INFLUENCE OF ACUPUNCTURE ON INSULIN RESISTANCE IN OBESITY PATIENTS

Aims: To investigate the influence of acupuncture on insulin resistance in obesity patients. Methods:In treatment group, 20 obesity patients were treated with acupuncture of Neiguan (PC 6), Zusanli (ST 36), Daimai (GB 26), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Zhongwan (CV 12), etc.. In control group, 12 normal volunteer subjects were observed. The obesity index, fasting blood sugar (FPG), plasma insulin (FINS) and C peptide contents, and insulin sensitive index (ISI) were measured before and after acupuncture treatment. Results: Before treatment in comparison with control group, FPG, FINS and C peptide of obesity patients were significant higher (P<0.01), while ISI was considerably lower (P<0.01); after acupuncture treatment, the levels of plasma insulin and C peptide decreased obviously, ISI increased markedly (P<0.01), and the obesity index was considerably improved with a total effective rate of 85%. Conclusion: Acupuncture can alleviate obesity and improve insulin resistance.