Comparative Response of Oxidative Stress to Baduanjin Exercise Versus Electro-Acupuncture in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Objective: Oxidative stress is aggravated by the existence of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Baduanjin exercise and acupuncture are two traditional Chinese treatment methods that are commonly used to treat diabetes and its complications. This study aimed to compare the oxidative stress response to a 12-week electro-acupuncture versus Baduanjin exercise in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Material and Methods: Sixty non-obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were assigned randomly to the EA group (n=30) or Baduanjin-exercise group (n=30). EA group received a 2-Hz electro-stimulation to needles inserted in bilateral PC4 and PC6 acupoints for 40 minutes while the other group received Baduanjin exercise for 40 minutes. The 12-week treatment was performed daily (except Friday) in both groups. Besides the measurement of serum lipid hydro-peroxidase (as an oxidative stress marker), serum antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase and nitric oxide were assessed before and after 12 weeks. Results: Both EA and Baduanjin exercise produced a highly significant decrease in serum lipid hydro-peroxidase and an increase in serum superoxide dismutase and serum nitric oxide levels. Comparison of post-treatment lipid hydro-peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and nitric oxide between Baduanjin exercise and electro-acupuncture groups did not show a significant difference. Conclusions: Both Baduanjin exercise and electro-acupuncture are good anti-oxidative therapeutic modalities to lower oxidative stress in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.