2026-04-06
Just 15 days after being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, a 14-year-old boy from Wuhan, Xiao Li (pseudonym), traveled to Shenzhen to undergo an integrative medical program centered on non-insulin interventions.
After 51 days, his HbA1c dropped from 14.7% to 6.6% without injections. Once afraid of being seen as “different” by classmates, he can now return to sports and eat normally, gradually regaining control of his body. The case was reported by Bao’an Daily.
The journey against diabetes: integrative medical intervention
Last summer, accompanied by his parents, Xiao Li visited the Integrative Medicine Center of Shenzhen Hengsheng Hospital—just 15 days after his diagnosis of type 1 diabetes.
Unlike many long-term patients, Xiao Li’s fight against diabetes had just begun. He told doctors, “I don’t want to inject insulin at school—I’m afraid my classmates will see me as a ‘freak.’”
Behind these words lies a common struggle for many adolescents with diabetes: coping not only with the physical burden of the disease but also with social isolation and challenges to self-identity.
After evaluation by Director An Chiying’s team at the Integrative Medicine Center, a key conclusion was reached: Xiao Li was in the early “honeymoon phase” of type 1 diabetes—when some pancreatic function remains and dependence on external insulin is relatively low.
Director An explained that type 1 diabetes commonly occurs in adolescents and is caused by the immune system attacking pancreatic β-cells, leading to absolute insulin deficiency. Traditional treatment relies on lifelong insulin replacement, but during the early “honeymoon phase,” timely and comprehensive intervention may help preserve remaining pancreatic function.
Based on this assessment, the team developed a structured integrative plan: under continuous medical monitoring, prioritizing non-insulin interventions while providing personalized nutrition, scientific physical training, psychological support, and coordinated family management. “We focus not only on blood glucose levels but on restoring this young boy’s disrupted life as a whole,” said Director An.
Positive outcomes under scientific intervention
After 51 days of comprehensive intervention, several key indicators showed significant improvement:
• HbA1c decreased from 14.7% at admission to 6.6%, indicating markedly improved glycemic control;
• C-peptide levels increased from 0.25 ng/mL to 1.65 ng/mL, suggesting preservation and partial recovery of pancreatic function.
Director An explained that C-peptide is a key indicator of pancreatic β-cell function. For patients with type 1 diabetes, maintaining or increasing C-peptide levels indicates retained endogenous insulin production, helping reduce reliance on external insulin, lower hypoglycemia risk, and support long-term glucose stability.
“For Xiao Li, this is not just about controlling blood sugar—it’s about helping him regain control of his body at a critical stage of life,” said Director An. “Early intervention is crucial in adolescent type 1 diabetes. Treatment should go beyond glucose monitoring and insulin injections—nutrition, exercise, psychological care, and family support are all essential.”
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