Type 2 diabetes and obesity are a persistent global health care problem. These two diseases are closely related and the current medical treatment includes diet, drug therapy, and behavioral changes, but the problem remains difficult to solve.

 

In Asia, type 2 diabetes is a more prevalent and important health problem than obesity. It is estimated that the number of patients with type 2 diabetes across the world is expected to be more than 150 million by 2025. Over half of these patients are of Asian descent, including 31.7 million in India, 20.8 million in China, and only 17.7 million in the US. Many studies have demonstrated that Asians at relatively low BMI levels are more likely to have a risk factor for metabolic syndrome. We must pay serious attention to the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes.

 

 

Exercise can increase muscle utilization of glucose, boost insulin sensitivity, and improve metabolic syndrome. Research shows that exercise can reduce glycosylated hemoglobin, decrease blood pressure, step up high-density cholesterol, and effectively improve fatty liver. Exercise’s benefits include weight control and suppression of obesity and its complications (e.g. type 2 diabetes).

 

The prevention and control of diabetes in the hospital emphasizes effective weight control and regular exercise in addition to early screening and dietary control. The hospital has the Obesity Control and Sports Center staffed with professional sports therapists, coupled with the weight control special clinic services, in an effort to help people lose weight by exercise in a safe, effective, fast, and lasting manner.

 

The medical center of the hospital not only presents the excellent medical services of Western medicine, but also features traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) services. Diabetic patients can also receive good health advice and services in the TCM Department.

 

The treatment of diabetes by TCM is guided by a holistic approach and based on the principle of syndrome differentiation and treatment. It can control blood sugar, ease symptoms, prevent the development of the disease and improve its complications by comprehensively adjusting the viscera function of the patient and balancing yin and yang, which has positive therapeutic significance.

 

TCM has many methods to control and treat diabetes. The patient can, under guidance, choose herbal administration,  external use of TCM, acupuncture, manipulation, qigong, tonic diets, as well as combine with mind and spirit adjustment, diet regulation, and exercise, in an attempt to get more comprehensive treatment.  Acupuncture therapy is the use of acupuncture methods including filiform needles, dermal needles, and auricular needles or moxibustion therapy including moxa-stick suspension-moxibustion and moxa-cone moxibustion.