Current Status of Diagnosis and Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus with Atherosclerosis in Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is closely associated with the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, which can lead to disability and mortality in patients, reducing their quality of life while increasing socioeconomic burdens. The core shared pathogenesis lies in insulin resistance and chronic low‑grade inflammation. Traditional Chinese Medicine interprets the progression of this condition as evolving from “yin deficiency with dryness‑heat” to “deficiency of both qi and yin,” eventually leading to “phlegm‑stasis binding.” Modern medical treatment emphasizes a comprehensive risk management strategy centered on “ABC” (A1C, Blood pressure, Cholesterol), while TCM diagnosis and treatment include the use of Chinese patent medicines, single‑herb studies, and compound decoctions, reflecting the advantages of multi‑target and holistic regulation. This article systematically outlines the current status of diagnosis and treatment for the comorbidity of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Future research should conduct high‑quality clinical studies integrating traditional Chinese and Western medicine, further explore synergistic mechanisms, and promote the standardized development of diagnosis and treatment practices.