Objective To investigate the impacts of modified Taoren Chengqi Decoction combined with sequential treatment of western medicine on TCM syndromes score, blood sugar fluctuations and serum asprosin level in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods Ninety T2DM patients were selected, and were divided into sequential group (n=45) and TCM group (n=45). In the sequential group, 44 cases (1 case dropped out) were given intensive insulin therapy first, and then changed to dulaglutide therapy; 44 cases (1 case dropped out) in the TCM group were additionally treated with modified Taoren Chengqi Decoction based on sequential group. The TCM syndrome scores, blood glucose fluctuation parameters, fasting blood glucose (FPG), islet function index and serum asprosin level were compared between the two groups before treatment and after 8 weeks of treatment.

Results After 8 weeks of treatment, the TCM syndrome score, standard deviation of blood glucose (SDBG), mean fluctuation of blood glucose (MAGE), FPG, fasting insulin (FINS), insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR), glucagon, fasting and 2 h postprandial C-peptide, serum asprosin levels of the two groups showed significant differences between the two groups compared with those before treatment(P < 0.05); there were significant statistical differences between the TCM group and the sequential group in levels of other indicators except SDBG(P < 0.05).

Conclusion Modified Taoren Chengqi Decoction combined with sequential treatment of western medicine for T2DM patients can greatly reduce serum asprosin level and TCM syndrome scores, effectively control blood sugar fluctuations, and greatly improved islet function.