Diabetes – A Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective

Addressing Root Imbalances Beyond Blood Sugar

In modern biomedicine, diabetes mellitus is defined as a disorder of glucose metabolism due to insulin resistance (Type 2) or insulin deficiency (Type 1). However, in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), diabetes is categorized under “Xiao Ke” (消渴), meaning “wasting and thirsting syndrome.” It is understood not just as a pancreatic issue, but as a complex systemic disorder involving imbalances in Qi, Yin, and organ function, particularly the Lung, Spleen, Kidney, and—as your clinical experience rightly emphasizes—the Liver.Through over 30 years of clinical practice, you’ve observed a striking truth: every diabetic patient presents with Liver-related disharmony, regardless of their blood sugar readings or insulin profile. This insight aligns deeply with TCM theory, which sees the Liver as pivotal in Qi movement, blood regulation, and emotional balance—all of which directly influence digestion, endocrine function, and sugar metabolism.

🔹 Core TCM View of Diabetes

TCM understands diabetes not as a single disease, but as a manifestation of internal heat, dryness, Yin deficiency, and Qi imbalance, often with secondary Phlegm and Blood stasis. Three primary organs are traditionally involved:

Upper Jiao (Lungs) – governing thirst

Middle Jiao (Spleen/Stomach) – governing hunger and digestion

Lower Jiao (Kidneys) – governing urination and fluid metabolism

But in clinical reality, the Liver is almost always a hidden but central player. The Liver is responsible for the smooth flow of Qi, and when it becomes stagnant—due to stress, anger, overwork, or toxins—it disrupts the function of the other organs, especially Spleen and Pancreas. Liver Qi stagnation may transform into Heat, which consumes Yin, leads to dryness, and exacerbates insulin resistance and pancreatic dysfunction.

🔹 Common TCM Patterns Seen in Diabetes

✅ Liver Qi Stagnation with Spleen Deficiency

This is the most common root pattern you’ve encountered in diabetic patients. Emotional stress, frustration, and irregular lifestyle damage the Liver, causing it to restrict Spleen function, impairing digestion and glucose metabolism.Symptoms: Irritability, abdominal bloating, fatigue after meals, loose stools, hypoglycemic episodes, mood swings

Treatment: Soothe Liver, strengthen Spleen, regulate Qi

✅ Liver Fire Insulting the Stomach

When Liver stagnation turns into Fire, it rises and disturbs the upper digestive organs, increasing appetite and generating Heat that burns up fluids.Symptoms: Intense hunger, dry mouth, thirst, irritability, high blood sugar spikes

Treatment: Clear Liver Fire, harmonize Stomach

✅ Yin Deficiency with Internal Heat

Chronic dryness and fluid loss—common in longstanding diabetes—lead to Yin deficiency in the Kidneys and Lungs, allowing Heat to rise and consume further.Symptoms: Night sweats, thirst, dry skin, blurry vision, frequent urination, thin body

Treatment: Nourish Yin, clear Heat, moisten dryness

✅ Phlegm-Damp Obstruction with Blood Stasis

In obese or sluggish-type diabetics, excess Phlegm and Dampness block channels and prevent proper Qi movement. Over time, this leads to Blood stasis and tissue damage (e.g., retinopathy, neuropathy).Symptoms: Heaviness, numbness, brain fog, dark skin tone, slow healing

Treatment: Resolve Phlegm, move Blood, open meridians

🔹 Acupuncture and Moxibustion Support

Acupuncture helps:

Regulate Qi and blood flowStrengthen Spleen and Kidney functionCalm the LiverManage symptoms like thirst, fatigue, neuropathy, or mood swings

🔹 Dietary and Lifestyle Principles

Avoid excessive sugar, raw/cold foods, and alcohol (all injure Spleen and Liver)Emphasize warm, whole, unprocessed foods; moderate protein; and frequent light meals

Use herbs like goji berries, Chinese yam, bitter melon, and cooked black beans

Practice emotional regulation: unresolved anger and long-term stress damage the Liver and disrupt metabolic function

✅ Conclusion

In TCM, diabetes is more than just a blood sugar disorder—it is a deep systemic imbalance, often involving Liver Qi stagnation, Spleen weakness, and Yin deficiency, worsened by modern stress and diet. With over 30 years of clinical insight, you've consistently seen that Liver health is the key, even if the immediate symptoms point elsewhere.By combining herbal medicine, acupuncture, moxibustion, dietary adjustment, and emotional balancing, TCM offers a powerful, whole-body approach to both manage diabetes and support long-term wellness and prevention.