Analysis of TCM syndrome elements and relevant factors for senile diabetes

AbstractObjectiveTo explore the laws governing the distribution of TCM syndrome elements (SEs) of senile diabetes (SD) and their relationship to relevant factors.MethodAn investigation of patients who met the inclusion criteria was conducted by trained doctors, using case report forms. All related data were collected, including body mass index (BMI =body weight [kg]/height2 [m]), glycated hemoglobin, illness course, complications, symptoms, and tongue and pulse manifestation. The SEs of each patient were judged by three qualified associate chief physicians independently.ResultThe main SEs of SD are Yin deficiency, Qi deficiency, blood stasis, and phlegm turbidity. Yin deficiency, Qi deficiency, blood stasis, and phlegm turbidity are most commonly seen among 4-SE combinations. Yang deficiency is typically related to illness course and BMI, phlegm turbidity to hypertension and hyperlipidemia, excessive heat to diabetic microangiopathy, and blood stasis to illness course and diabetic macroangiopathy.ConclusionSD pathogenesis has a deficiency in origin and excess in superficiality. Deficiency syndrome mainly manifests as deficiency of both Qi and Yin, and concurrently in Yang deficiency. Excess syndrome is characterized by blood stasis and phlegm turbidity. SE analysis provides a basis for the prevention and treatment of SD with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and lays the foundation for objectively evaluating multicentric clinical research for SD in TCM