Research Progress on the Intervention of Prediabetes with Non-pharmaceutical Therapies featuring Traditional Chinese Medicine

Abstract

: Prediabetes, also known as impaired glucose regulation (IGR), refers to a pathological state in which blood glucose levels are higher than the normal range but do not meet the diagnostic criteria for diabetes. No organic lesions develop in the prediabetic stage, which corresponds to the "Pi Dan" pattern in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). This stage represents a golden intervention window to reverse glucose metabolic disorders and block the occurrence of type 2 diabetes and its complications.Western intervention mainly consists of lifestyle guidance and pharmacotherapy, yet such approaches come with inevitable adverse drug reactions, low patient compliance, and challenges in long-term sustained management.Guided the TCM concept that "superior physicians treat diseases before they occur", characteristic TCM non-pharmacological interventions — including acupuncture, moxibustion, acupoint catgut embedding, acupoint application, auricular point pressing, tuina, and traditional Daoyin exercises — can comprehensively regulate visceral functions and improve insulin resistance. These therapies feature the merits of non-invasiveness, high safety, and minimal adverse effects.