What question did this study set out to answer?

This study aims to evaluate the early effects of a Korean medicine weight loss program on continuous glucose monitoring metrics and metabolic parameters.

March 6, 2026Journal of Korean Medicine0 citationsOpen Access

Changes in Continuous Glucose Monitoring Metrics During the Initial Phase of a Korean Medicine–Based Weight Reduction Program: A Retrospective Observational Study

MBMinwoo Bang SSSuyong ShinKyung Hee University JKJungsang KimDunsan Korean Medicine Hospital

Key Points

This study aims to evaluate the early effects of a Korean medicine weight loss program on continuous glucose monitoring metrics and metabolic parameters.
Retrospective analysis of 31 participants who underwent a Korean medicine treatment and low-carbohydrate diet.
Participants wore continuous glucose monitoring devices for 14–15 days post-treatment initiation.
Changes in body composition and metabolic indicators were assessed over one month.
Time in range increased by 8.46 percentage points, indicating better glucose control.
Coefficient of variation decreased from 0.15 to 0.13, showing less glucose variability.
Percentage of time below range decreased significantly from 0.44% to 0.03%.
Body weight decreased by 3.6 kg and BMI by 1.3 kg/m² after one month.
Systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased by 5.6 mmHg and 4.5 mmHg respectively, and HbA1c dropped by 0.4%.

Abstract

Objectives: This multicenter retrospective study evaluated early changes in continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) metrics and metabolic parameters during the initial phase of a Korean medicine (KM) based weight loss program combined with a low-carbohydrate diet (LCD).Methods: Thirty-one participants who wore a CGM device for 14–15 days after starting KM treatment and LCD were analyzed. Weekly CGM metrics, daily trends using linear mixed-effects models, and 1-month changes in body composition and metabolic indicators were assessed.Results: Time in range (TIR) increased by 8.46 percentage points, and coefficient of variation decreased from 0.15 to 0.13, both meeting minimally clinically important difference criteria. The percentage of time below range (TBR) <54 mg/dL decreased from 0.44% to 0.03%. Daily trend analyses revealed significant improvements in TIR and time above range (TAR). After one month, body weight decreased by 3.6 kg, BMI by 1.3 kg/m², and systolic, diastolic blood pressure by 5.6, 4.5 mmHg; HbA1c decreased by 0.4%.Conclusion: KM treatment combined with an LCD produced clinically meaningful early improvements in CGM variability and short-term metabolic outcomes, suggesting potential as an integrative metabolic intervention.

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