How does TCM classify Diabetes? Is Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes distinguished in TCM?

Doctor's Answers 1

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.

Similar Questions

Why are my eyes getting worse in spite of well controlled diabetes?

Thank you for your question. First of all, congrats on improving your diabetic control! Dropping your Hba1c from 9% to 5. 9% is an amazing conscientious effort on your part. 1. What I could not understand is that, how come my blood sugar was well control (5. 9%) but yet there is a deterioration in my eye condition? With too well controlled sugars, you can certainly get tingling sensations which is related to low blood sugar, or hypoglycaemia. It’s your body’s way of telling you that you need to eat.

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Human

What should I do next if I'm worried that I have symptoms suggestive of diabetes?

Thank you for your question and I can understand your concern. The simplest way to check whether you have diabetes, is to arrange a fasting blood test with your local GP surgery. You will need to fast for 10-12 hours (overnight) and then have the test done prior to consuming any food or drink. There are some risk factors that come to mind, namely, do you have a family history of diabetes, are you carrying more weight that you should be (i. e. elevated BMI), have you been taking any supplements or medications, such as steroids, to help your gym activities?

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Dr Dinesh Sirisena

Sport Medicine

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