International Journal of Molecular Medical Science, 2024, Vol.14, No.6, 380-392 http://medscipublisher.com/index.php/ijmms 387 possible to enhance overall health and well-being, stabilize blood glucose levels, and prevent complications associated with diabetes. 6 Clinical Application and Practice of Individualized Dietary Therapy 6.1 Current application of TCM constitution identification in dietary therapy for diabetes Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) constitution identification plays a crucial role in the individualized dietary therapy for diabetes. TCM constitution refers to the classification of individuals based on their physical and psychological characteristics, which influence their susceptibility to diseases and their response to treatments. This approach allows for personalized dietary recommendations that align with the individual's constitution type, thereby optimizing therapeutic outcomes. Studies have shown that TCM constitution-based dietary interventions can significantly improve glucose control and clinical indices in diabetic patients (Dong-peng, 2012; Tian et al., 2019). For instance, a randomized trial demonstrated that TCM constitution-based dietary regimes could achieve favorable clinical outcomes in hypertensive patients, suggesting potential benefits for diabetic patients as well (Wang et al., 2023). 6.2 Dietary therapy practices across different regions and cultural contexts The practice of TCM dietary therapy varies across different regions and cultural contexts, reflecting the diversity in dietary habits and local TCM practices. In China, TCM dietary therapy is deeply rooted in the cultural and historical context, with a long history of using specific foods and herbs to manage diabetes (Dong-peng, 2012). For example, the use of Liuwei Dihuang pills, a classical TCM formula, has been highlighted for its effectiveness in treating type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) by nourishing kidney yin (Zheng et al., 2019). In contrast, in Western countries, the integration of TCM dietary therapy with conventional Western medicine is gaining popularity. A network meta-analysis revealed that combining TCM with conventional Western medicine significantly improves clinical outcomes in T2DM patients compared to Western medicine alone (Ma et al., 2023). This integration reflects a growing acceptance and adaptation of TCM practices in different cultural contexts. 6.3 Case studies of individualized dietary therapy and outcome evaluation Several case studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of individualized dietary therapy based on TCM constitution identification in managing diabetes. For instance, a systematic review of TCM-based lifestyle interventions, including dietary modifications, showed that practices like tai chi and ba duan jin significantly improved glycemic control and overall well-being in T2DM patients (Yu et al., 2018). Another study mapped the clinical application of various TCM therapies, including dietary interventions, and found consistent benefits in improving fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and other clinical parameters (Wang et al., 2022). These case studies underscore the importance of personalized dietary therapy in achieving better health outcomes for diabetic patients. 6.4 Integration of dietary habits and TCM constitution identification in diabetic patients Integrating dietary habits with TCM constitution identification involves tailoring dietary recommendations to align with the individual's constitution type and existing dietary preferences. This approach not only enhances the effectiveness of the therapy but also ensures better adherence to dietary modifications. Research has shown that individuals with certain TCM constitution types, such as yin-deficiency and phlegm-dampness, are more susceptible to diabetes and may benefit from specific dietary adjustments (Bai et al., 2021). For example, individuals with yin-deficiency may be advised to consume foods that nourish yin, such as black sesame seeds and mulberries, while those with phlegm-dampness may benefit from foods that reduce dampness, such as barley and adzuki beans. By integrating these dietary habits with TCM constitution identification, healthcare providers can offer more personalized and effective dietary therapy for diabetic patients (Gupta et al., 2020; Huang et al., 2022). 7 Safety and Efficacy Evaluation of Individualized Dietary Therapy 7.1 Safety analysis of dietary therapy plans The safety of individualized dietary therapy based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) constitution identification is a critical aspect of its application. Studies have shown that combining TCM with conventional Western medicine (CWM) can be safe and effective for managing diabetes. For instance, a meta-analysis revealed
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