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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.

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.

Last updated: Aug 25, 2026•0 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score34/100
Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Integrated TCM-western "three-team" co-management for type 2 diabetes with sleep disorders: a prospective study.

observational

Sun M, Li C, Xia Y, Yu H · Frontiers in endocrinology (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: 6 months
Intervention: Integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine 'Three-Team' co-management model (endocrinologist, TCM physician, health manager) added to conventional glucose-lowering therapy for 6 months.
Outcome: Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), 2-hour C-peptide, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C).
Effect Size: PSQI reduction: 2.44 points at 6 months (2.4-fold greater than control); FBG difference at 3 months: -2.64 mmol/L; HbA1c difference at 3 months: -2.09%.
Population: Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and comorbid sleep disorders (n=57) attending the Department of Endocrinology of Xiamen Haicang Hospital.

Result:

PubMed: 42625567DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2026.1918435

Mechanism Graph

Integrated co-management by endocrinologist, TCM physician, and health manager provides comprehensive care addressing both diabetes and sleep disorders.
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TCM interventions may improve sleep quality through holistic approaches (e.g., herbal medicine, acupuncture, lifestyle advice).
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Improved sleep quality may lead to better glycemic control via reduced stress hormones and improved insulin sensitivity.
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Result: Significant improvements in sleep, glycemic control, and lipid profile.

Limitations

  • ⚠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.

Products

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References

  1. 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
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.