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 diagnosis and treatment in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is classified as “healthy”, “sub-health” and “unhealthy”. A person with “healthy” BC has a balance of his or her body Yin (cold) and Yang (hot). In contrast, an imbalanced state of body Yin and Yang leads 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. Common types of BC in contemporary TCM are Neutral, Yin-deficiency, Yang-deficiency and Phlegm-dampness. 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 TCM is different from the Western medicine. Syndrome differentiation with consideration of BC and balancing one’s Yin and Yang is the treatment strategy in TCM. In order to prevent the “unhealthy” BC change further for reducing the disease risks, it is necessary to provide certain Yin/Yang enhancing program, such as integration of dietary therapy, to early diagnose and regulate the “unhealthy” BC presentations. The ultimate goal is to reduce the disease burden, such as reduced DM-related quality of life, stress of homecare givers and healthcare professionals and the rising healthcare cost.