Qibin Tongbian Decoction in the Treatment of Diabetic Constipation and Its Influence on the Intestinal Environment and the Incidence of Adverse Reactions: A Randomized Trial

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to study the clinical efficacy of Qibin Tongbian decoction in the treatment of diabetic constipation and its influence on the intestinal environment and the incidence of adverse reactions. METHODS: In this prospective study, a total of 62 patients with diabetic constipation admitted to our hospital from June 2020 to March 2021 were recruited and assigned at a ratio of 1 : 1 to receive either traditional treatment (control group) or Qibin Tongbian decoction (experimental group). Outcome measures included clinical efficacy, intestinal environment, and incidence of adverse reactions. RESULTS: Qibin Tongbian decoction was associated with significantly higher efficacy and a lower TCM symptom score versus conventional treatment (P < 0.05). Qibin Tongbian decoction resulted in significantly lower fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels and 2-hour postprandial plasma glucose (2hPG) levels versus conventional treatment (P < 0.05). Patients receiving Qibin Tongbian decoction showed significantly lower constipation symptom scores and PAC-QOL scores versus conventional treatment (P < 0.05). Qibin Tongbian decoction resulted in a significantly larger number of bifidobacteria and enterococci and a smaller number of yeasts versus conventional treatment (P < 0.05). Qibin Tongbian decoction was associated with a significantly lower incidence of adverse reactions and recurrence rate versus conventional treatment (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Qibin Tongbian decoction combined with conventional TCM therapy yields a promising effect in the treatment of diabetic constipation. It can improve the intestinal environment of patients, mitigate the symptoms of constipation, enhance the quality of life of patients, and reduce the incidence of adverse reactions, so it is worthy of promotion and application.