Data Mining and Analysis of Acupuncture Treatment for Diabetes / 上海针灸杂志

ABSTRACT

ObjectiveTo explore the characteristics of and regularities in the application of points for acupuncture treatment of diabetes in clinical literature.MethodOne hundred and two pieces of clinical literature on acupuncture treatment for diabetes published from 1998 to 2013 were sorted out, sifted, entered and statistically analyzed using modern computer and data mining technology to summarize the characteristics of and regularities in the application of acupoints in the literature.ResultSanyinjiao was the most frequently used point for acupuncture treatment of diabetes (68). Two points[Pishu(BL20)and Shenshu(BL23)], three points[Pishu, Shenshu andSanyinjiao(SP6); Weiwanxiashu(Ex-B3), Pishu and Shenshu], four points[Zusanli(ST36),Pishu, Shenshu and Sanyinjiao]and five points[Zusanli, Pishu, Shenshu, Weiwanxiashu and Sanyinjiao]were the most frequently used point combinations. The most frequently used meridian was the Bladder Meridian of Foot-Taiyang (260). The selected points were distributed on the back and the lower limb. The proportion of used specific points reached 74.5%. Five Shu points and Back-Shu points were used most frequently. The proportion of using manual acupuncture was 57.6%. Treatments with the cooperation of Dietary control and exercise conditioning accounted for 64.4%.ConclusionAcupuncture treatment of diabetes is mainly based on regulating the middle Jiao, with the upper Jiao and the lower Jiao taken into account. Specific points are the main part of point combinations. Manual acupuncture is the main treatment and meanwhile, attention is paid to adjusting life style.