Electroacupuncture in glycemic control - Transitioning from clinical controversies to potential basic research

Sep 28, 2026

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Diabetes represents a major global metabolic disorder, with China’s type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) population projected to reach 168 million by 2050. Electroacupuncture (EA) and auricular acupuncture are presented as safe, accessible, multitargeted options for glycemic control with translational potential. Clinical evidence links EA to reduced fasting plasma glucose and glycated hemoglobin, while mechanistic data implicate neuro-endocrine-immune modulation, gut microbiota regulation, and insulin signaling activation. The review synthesizes and critically evaluates clinical and animal studies, emphasizing translational implications, mechanistic insights, and evidence gaps, including species differences between rodents and humans. It calls for well-powered multicenter randomized trials with standardized protocols.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages16

Reading Time40 min

AccessFree to download

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Background and Rationale

| W | J | D | World Journal of
Diabetes | | --- | --- | --- | --- | Submit a Manuscript: [https://www.f6publishing.com](https://www.f6publishing.com) World J Diabetes 2025 December 15; 16(12): 112580 DOI: 10.4239/wjd.v16.i12.112580 ISSN 1948-9358 (online) MINIREVIEWS Electroacupuncture in glycemic control: Transitioning from clinical controversies to potential basic research Shuai-Yan Wang, Chen-Xi Deng, Yi-Ning Huang, Mei-Xin Tian, Si-Yu Zhuang, Yi-Fan Deng, Bin Xu, TianCheng Xu Specialty type: Endocrinology and metabolism Provenance and peer review: Invited article; Externally peer reviewed. Peer-review model: Single blind Peer-review report’s classification Scientific Quality: Grade A, Grade B, Grade B, Grade B, Grade B, Grade C Novelty: Grade B, Grade B, Grade B, Grade B Creativity or Innovation: Grade B, Grade B, Grade B, Grade C Scientific Significance: Grade B, Grade B, Grade B, Grade B P-Reviewer: Cai L, MD, PhD, Professor, United States; Hwu CM, MD, Professor, Taiwan; Li M, PhD, Associate Professor, China; Patil PN, MD, Associate Professor, India Received: July 31, 2025 Revised: September 5, 2025 Accepted: November 6, 2025 Published online: December 15, 2025 Processing time: 137 Days and 18.6 Hours Shuai-Yan Wang, Chen-Xi Deng, Yi-Ning Huang, Mei-Xin Tian, Si-Yu Zhuang, Yi-Fan Deng, Bin Xu, Tian-Cheng Xu, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu Province, China Co-first authors: Shuai-Yan Wang and Chen-Xi Deng. Co-corresponding authors: Bin Xu and Tian-Cheng Xu. Corresponding author: Bin Xu, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu Province, [China.](China. xubin@njucm.edu.cn)[ xubin@njucm.edu.cn](China. xubin@njucm.edu.cn) Abstract Diabetes is a major global metabolic disorder, with the type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) population in China expected to reach 168 million by 2050. Electroacupuncture (EA) and auricular acupuncture represent safe, accessible, and multitargeted strategies for glycemic control with strong translational potential. Clinical studies indicate that EA, targeting trunk and limb acupoints, can significantly reduce fasting plasma glucose and glycated hemoglobin. Mechanistically, EA modulates the neuro-endocrine-immune axis, regulates gut microbiota, and activates insulin signaling pathways. Auricular acupuncture, through vagal innervation, may also exert rapid effects on glucose homeostasis via autonomic modulation. The review’s objective is to synthesize and critically evaluate current clinical trials and animal studies on EA and auricular acupuncture for glycemic control in diabetes, particularly T2DM, and to highlight translational implications, mechanistic insights, and evidence gaps. This review also emphasizes translational considerations by highlighting species differences between rodents and humans-an underappreciated yet critical factor influencing the clinical applicability of preclinical findings. Through the integration of recent research advances, the present review not only consolidates clinical and preclinical evidence but also advances a deeper mechanistic framework and underscores the importance of species-specific factors in bridging experimental research and patient care. Future progress requires rigorously designed, adequately powered, multicenter randomized controlled trials with standardized protocols to validate efficacy and define their role in precision diabetes management. Key Words: Electroacupuncture; Blood glucose management; Clinical controversies; Basic WJD [https://www.wjgnet.com](https://www.wjgnet.com) 1 December 15, 2025 Volume 16 Issue 12 Wang SY et al. Controversies of electroacupuncture in glycemic control research in acupuncture; Auricular acupuncture; Body acupuncture ©The Auth

FAQs

What role do electroacupuncture and auricular acupuncture play in glycemic control?

They are described as safe, accessible, multitargeted strategies that can improve glycemic outcomes. Clinical studies suggest EA reduces fasting plasma glucose and glycated hemoglobin, and mechanistic data support neuro-endocrine and immune modulation.

Which mechanisms are proposed to explain electroacupuncture effects?

The review states that EA modulates the neuro-endocrine-immune axis, regulates gut microbiota, and activates insulin signaling pathways. Auricular acupuncture is suggested to act via autonomic modulation through vagal innervation.

What limitations and future research needs are highlighted?

Current clinical trials are limited by small sample sizes and heterogeneous designs. Future progress requires rigorously designed, adequately powered, multicenter randomized controlled trials with standardized protocols, especially to address species differences between rodents and humans.

Sep 28, 2026

Uploaded by Bintang