To explore the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)based on the trinity life view of physique-qi-spirit,and point out that the occurrence and development of T2DM are the three elements of life,i.e.physique,qi and spirit,which have patho-logical changes.This paper discusses from three aspects:physique,qi,and spirit.The changes in physique include structural chan-ges,abnormal physical movements,and changes in tangible and subtle substances;the changes in qi include qi deficiency and abnor-mal qi transformation;the changes in spirit include carnal desire excess and emotional imbalance.This paper provides new ideas for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of T2DM.