirely.
• And 67% were able to reduce or stop their medications within 18 to 52 weeks.

 

Diabetes is a complex condition. Yet, with the right approach, managing it—or even reversing its effects—might be within reach.

Whether you’re drawn to Western medicine, Chinese Medicine, or a blend of both, the key is finding what works best for you.

Consult a healthcare professional to explore the options that suit your unique health needs and circumstances.

Brought to you by AcuMedic in London