Literature Review of Diabetes Treatment Programs in the Real World: Focusing on Case Reports and Retrospective Chart Reviews Reported in Korean Academic Journals

Background and Objective: This study aimed to analyze case reports and retrospective chart reviews to identify diabetes patients’ characteristics, evaluation methods, and intervals in Korean medicine (KM) practice, providing foundational data for designing applicable clinical programs in primary KM institutions.Materials and Methods: The study included case reports and retrospective chart reviews on diabetes, prediabetes, or complications treated with KM, focusing on blood glucose control. OASIS, RISS, and KCI were searched on August 3, 2024, and data on the treatment environment, visit patterns, complications, comorbidities, and treatment methods were extracted. Studies not evaluating clinical outcomes, lacking blood glucose or glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) measures, or not targeting diabetes or related conditions were excluded, with the quality of literature assessed using the CARE and JBI checklists.Results: In the 47 selected studies, the treatment approaches were classified into KM alone, integrative treatment with conventional medicine (CM), and treatments focused on complications or comorbidities. Treatment methods included herbal medicine, acupuncture, moxibustion, and cupping therapy. Fasting blood sugar (FBS), postprandial 2-hour glucose (PP2), and HbA1c were mainly used for assessment. FBS and PP2 [.1] were assessed more frequently than HbA1c. The visit frequency, treatment duration, and follow-up periods varied depending on the type of treatment administered.Discussion: This study emphasizes the feasibility of KM treatments for diabetes mellitus in KM institutions and suggests the need for practical clinical processes to overcome current limitations. However, further research and institutional improvements, such as the application of medical insurance fees, are necessary.