Objective: To observe the effect of Sanhuang Jiangtang recipe (

SHJT) on insulin peripheral resistance in Type II diabetes mellitus (DM).Methods: Ninety-five patients with type II DM were randomly divided into two groups. Fifty-three cases of SHJT group were given decoction and tablets of SHJT orally for 4–6 months. The efficacy was compared with that of 42 cases treated with Glipizide as the control. Before and after treatment standard steamed bread meal test was performed to measure the insulin peripheral sensitivity

insulin release to glucose and insulin sensitivity index.Results: (1) The total effective rates of improving insulin peripheral resistance and reducing blood sugar in SHJT group were 79. 2% and 80.1 %

which was equivalent to levels in the control group

but SHJT recipe was more effective in relieving symptoms of Qi deficiency and signs of blood stasis. (2) In SHJT group

the insulin peripheral sensitivity and insulin sensitivity index were significantly increased (P < 0.05 and 0.01)

meanwhile the fasting blood sugar and blood sugar area were reduced (P < 0.05)

but the change of insulin release to glucose was blunted. (3)The lowering of blood sugar in SHJT group was significantly negative correlated with the changing of degree of insulin peripheral sensitivity and index of insulin sensitivity (P < 0.01 and 0.05)

but not with that of insulin area.Conclusion: It suggested that the treatment of SHJT recipe might decrease insulin peripheral resistance (partial reversal) by means of reducing hyperinsulinemia and improving insulin sensitivity.