Katharina Rhein, cand. med. Lic. Acupuncture;
Sandro Graca, MSc, Lic TCM, FABORM
Editor’s Note: This is the latest article in a new column from the Society for Acupuncture Research (www.acupunctureresearch.org), offering research insights relevant to acupuncture practitioners.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a complex and chronic metabolic disorder frequently accompanied by psychological comorbidities such as depression and anxiety. These mental health challenges can compound the burden of diabetes by impairing treatment adherence, worsening metabolic control and reducing overall quality of life. As a result, integrative approaches that simultaneously address both physiological and psychological health are increasingly being explored.
A recent randomized, controlled trial (RCT) investigated the effectiveness of combining acupuncture with an anti-inflammatory diet in improving mental health outcomes, metabolic parameters, and anthropometric indices in patients with T2DM and mild to moderate depression.
Study Overview
This eight-week RCT involved 90 adult participants between the ages of 20 and 75, all of whom had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes for at least six months and were currently using oral anti-diabetic medications. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: a group receiving acupuncture in combination with an individualized anti-inflammatory diet; a group receiving the anti-inflammatory diet alone; and a control group receiving standard care along with general dietary recommendations. Eighty-three participants completed the intervention.
The acupuncture protocol consisted of two sessions per week over the course of eight weeks. Treatments included a selection of acupuncture points traditionally associated with both metabolic and psychological regulation: Baihui (Du 20), Taichong (LV 3), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Zusanli (ST 6), Tianshu (ST 25), Daheng (SP 15), Neiguan (PC 6), Shenmen (HT 7), Sishencong (EX-HN1), Yintang (EX-HN3), Guanyuan (Ren 4), and Qihai (Ren 6).
Points were selected bilaterally where applicable, and the treatment protocol aimed to support both physical and emotional balance in line with traditional and contemporary clinical perspectives.
Key Findings
Results demonstrated that acupuncture combined with an anti-inflammatory diet was more effective than diet alone or standard care in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety, lowering HbA1C levels, and decreasing abdominal obesity.
Specifically, the combination therapy led to approximately a 20% reduction in depression and anxiety scores compared to baseline and other groups (p < 0.001). Waist circumference decreased by an average of 4.14 cm (p = 0.04) and HbA1C levels dropped by 0.82 mmol/mol (p = 0.008). Additionally, there was a significant increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels compared to the diet-alone group (p = 0.02).
These clinical improvements occurred without serious adverse events; only two participants in the acupuncture group reported minor pain or bruising at the needling sites.
Clinical Relevance for Acupuncture Practitioners
For acupuncture practitioners, this study offers strong support for integrating acupuncture with nutritional strategies in the management of complex metabolic conditions like T2DM, particularly when accompanied by psychological distress. The use of acupuncture points such as Baihui (Du 20), Sanyinjiao (SP 6) and Shenmen (HT 7) – well-known for their calming and regulating properties – alongside points like Zusanli (ST 36) and Guanyuan (Ren 4), associated with digestive and metabolic function, reflects a comprehensive approach grounded in both traditional Chinese medicine and modern clinical insight.
Conclusion
The combination of acupuncture and an anti-inflammatory diet appears to offer a safe and effective adjunctive treatment for individuals with T2DM and co-occurring depression. This integrative approach enhances both psychological and metabolic outcomes, and provides a compelling model for holistic care that bridges conventional and complementary treatment strategies.
Reference
- Irandoost P, Firouzjaei A, Heshmati J, et al. The effects of an anti-inflammatory diet alone or in combination with acupuncture on mental health, anthropometric indices, and metabolic status in diabetic patients with depression: a randomized, controlled clinical trial. Nutr Diabetes, 2025;15:18. Open Access: Read the full study here.
