Auricular Acupuncture for Lowering Blood Glucose in Type 2 Diabetes: A Pilot Study

Objective: Although type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major health epidemic, little research on auricular acupuncture for reducing blood glucose levels has been published. In Guatemala, where this study was conducted, the prevalence of T2DM is high and access to care is limited. The purpose of this pilot study was to determine if an auricular acupuncture protocol could be a feasible, effective treatment for reducing blood glucose, thus offering another potential accessible treatment. Materials and Surveys indicated that all participants would be interested in using the treatment again to help manage their blood glucose. Conclusions: An auricular protocol may provide a low-cost, effective treatment for lowering blood glucose in patients with T2DM. The results of this study are promising, suggesting that further investigation is warranted.