Integrated TCM-Western 'Three-Team' co-management improves sleep quality and glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes and comorbid sleep disorders.
In a prospective non-randomized controlled study, patients with T2DM and sleep disorders receiving the integrated 'Three-Team' co-management model (endocrinologist, TCM physician, health manager) for 6 months showed significantly greater improvements in PSQI scores (group × time interaction χ²=32.59, P<0.001) and glycemic control (FBG and HbA1c) compared to conventional therapy. At 6 months, PSQI decreased by 2.44 points from baseline in the intervention group, a 2.4-fold greater reduction than controls, with significant between-group differences in FBG and HbA1c observed as early as 3 months.
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Integrated TCM-Western 'Three-Team' co-management improves sleep quality and glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes and comorbid sleep disorders. The current body of evidence comprises 1 study. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 34/100 (low).
The Claim
Integrated TCM-Western 'Three-Team' co-management improves sleep quality and glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes and comorbid sleep disorders.
This conclusion is most relevant to: Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and comorbid sleep disorders (n=57) attending the Department of Endocrinology of Xiamen Haicang Hospital..
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Integrated TCM-western "three-team" co-management for type 2 diabetes with sleep disorders: a prospective study. (Frontiers in endocrinology, 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Integrated co-management by endocrinologist, TCM physician, and health manager provides comprehensive care addressing both diabetes and sleep disorders.
- ▸TCM interventions may improve sleep quality through holistic approaches (e.g., herbal medicine, acupuncture, lifestyle advice).
- ▸Improved sleep quality may lead to better glycemic control via reduced stress hormones and improved insulin sensitivity.
- ▸Result: Significant improvements in sleep, glycemic control, and lipid profile.
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and comorbid sleep disorders (n=57) attending the Department of Endocrinology of Xiamen Haicang Hospital.
Recommended Dose
N/A
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Non-randomized design with patient preference-based group assignment may introduce selection bias.
- ▸Small sample size (n=57) and single-center study limit generalizability.
- ▸No blinding of participants or assessors, potentially influencing outcomes.
- ▸Duration limited to 6 months; long-term sustainability unknown.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 'Three-Team' co-management model?▼
It is an integrated care model involving an endocrinologist, a traditional Chinese medicine physician, and a health manager, providing combined Western and TCM interventions for patients with T2DM and sleep disorders.
How much did sleep quality improve in the intervention group?▼
The PSQI score decreased by 2.44 points from baseline at 6 months, which was 2.4 times greater than the reduction in the control group.
Did the intervention affect blood sugar control?▼
Yes, significant improvements in fasting blood glucose and HbA1c were observed, with between-group differences appearing as early as 3 months (FBG difference: -2.64 mmol/L; HbA1c difference: -2.09%).
What were the secondary benefits?▼
The intervention also improved 2-hour C-peptide (indicating better postprandial islet function) and reduced total cholesterol and LDL-C levels compared to control.
References
- 1.Sun M, Li C, Xia Y, Yu H. “Integrated TCM-western "three-team" co-management for type 2 diabetes with sleep disorders: a prospective study..” Frontiers in endocrinology, 2026. PMID: 42625567 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2026.1918435