Objective To observe the effect of the spleen-
strengthening and qi-
invigorating herbal medicines on insulin mediator in type
2 diabetic rats with spleen-qi deficiency syndrome.Methods Rat models were induced by intraperitioneal injection of streptozocin (STZ),overstrain,abnormal meals with greasy foods.Model rats were randomly allocated to two groups:Group A was treated with herbal medicine with the actions of
strengthening spleen and
invigorating qi;Group B was treated with purified water.The normal rats were allocated to the control group.The serum contents of fasting blood-glucose and insulin were observed before and after 3-week treatment.The content of hepatic cell-membrane insulin mediator was observed after 3-week treatment.Results After 3 weeks of treatement the serum contents of fasting blood-glucose were decreased and the sensitivity of serum insulin were increased in Group A as compared with those before treatment (P < 0.05).The content of hepatic cell-membrane insulin mediator was increased in Group A as compared with Group B(P < 0.05).Conclusion The herbal medicine with the actions of strengthening spleen and invigorating qi is effective in increasing the content of the hepatic cell-membrane insulin mediator and improving the sensitivity of serum insulin in diabetic rat models with the spleen-qi deficiency syndrome.