• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.240-255
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• 2013

Objectives : This study was performed to research trends in Korean medicine treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods : We reviewed 73 studies about diabetes mellitus, which had been published from 2008 to 2013. The article search was performed on the Korean institute of oriental medicine (KIOM) database. Results : 1. Patterns of study design were as follows : 14 review studies, 44 experimental studies, 7 clinical studies, 8 case reports. 2. From the 14 review studies, we noted that literature studies about definition, pathologic mechanism, treatment, pathologic pattern identification of DM and previous study analyses were done. 3. From the 44 experimental studies that are the most common type of DM studies, various Korean medicine treatments such as single medicinal herbs, herbal complexes, diets and pharmacopuncture were used. Anti-diabetic effects were demonstrated in most of the studies. 4. 7 clinical studies about acupuncture, electroacupuncture, herbal medicine, etc. were reported. 5. 8 cases about DM complications and comorbidities were reported. Clinical symptoms improved in all of studies, blood sugar level decreased in four studies. Conclusions : Further clinical and case study based on experimental researches should be performed.