Speakers - DEWC2025

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Gastrodia (Tianma) and Astragalus (Huangqi) extracts on insulin sensitivity and thyroid function in 80 patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), aged 40-65. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: the combined therapy group, receiving daily doses of Gastrodia and Astragalus along with standard diabetes care, and the control group, which received only standard care. The intervention lasted 12 weeks. Insulin sensitivity was assessed using the Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), while thyroid function was evaluated through serum Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Free T3, and Free T4 levels. Glycemic control was monitored by measuring fasting blood glucose (FBG) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Lipid profiles, including total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglycerides, were measured, alongside inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP).

Results indicated that the combined therapy group had significantly lower HOMA-IR scores compared to the control group (P<0.01), reflecting improved insulin sensitivity. There was a significant decrease in TSH levels (P<0.05), while Free T3 and Free T4 showed trends towards normalization. The combined group also demonstrated greater reductions in FBG and HbA1c (P<0.01) and improved lipid profiles, with significant reductions in total cholesterol and LDL-C (P<0.05) and increased HDL-C. Additionally, CRP levels significantly decreased (P<0.05). These findings suggest that combining these extracts with standard care may enhance metabolic control and reduce inflammation in T2DM patients, warranting further research.