Body constitution in persons with diabetes mellitus from a perspective of Chinese medicine

Abstract

The theory of body constitution (BC) is the foundation of disease management in Chinese medicine (CM). BC is classified into "healthy", "sub-health" and "unhealthy" states. A person with "healthy" BC has a balance of body Yin (cold) and Yang (hot). In contrast, an imbalanced state of body Yin and Yang leads to "sub-health" initially. Without prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment, person with "sub-health" will progress to a disease state, that is, an "unhealthy' BC. BC is formed by congenital factor. However, it can be changed along one's life time under the influence of acquired factors. In the population of diabetes mellitus (DM), Yin-deficiency, Yang-deficiency and Yin-Yang-deficiency are commonly recognized "unhealthy" BC types. The treatment mode of DM in CM is different from the Western medicine. Syndrome differentiation with BC taken into consideration together, with balancing one's Yin and Yang is the treatment strategy in CM. In order to regulate "unhealthy" BC, it is necessary to provide certain Yin/Yang enhancing program, such as integration of dietary therapy. The ultimate goal of the intervention is to reduce the disease burden, such as DM-related poor quality of life, stress of homecare givers and healthcare professionals and the rising healthcare cost.