Study Suggests Early Electroacupuncture Helps Preserve Pancreatic Function in Prediabetes

A new study from researchers at the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences suggests that electroacupuncture (EA) may help control blood sugar, especially during the early stages of prediabetes.

Prediabetes is a condition in which blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. At this stage, the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas begin to lose their function. If left untreated, prediabetes can progress to type 2 diabetes. Currently, treatment mainly focuses on healthy eating, regular exercise, and medicines such as metformin.

The researchers tested the treatment in mice with different stages of high blood sugar: temporary high blood sugar, early (low-risk) prediabetes, and advanced (high-risk) prediabetes. Electroacupuncture was applied to an acupuncture point called ST36, located near the knee.

The results showed that electroacupuncture reduced blood sugar levels and increased insulin production in mice with temporary high blood sugar and early prediabetes. It also improved the body's ability to process glucose in the early-stage group. However, the treatment had only limited benefits in mice with advanced prediabetes.

The researchers also found that electroacupuncture appeared to activate the vagus nerve, which connects the brain and many organs, including the pancreas. This activation helped improve communication between the brain and the pancreas, reduced stress inside insulin-producing beta cells, and slowed down the aging of these cells.

The findings suggest that electroacupuncture may be most effective when used early, before prediabetes progresses and the pancreas becomes more damaged.

However, this research was conducted only in mice. More studies, including well-designed clinical trials in humans, are needed to confirm whether electroacupuncture can safely and effectively help people with prediabetes manage their blood sugar.

REFERENCE: Ya-jing, L., et al. (2026) Study on the underlying mechanisms of electroacupuncture at “Zusanli” （ST36） in restoring blood glucose homeostasis in prediabetes mice. Acupuncture Research. DOI: 10.13702/j.1000-0607.20250584. https://www.zhenciyanjiu.cn/thesisDetails#10.13702/j.1000-0607.20250584&lang=en