Diabetes and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) are two conditions that often overlap. In Western medicine, both are linked to insulin resistance, hormonal imbalance, and metabolic syndrome.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, both conditions have similar roots of imbalance. Women with PCOS have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and people with diabetes often experience symptoms related to hormone and metabolism disruption.
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Type 2 Diabetes
Diabetes (Type 2 Diabetes) is a condition where the body struggles to get energy because it struggles to control blood sugar levels. Essentially, the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin (which is the hormone that lets sugar enter into cells to then fuel the body with energy.
PCOS
PCOS is a hormonal disorder that is complex in nature. Symptoms can include polycystic ovaries, skipped or irregular periods, acne, infertility, and excess body hair. Many women with PCOS also have insulin resistance, which can increase the risk of long-term health risks. This is why it’s important to manage PCOS symptoms whether trying to conceive or not.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Supports Hormone and Blood Sugar Balance
At Cherry Blossom Healing Arts, we use Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to support women and men struggling with these conditions—helping to improve blood sugar control, hormone regulation, and overall well-being.
Acupuncture plays an important role in supporting hormone regulation. We think it does this by influencing the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which is a key system for hormone regulation in the body. Acupuncture has been shown to improve the body’s insulin sensitivity, allowing better uptake of glucose into cells, which can then be used for energy.
How TCM Understands Diabetes and PCOS
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, these two conditions share similar root imbalances:
- Spleen Qi Deficiency – Poor digestive function leads to dampness and phlegm in the body, contributing to weight gain, cyst formation, and unstable blood sugar.
- Phlegm-Damp Accumulation – Seen in ovarian cysts, acne, and abdominal bloating; also linked to insulin resistance.
- Yin Deficiency with Internal Heat – Common in diabetes, causing thirst, dry mouth, restlessness, and sugar cravings.
- Liver Qi Stagnation – Stress and emotional strain disrupt the menstrual cycle, ovulation, and metabolic regulation, which can lead to unstable blood sugar and cyst formation as well.
Our Holistic Treatment Approach
We recommend a multi-pronged approach for the best treatment outcomes. A combination of acupuncture, customized herbal medicine, food therapy, and lifestyle modifications with support from the Cherry Blossom Healing Arts team tends to yield great results.
- Acupuncture – Helps regulate the endocrine system, the HPA axis, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce stress, which plays a role in both PCOS and diabetes.
- Chinese Herbal Medicine – Formulas can nourish Yin, strengthen the Spleen, and transform phlegm, addressing both the metabolic and reproductive systems.
- Dietary Therapy – Combining TCM principles with modern nutrition: focus on high-fiber vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, and low-glycemic fruits; avoid overly processed, greasy, and high-sugar foods.
- Lifestyle Support – Gentle exercise, stress-reduction techniques like Qi Gong or meditation, and adequate sleep help restore hormonal balance.
Why Combine TCM and Biomedicine?
Biomedicine provides lab testing, diagnostic imaging, and pharmaceutical management for PCOS, pre-diabetes, insulin resistance, and diabetes. TCM offers a personalized, root-cause approach that focuses on restoring harmony and preventing long-term complications. Together, they can create a more complete and effective plan for:
- Balancing blood sugar levels
- Supporting fertility and menstrual health
- Reducing weight gain and fatigue
- Improving mood and energy
Self-Care for Insulin and Blood Sugar
Here are some things you can do to support your insulin and blood sugar at home. First, exercise is incredibly important. Aim to get about 30 minutes of cardio per day, but don’t overdo it.
Eat lean proteins and reduce carbohydrate intake. Protein will help keep your blood sugar steady and not let it spike too much. Also, always eat protein first when you are eating. Believe it or not, the order of what you eat can make a huge difference on insulin and blood sugar.
Keep an eye on your BMI and discuss it with your primary care doctor. Discuss acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and supplements with your acupuncturist. This combination can be incredibly helpful. Also, if you have PCOS, be sure to track your menstrual cycle and discuss any patterns you see with your acupuncturist and your OB/GYN.
- Low impact cardio
- Eat lean proteins and reduce carbohydrates
- Keep an eye on your BMI
- Try acupuncture and herbal medicine
- Track your menstrual cycle
Ready for Support with Blood Sugar and PCOS Symptoms?
If you are ready to try something different to support your endocrine system, hormone leves, and blood sugar, then give acupuncture and herbal medicine a try. Your acupuncturist will use your tongue, pulse, medical history, and current symptoms to create a custom treatment plan that is just for you — because you deserve to feel better. To get started, head to our booking page and schedule your first appointment. If you’d like us to check your insurance benefits, we’d be happy to take care of that for you. Our acupuncture clinic in Washington, DC is in-network with CareFirst/BlueCross and Aetna.
About the Author
Hi, I’m Xudong! I’m passionate about helping patients feel better. While I specialize in Traditional Chinese Medicine, I also incorporate Western medicine concepts to best serve my patient’s needs and healthcare goals.
Hi! I’m Elyse, the go-getter who founded Cherry Blossom Healing Arts. I’m 100% a healer who loves to help people feel better! I absolutely love practicing acupuncture in Washington, DC.
