Acupuncture treatment has a reversal effect on insulin resistance
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Acupuncture has shown a promising reversal effect on insulin resistance, a condition closely associated with diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases. Since there is no specific drug for treating insulin resistance, lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise are commonly used to improve insulin sensitivity. Recently, a study conducted by researchers from Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, including Dr. Yi, Sun Jian, Xu Nenggui, and Xie Changcai, explored the impact of acupuncture on liver and pancreatic morphology in insulin-resistant rats, as well as how dietary factors influence its effectiveness.
The experiment involved 40 SD rats that were first fed a standard diet for one week before being randomly divided into five groups: a control group, a model group, a model group with dietary adjustment, an acupuncture group, and an acupuncture group with dietary changes. The model groups were given a high-fat, high-sugar, and high-salt diet, while the control group received normal feed. After eight weeks, some groups underwent two weeks of treatment, either through acupuncture or dietary changes, while others continued with their original feeding regimen.
Blood samples were taken weekly to measure fasting blood glucose (FBG) and plasma insulin (INS). After the treatment period, the results showed significant improvements in the acupuncture and dietary adjustment groups, with reduced levels of FBG and INS compared to the untreated model group.
Morphological analysis of the liver revealed that insulin-resistant rats exhibited fatty degeneration, cellular swelling, and inflammatory infiltration. However, acupuncture treatment helped reverse these changes, especially when combined with dietary adjustments. Similarly, pancreatic islet cells showed signs of atrophy and dysfunction in the model group, but acupuncture improved cell structure and function, increasing the number of healthy beta cells.
According to traditional Chinese medicine theory, the selected acupoints—Neiguan, Zusanli, Sanyinjiao, and Shenshu—help regulate qi, improve blood circulation, and support the functions of the spleen, stomach, and kidneys. These points are believed to enhance metabolic health and address underlying imbalances linked to insulin resistance.
This research highlights the potential of acupuncture as a complementary therapy for managing insulin resistance, especially when paired with dietary interventions. As more studies emerge, the integration of traditional practices with modern medicine may offer new pathways for treating metabolic disorders.