TCM diagnosis Based on Syndrome Differentiation:
Spleen - Kidney Yang Deficiency
This pattern will present with feelings of coldness throughout the body, fatigue, frequent urination, weakness, sore lower back and knees, and a shortness of breath. This pattern becomes more common as we age. Generally, Yang is our warmth and vitality. Qi is also Yang in nature, so Restore the Middle Way formula may address coldness and other Yang Deficient symptoms. Yang tonics must be used with care in a well balanced formula to avoid creating further imbalance in the body.

Stomach Heat
Closely associated with Yin Deficiency, Stomach Heat can develop due to Stomach Yin Deficiency possibly created by poor diet. Signs would include thirst, a big appetite, and yellow coated tongue. The temptation is to drink iced drinks to cool the heat and quench the thirst in this pattern, but the tactic backfires by forcing the stomach to constantly create heat so that it can maintain an optimum temperature for digestion.

Spleen Qi Deficiency
This pattern is indicated with loose stools, low energy, distention and gas after meals, weak limbs, scallops on the side of the tongue, and sometimes a loss of appetite. Spleen Qi Deficiency is also indicated in cases of insulin resistance and hypoglycemia which are often considered pre-diabetic conditions. The pancreas is a part of the Spleen energetic organ system, and a Spleen imbalance is typical when dealing with diabetes.

Kidney Yin Deficiency
Yin Deficiency would generally include thirst, dry kidney-yin-herbalmouth, frequent urination of dark urine, and soreness in the lower back and knees. This is a common early indication of diabetes, but aspects of Yin Deficiency are typically present throughout the disease process. As the body works to purge the insidious pathogenic Dampness due to a damaged Spleen energetic system, the Yin is consumed. Yin represents substance in the body, and compromising Yin leads to premature aging in diabetes. As the disease progresses the Yin substance consumed can include the myelin sheath of the nerves leading to neuropathy.