Type 2 Diabetes - Qi-Yin Deficiency Pattern

Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Type 2 Diabetes · Qi-Yin Deficiency Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Whole Body

Pattern Overview

Qi-Yin Deficiency is a common pattern in type 2 diabetes, characterized by progressive β-cell dysfunction, fatigue, thirst, dry mouth, weight loss, and shortness of breath. The core pathogenesis is Qi and Yin deficiency failing to generate fluids and nourish the body, leading to hyperglycemia, fatigue, and metabolic dysfunction.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |

| :— | :— |

| Primary Symptoms | Fatigue, thirst, dry mouth, weight loss, shortness of breath |

| Associated Symptoms | Spontaneous sweating, palpitations, poor appetite, dizziness |

| Tongue and Pulse | Pale red tongue with little coating, thready and weak pulse |

| Pathogenesis | Qi-Yin deficiency failing to generate fluids and nourish |

| Etiology | Prolonged illness, overwork, poor diet, emotional stress |

Acupuncture Point Prescription

| Point | Location | Function |

| :— | :— | :— |

| Yishu (EX-B3) | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to T8 | Extra point specifically for diabetes; regulates pancreatic function |

| Zusanli (ST36) | 3 cun below the patella, 1 finger-width lateral to the tibial crest | Strengthens Spleen and Stomach; tonifies Qi and Blood |

| Taixi (KI3) | Depression between medial malleolus and Achilles tendon | Source point of Kidney meridian; nourishes Kidney Yin |

| Qihai (RN6) | 1.5 cun below the umbilicus | Tonifies Qi and strengthens the body |

| Sanyinjiao (SP6) | 3 cun above the medial malleolus | Nourishes Blood and Yin; regulates the Spleen and Kidney |

Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reinforcing method; moxibustion may be applied to Qihai and Zusanli to warm and tonify Qi.

Herbal Formula

Base Formula: Sheng Mai San (生脉散) + Liu Wei Di Huang Wan (六味地黄丸)

Composition:

Ginseng (Ren Shen), Ophiopogon (Mai Dong), Schisandra (Wu Wei Zi), Rehmannia (Shu Di), Dioscorea (Shan Yao), Cornus (Shan Zhu Yu), Poria (Fu Ling), Moutan (Mu Dan Pi), Alisma (Ze Xie)

Action: Supplements Qi, nourishes Yin, and generates fluids.

Modifications

| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |

| :— | :— |

| Severe fatigue | Add Huang Qi to enhance Qi supplementation |

| Thirst | Add Tian Hua Fen, Ge Gen to generate fluids |

| Weight loss | Add Shan Yao, Huang Qi to supplement Qi and nourish Yin |

| Palpitations | Add Suan Zao Ren, Yuan Zhi to calm the spirit |

Western Mechanism Reference

Progressive pancreatic β-cell dysfunction with insulin resistance, oxidative stress damaging β-cells, and hyperglycemia. Qi-Yin Deficiency corresponds to progressive type 2 diabetes with β-cell dysfunction and insulin resistance, where oxidative stress and hyperglycemia contribute to β-cell damage.

References

  1. Internal Medicine of TCM - Wasting-Thirst with Qi-Yin Deficiency.

  2. DB-XJB: Sheng Mai San.

  3. WHO. (2023). Diabetes fact sheet. World Health Organization.

Explore More

  • Find your solution at MendGod.com – Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for metabolic health.

  • Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full research papers and clinical case studies on TCM diabetes management.