ABSTRACT
Based on the theory of "spleen dispersing essence" in Huangdi's Inner Canon, combined with the discussion of medical experts in previous dynasties and modern researches, this paper argues that "spleen not dispersing essence" is an important pathogenesis of diabetes, which runs through the whole process of diabetes, including the stage of its complications. In the pathological state, the spleen disperses semen, affecting the physiological functions of the viscera, and the occurrence of diabetic retinal, heart, kidney, peripheral nerve and other complications. In clinical practice, the general principle of "promoting the spleen and dispersing essence" is used to provide the idea of TCM syndrome differentiation for the treatment of diabetes and its complications.