Immediate effect of three different electroacupuncture protocols on fasting blood glucose in obese patients: a pilot study.
Τίτλος | Immediate effect of three different electroacupuncture protocols on fasting blood glucose in obese patients: a pilot study. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2015 |
Authors | Belivani, M., Lundeberg T., Cummings M., Dimitroula C., Belivani N., Vasilakos D., & Hatzitolios A. |
Journal | Acupunct Med |
Volume | 33 |
Issue | 2 |
Pagination | 110-4 |
Date Published | 2015 Apr |
ISSN | 1759-9873 |
Λέξεις κλειδιά | Acupuncture Points, Adult, Blood Glucose, Body Mass Index, Electroacupuncture, Fasting, Female, Humans, Insulin, Male, Middle Aged, Obesity, Pilot Projects, Treatment Outcome |
Abstract | BACKGROUND: Obesity is an increasing global health problem, and current methods of management are limited. Preliminary research data suggest that acupuncture may have an influence on metabolic parameters related to obesity.OBJECTIVE: To determine the electroacupuncture (EA) protocol to be used in a future clinical trial examining the effect of acupuncture on metabolic parameters related to obesity and to examine whether a single EA treatment can change fasting blood glucose in obese subjects.METHODS: 16 obese women aged 30-52 years with body mass index >30 kg/m(2) were assigned consecutively into three groups and their fasting blood glucose was measured before and after administering a single session, lasting 30 min, of one of three EA treatment protocols. The Dorsal group received EA to dorsal segmental acupuncture points BL18-23 bilaterally (corresponding to the segmental levels innervating the pancreas); the Ear group received EA to ear points in the cavum conchae; and the Limb group received EA to points in the arms and legs (LI10-LI11, ST36-Zongping).RESULTS: After a single session of EA there was a statistically significant decrease in fasting blood glucose in the Dorsal and Limb groups, but there was no change and even a trend towards an increase in the glucose level in the Ear group.CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this small pilot study suggest that EA to either dorsal segmental points corresponding to the pancreas or to muscle points in all four limbs may exert a beneficial effect on glucose metabolism in obese women. |
DOI | 10.1136/acupmed-2014-010662 |
Alternate Journal | Acupunct Med |
PubMed ID | 25522743 |