The main symptoms of diabetes is three excesses and one deficiency
The so-called “three excesses” refer to excessive thirst, frequent urination, and increased appetite; “one deficiency” refers to physical wasting.
Excessive thirst means drinking a large amount of water, usually ranging from 2 liters to 6 liters per day. As a result, the amount of urine also increases proportionally, leading to frequent urination. Because a certain ratio of sugar appears in the urine, too much sugar is lost in the urine, putting the body in a semi-hungry state. To satisfy its hunger, the body increases its appetite, leading to increased blood sugar and more urine sugar, forming a vicious circle.
Since the body cannot fully utilize sugar, even though the appetite increases, the consumption is too high, and the weight naturally decreases, resulting in physical wasting. This is also the symptom referred to as “three xiao” (three deficiencies) in traditional Chinese medicine.
According to theoretical research and clinical practice observations, diabetes has a certain genetic tendency. Modern genetic perspectives believe that diabetes is caused by abnormal combinations of genes regulating blood sugar. Survey results show that relatives of diabetes patients have a much higher incidence of the disease than those who do not have diabetes. Diabetes is not passed on to the next generation itself, but rather a genetic predisposition to develop diabetes.
Diabetes has a genetic component, which is due to the inheritance of mutated genes and is beyond the control of human will.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views diabetes, or “Xiao Ke” as it is known in Chinese, as a condition resulting from an imbalance in the body’s energy, or “Qi,” and the malfunctioning of the spleen and kidney functions. TCM practitioners believe that diabetes arises from a combination of factors including poor diet, emotional stress, overwork, and a constitutional weakness in the spleen and kidney.
In TCM, the symptoms of diabetes are often categorized into different patterns of disharmony based on the individual’s specific symptoms and overall health. Common patterns include:
- Kidney Yin Deficiency: This pattern is characterized by symptoms such as thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and a dry mouth. It is believed to be caused by a deficiency in the body’s yin fluids, which leads to a lack of moisture and a relative excess of heat.
- Stomach Heat: This pattern is associated with excessive thirst, a strong desire to drink, and a preference for cold drinks. It is thought to result from an overabundance of heat in the stomach, which consumes the body’s fluids.
- Spleen Qi Deficiency: Symptoms of this pattern include fatigue, weakness, a lack of appetite, and loose stools. It is believed to arise from a deficiency in the spleen’s ability to transform and transport nutrients, leading to a lack of energy and digestive issues.
- Blood Stasis: This pattern is characterized by symptoms such as numbness or pain in the limbs, poor circulation, and slow healing of wounds. It is thought to be caused by a blockage or stagnation in the flow of blood, which can impair the body’s ability to heal and function properly.
TCM treatment for diabetes focuses on restoring balance to the body’s energy and addressing the underlying imbalances that contribute to the condition. This may involve a combination of herbal medicine, acupuncture, dietary therapy, and lifestyle modifications. The goal is to strengthen the spleen and kidney functions, clear heat, nourish yin, and promote the smooth flow of Qi and blood throughout the body.
While TCM can be a complementary approach to managing diabetes, it should not replace conventional medical treatment. Patients with diabetes should work with qualified healthcare providers to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that includes both TCM and Western medicine approaches.
