Effects of Huayu Tongluo moxibustion on cognitive function and insulin resistance in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and cognitive decline: a randomized controlled trial.
10.13703/j.0255-2930.20241001-k0003
- Author:
Min YE
1
;
Aihong YUAN
1
;
Lele ZHANG
1
;
Qiqi YANG
1
;
Hongyu XIE
1
;
Xia GE
1
;
Wenjing KAN
1
;
Sheng LI
1
;
Jun YANG
1
Author Information
1. Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of CM, Hefei 230031, China.
- Publication Type:English Abstract
- Keywords:
Huayu Tongluo moxibustion;
cognitive function;
insulin resistance;
randomized controlled trial (RCT);
type 2 diabetes mellitus
- MeSH:
Humans;
Insulin Resistance;
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/complications*;
Male;
Female;
Moxibustion;
Middle Aged;
Aged;
Cognition;
Acupuncture Points;
Adult;
Cognitive Dysfunction/therapy*
- From:
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion
2025;45(11):1541-1548
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects of Huayu Tongluo (transforming stasis and unblocking collaterals) moxibustion on cognitive function and insulin resistance in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cognitive decline.
METHODS:Ninety patients with T2DM and cognitive decline were randomly divided into a moxibustion group (n=45, 3 cases dropped out, 2 cases were eliminated) and a waiting moxibustion group (n=45, 2 cases dropped out). Both groups received routine hypoglycemic treatment for 12 weeks. The moxibustion group additionally received Huayu Tongluo moxibustion at Baihui (GV20), Shenting (GV24), and Dazhui (GV14). Pressing moxibustion was applied to Baihui (GV20) for 20 min, while suspended moxibustion was applied to Shenting (GV24) and Dazhui (GV14) for 20 min each. Treatments of moxibustion were administered every other day (three times per week) for 12 weeks. All patients were followed up for 12 weeks, during which their original hypoglycemic medication regimen was maintained. Before treatment, after 12 weeks of treatment, and at the 12-week follow-up, the scores of Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA), mini-mental state examination (MMSE), Addenbrooke's cognitive examination Ⅲ (ACE-Ⅲ), symbol digit modalities test (SDMT), and Athens insomnia scale (AIS) and the insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) were observed in the two groups.
RESULTS:Compared with before treatment, the MoCA scores, MMSE scores, ACE-Ⅲ subscale scores (attention, memory, language fluency, language, visuospatial ability) and total scores, and SDMT scores were increased (P<0.01), while the AIS scores were decreased (P<0.05) in the moxibustion group after treatment and at follow-up. Compared with before treatment, the MMSE score, ACE-Ⅲ subscale scores (memory, attention) and total score after treatment, as well as the ACE-Ⅲ subscale scores (language, memory, attention) and total score, and SDMT score at follow-up were increased (P<0.05, P<0.01) in the waiting moxibustion group. Compared with before treatment, HOMA-IR was decreased in both groups after treatment and at follow-up (P<0.01). At follow-up, ACE-Ⅲ subscale scores (attention, memory), and the total score in the moxibustion group were lower than those after treatment (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the ACE-Ⅲ language subscale score, total ACE-Ⅲ score, and SDMT score in the waiting moxibustion group were higher than those after treatment (P<0.01, P<0.05). After treatment and at follow-up, compared with the waiting moxibustion group, the moxibustion group had higher MoCA scores, MMSE scores, SDMT scores, ACE-Ⅲ subscale scores (attention, memory, language fluency) and total scores (P<0.05, P<0.01), and lower HOMA-IR (P<0.05).
CONCLUSION:Huayu Tongluo moxibustion can effectively improve cognitive function in patients with T2DM and cognitive decline. This improvement may be associated with the reduction in insulin resistance.
