Researcher:
Supervisors:
Date:
Dr Jayvant V Bhagattjee
Prof Rashid Bhikha;
Dr Yumna Abrahams
24 September 2011
There is a need for cost effective, non-invasive
approach to managing the growing epidemic
Diabetes mellitus II
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Diabetes Mellitus Type II is a fast growing epidemic worldwide.
According to the Merck Manual (1992), Diabetes Type II occurs
most frequently in adults from 30 years onwards. In the recent
years, people as young as teens have been diagnosed with Diabetes
Mellitus Type II. There is a definite need for more serious education
and intervention in the prevention and management of Diabetes
Mellitus Type II. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the benefit
of therapeutic dry cupping as an adjunctive therapy in the
management of diabetes mellitus type II. This experimental, pre-test
post-test control group design pilot study employed a quantitative
approach. The study population was purposefully sampled to obtain
optimum accuracy. The results indicated an overall average drop in
blood glucose levels with a dominant Sanguinous temperament. The
study indicates the possible benefits of dry cupping in acute cases
of hyperglycaemia and alongside an acute Unani medicinal regimen
of diabetic management
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Aim
To compare the results of 2hr post-prandial blood glucose
readings without cupping intervention to that of readings
after intervention with dry cupping therapy
Objectives
To determine blood glucose levels 2hr post-prandial and
subsequently immediately following 20 minutes of dry
cupping therapy (in the experimental group)
To determine blood glucose levels 2hr post-prandial and
20 minutes later (in the control group) with no cupping
intervention and with subject in a resting position.
To compare the results of each group to establish if the
use of dry cupping is beneficial in the management of
Diabetic Mellitus Type 2, according to Unani principles
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This experimental, pre-test post-test control
group design pilot study employed a
quantitative approach
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30 diabetic males residing in Cape flats
region including the Langa, Saartjie Baartman
Tibb Centre
Non-probability sampling
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Purposive sampling; although it may not
represent the population and limit
generalisability of results
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Male
Over 40years of age
Pre-diagnosed diabetics (Type II); with no
cardiac conditions; no cancer; no blood
disorders and not on any blood thinning
agents
Currently using only oral hypoglycaemics
Last meal eaten no more than and no less
than 2hrs before 1st blood glucose reading
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Study duration: 7 months
30 participants (1 visit per patient)
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Consultation
Pre-test finger prick glucose reading
Standardised dry cupping procedure
Experimental group: Dry Cupping on points A3,
A4 with Hot/Dry oil (5mins light massage) for
20mins
Control group: No activity, no food, cigarettes for
20 mins
Post-test finger prick glucose reading after
20mins for both groups
Patients were advised on management of
governing factors
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All participants were provided with an
information sheet clearly stating the nature of
the study as well as their right to withdraw
from the study at any point without being
disadvantaged in any way.
Written, voluntary, informed consent was
obtained.
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Based on this study, a mean average drop of
2.71mmol/l was noted in the experimental
group and -0.15mmol/l in control group.
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Broad age spectrum
Small study sample
Cost of consultation
Limited time within clinics
Temperamental differences
Efficacy of Unani vs Allopathic Medication
Effect of Ramadaan fasting period and drop of
glucose readings
Foods eaten (High GI vs Low GI)
Activity levels before pre-testing
Stress levels
Initial aim: Long term study
 Due to lack of resources, time constraints the
study was streamlined to one visit per patient.
 The possible role of cupping in long term
management of Diabetes Mellitus II may be for
the reasons that cupping is beneficial for:
Improving blood circulation to organs/tissues
 Therefore, as a spin-off to this study the
researcher is contemplating the role of dry
cupping in acute hyperglycaemic cases, alongside
the acute Unani oral hypoglycaemic regimen
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This would help stabilize the patient, prevent
possible diabetic coma and provide and
alternative in the event that emergency
medical services is not available taking into
consideration the poor status of South
African health care services
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Researchers interested in pursuing this line of
research further may delve deeper into
factors that may have affected this study
A further study to establish the role of dry
cupping in acute hyperglycaemic cases
alongside the Unani medicinal regimen for
acute conditions.
Points Le 13 may be considered in dry
cupping regimen due its metabolic
stimulating properties