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The Effect of Bloodletting Therapy on Lipid Metabolism and Glucose Control in Type 2 Diabetes: A Case Report

Tserentogtokh Baasantogtokh ORCID
International School of Mongolian Medicine, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar 13270, Mongolia
Seesregdorj Surenjid ORCID
International School of Mongolian Medicine, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar 13270, Mongolia
Sainbileg Sonomtseren ORCID
School of Medicine, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar 13270, Mongolia
Tsolmon Unurjargal ORCID
School of Medicine, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar 13270, Mongolia
Wei-Ti Chen ORCID
Joe C. Wen School of Nursing, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
Nominerdene Ulambayar ORCID
International School of Mongolian Medicine, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar 13270, Mongolia
Enkhtuya Vankhuu ORCID
International School of Mongolian Medicine, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar 13270, Mongolia

Received: 17 July 2025; Revised: 10 September 2025; Accepted: 24 September 2025; Published: 23 January 2026

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a pervasive chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and hyperglycemia. While conventional treatments exist, there is groqing interest in complementary and alternative therapies, particularyl for patients with poorly controlled disease. . Among these, bloodletting therapy of Traditional Mongolian medicine (TMM) has historical roots, yet it lacks robust scientific evaluation. This case report presents a 42-year-old male with uncontrolled T2DM and concomitant dyslipidemia, who demonstrated poor adherence to standard glucose-lowering medications. The therapeutic intervention involved a traditional Mongolian medicine protocol, commencing with a 5-day preparatpry regimen of an herbal blood-thinning decoction. This was followed by th bloodletting procedure itself, with no conventional anti-diabetic medications administered during the entire intervention period. This outcomes observed over 90-day follow-up were notably substantial. The patient’s metabolic parameters demonstrated framatic improvements: fasting glucose decreased from 13.89 to 5.77 mmol/L, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) fell from 7.31% to 6.05%. Significant enhancements were also recorded in lipid metabolism, with cholesterol  and triglyceride levels dropping from 6.1 to 4.65 mmol/L and from 8.35 to 2.43 mmol/L), respectively. Furthermore, the patient exhibited considerable reductions in body mass index (from 35.7 to 29.5 kg/m²), and blood pressure (140/90 to 130/85 mmHg), no serious adverse events reported. In conclution, the combination of traditional Mongolian bloodletting and an herbal decoction was associated with clinically meaningful improvements in glycemic control, lipid profile, and overall metabolic balance in this refractory uncontrolled T2DM case. These promising findings suggest potential immunometabolic benefits; however, rigorous controlled studies are imperative to definitively confirm its efficacy, safety, and the underlying mechanisms of action.

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