Effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation at acupoints on patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized controlled trial

ObjectiveTo examine whether transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation at acupoints (Acu-TENS) improved the biochemical and physical indices of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).MethodsNinety subjects with T2DM were divided randomly into a control group (n = 30), aerobic exercise group (n = 30), or Acu-TENS group (n = 30). In addition to conventional diabetes drug treatment, patients in the Acu-TENS group received acupoint stimulation, the aerobic exercise group engaged in walking exercises, and the control group was given sham electrical stimulation. All groups were treated for 30 min for each session and five times a week for 2 months. The indices of glycosylated hemoglobin, 2 h postprandial glucose, fasting serum insulin, triglyceride, total cholesterol, and body mass index were assessed at pre-treatment, post-treatment, and follow-up, which was 2 months after treatment.ResultsThe indices of the control group were not changed (P > 0.05) at the three time points. At the pre-treatment measurement, there were significant differences (P > 0.05) in indices among the three groups. At post-treatment, each index of the two groups was lower than that of the control group (P < 0.05), and improved in comparison with the pre-treatment measurement (P < 0.05). In follow-up, each index of the aerobic exercise group and Acu-TENS group increased, but was still decreased compared with the pre-treatment value (P < 0.05), excluding body mass index.ConclusionAcu-TENS could improve the state of patients with T2DM and be used as a therapy in clinical application.