Diabetes is closely related to the condition ‘Xiao Ke’ in TCM. It is characterized by the four primary symptoms – excessive thirst, excessive thirst, excessive hunger, excessive urination and unexplained weight loss.
Since both types of diabetes can present with these symptoms, TCM sees them as the same condition. The primary cause of both types of diabetes is Yin deficiency and Heat. TCM diagnosis focuses on the syndrome of an individual instead of the disease or condition.
The syndrome is a reflection of any deficiency or disharmony in an individual’s Yin, Yang, Qi or Blood. Since both conditions manifest as Yin deficiency and Heat, the fundamental treatment principle would be similar. Treatment will then be tailored specifically to an individual, according to his constitution and symptoms presented.
