Effects of Korean Medicine Treatment and a Low-Carbohydrate Diet on Weight Loss and Glycemic Control in Patients with Obesity and Elevated Blood Glucose: A Multicenter Retrospective Study

Objective: This study evaluates the effects of Korean medicine combined with a low-carbohydrate diet (LCD) on weight loss and glycemic control in patients with elevated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c≥5.7%) from Daeat Korean Medicine Clinics (Seoul, Incheon Bupyeong).Methods: Among 1,563 screened patients, the medical records of 39 who had received Korean medicine treatment for at least 60 days and had HbA1c measurements taken≥60 days apart were analyzed. Interventions included herbal medicine, pharmacopuncture, and carbohydrate restriction (≤50 g/day).Results: Overall HbA1c decreased (-0.78±1.36%), with 12 patients improving to lower glycemic categories. Patient weight (-4.61±4.47 kg), body mass index (-5.24%), and body fat mass (-4.03±3.35 kg) also saw significant reductions.Conclusion: Korean medicine and a LCD may improve weight and glycemic control, offering a complementary strategy for obesity and hyperglycemia management.