Type 2 Diabetes - Qi-Yin Deficiency Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for type 2 diabetes with
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 |
|---|
shortness of breath |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
appetite, dizziness |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
and weak pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
nourish |
| Etiology |
|---|
stress |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Yishu (EX-B3) | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to T8 |
|---|
specifically for diabetes; regulates pancreatic function |
| Zusanli (ST36) |
|---|
to the tibial crest | Strengthens Spleen and Stomach; tonifies Qi and
Blood |
| Taixi (KI3) |
|---|
tendon | Source point of Kidney meridian; nourishes Kidney Yin |
| Qihai (RN6) | 1.5 cun below the umbilicus |
|---|
strengthens the body |
| Sanyinjiao (SP6) | 3 cun above the medial malleolus |
|---|
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 |
|---|
|
| 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.
Related TCM Patterns for Type 2 Diabetes
Last reviewed: June 2026 | Lead author: Dr. Li Wei, DACM | Content updated: Monthly
Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any treatment.