Exploring the Efficacy of Auricular Acupuncture in Managing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Utilizing Freestyle Libre Pro Continuous Glucose Monitoring as the Primary Outcome Measure: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol

Diabetes mellitus, particularly Type 2 diabetes, poses a significant global health challenge with increasing prevalence rates. Despite available treatments, achieving optimal glycemic control remains a challenge. Acupuncture, an ancient therapy, has shown promise in managing diabetes. However, its efficacy on specific auricular acupuncture points in Type 2 diabetes remains underexplored. This study aims to investigate the efficacy of auricular acupuncture targeting the pancreas point, endocrine point, and point zero in improving glycemic control in individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, utilizing Freestyle Libre Pro continuous glucose monitoring. A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial design will be employed. Twenty participants aged 30–60 years with confirmed Type 2 diabetes will be recruited and randomized into two groups: a study group receiving auricular acupuncture and a control group receiving sham acupuncture. The primary outcome will be changes in mean glucose levels assessed via Freestyle Libre Pro continuous glucose monitoring. Secondary outcomes include changes in insulin sensitivity measured by Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) scores. Data analysis will be conducted using appropriate statistical tests to determine the efficacy of auricular acupuncture on glycaemic control and insulin sensitivity in individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. This study aims to contribute to the growing body of evidence on the efficacy of acupuncture in managing Type 2 diabetes, particularly focusing on auricular acupuncture points. The findings may have implications for improving diabetes care and warrant further investigation in larger clinical trials.