Acupuncture treatment in patient with insulin resistance

Abstract

Insulin resistance occurs when the cells in the muscles, fat, and liver fail to respond properly to insulin, preventing them from effectively utilizing glucose from the bloodstream as an energy source. Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas which is essential for life and regulating blood glucose levels Globally, among adults, the prevalence of insulin resistance varies between 15.5% and 46.5%. Anyone can develop insulin resistance, temporarily or chronically. Chronic insulin resistance can lead to prediabetes and then Type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance syndrome is also known metabolic syndrome. Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese treatment, is non-pharmaceutical therapy that can be beneficial in regulating glucose and lipid metabolisms as well as in improving body weight. TCM possesses a distinctive edge due to its holistic approach and ability to regulate multiple targets. In this article is presented a case of 20 years old woman with insulin resistance 108,6 (1,1-17,0). In the same period, the patient also had an analysis of the thyroid gland, the results showed that Anti TPO is 228,6 (00,0-5,61), Anti Tg is 175,9 (<1,3), Ft4 is 0,88 and TSH is 4,0164 which are within normal range. The reason the patient had all these tests done was because she suddenly gained 15 kilograms in a short period of 2 months. She also developed facial acne and an irregular menstrual cycle. After the obtained results, the patient immediately started with acupuncture, without taking any medication beforehand. She has done 10 treatment once weekly. Acupuncture as a part of TCM can correct several metabolic disorders and to improve insulin sensitivity.

Keywords: acupuncture, TCM, insulin resistance, treatment