Effects of acupuncture at ST-36, SP-6 and ear shenmen on glucose levels in Wistar Rats with type two diabetes

Introduction | objectives

Diabetes is deemed to be a main health problem globally, and this metabolic disorder has numerous causes. which is described as a chronic excess of glucose in the bloodstream with upsets of carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism resulting from a fault in insulin secretion, action, or both of them.

Methods

In order to investigate acupuncture's effect on glucose levels, 40 wistar rats were used in the current study and divided into four groups: negative control, dexamethasone with fat, dexamethasone with fat combined with acupuncture, and acupuncture only treated rats. The acupuncture was done once weekly for an 8-week period at ST-36, SP-6, and ear shenmen acupuncture points.

Results

In groups 2 and 3, rats' weights were elevated due to dexamethasone and fat administration and a significant increase in glucose levels in comparison with the control group. Additionally, fat deposition was obvious on macroscopic examination. The most important result of the current study was that the glucose levels in the group treated with dexamethasone and fat combined with acupuncture were significantly lower than those in the group treated with dexamethasone and fat only without acupuncture.

Conclusions

Although the acupuncture using ST-36, SP-6, and ear shenmen may moderately reduce glucose levels, future studies using other point combinations or stimulation methods are needed to gain better effects.