Comparative Outcomes of Chinese and Western Medicine Treatments among Patients with Diabetes Mellitus in Taiwan

Although substantial patients with diabetes mellitus accept both Chinese and Western medicine treatments in Taiwan, there is little evidence that receiving this integrative manner can improve their conditions. Using data from the Bureau of National Health Insurance of Taiwan, we assessed the effects of receiving conventional care (Western medicine treatment only) and integrative care (both Chinese and Western medicine treatments) on patients with diabetes mellitus among 9,973 subjects 20-70 years of age during one-year follow-up. To determine which medical care improved the glucose metabolism most, HbA1c was regarded as the main indicator. Compared with their HbA1c, patients both in two different groups reduced the value with a significant result (p >.05); however, whether patients were given conventional or integrative care shows no statistical significance (p >.05). Other variables, such as comorbidity, complications, and risk factors, also influenced which medical care patients chose and the outcome of HbA1c reduction. We conclude that different medical treatments do not affect the outcome they incur, but are intervened by other variables.