Case Report on the Improvement of Uncontrolled Blood Glucose with <italic>Shihogayonggolmoryo-tang</italic>, <italic>Yeonggyechulgam-tang</italic>, and Korean Medicine Complex Therapy

Introduction: This case describes a 64-year-old female receiving herbal medicine and acupuncture for pain whose uncontrolled glycemic markers and symptoms improved with continued treatment.Case presentation: The patient initially received acupuncture for neck pain for two months, with minimal relief. Considering coexisting edema, insomnia, and fatigue, three months of herbal medicine were administered, during which glucose (310 mg/dL) and HbA1c (9.5%) spiked without any identifiable cause. Believing that these uncontrolled glycemic markers were related to overall symptoms, Chaihu-Jia-Longgu-Muli-Tang (CHJLGMLT; <i>Shihogayonggolmoryo-tang</i>) was prescribed for two more months, followed by one month of Linggui-Zhugan-Tang (LGZGT; <i>Yeonggyechulgam-tang</i>). After two months of CHJLGMLT, HbA1c improved to 5.8%, glucose to 123 mg/dL; after one month of LGZGT, HbA1c was 5.9%, and glucose remained at 123 mg/dL. Neck pain dropped from Numerical Rating Scale 8 to 5, insomnia from 6 to 3, fatigue from 9 to 5, and edema from 4 to 2.Conclusion: This case report suggests that Korean integrative medicine can contribute to improved glycemic control and reduced polypharmacy in diabetic patients. Further large-scale trials and standardized guidelines are required to validate its efficacy and safety.