Last updated July 11, 2026
Key finding
Deep sleep duration (SWS) significantly increased by 12.64% (|t|=2.585, p = 0.001)
This study investigated the effects of auricular acupressure on sleep quality and blood glucose levels in elderly individuals with type 2 diabetes, finding significant improvements in both areas.
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EvidenceScore™
Moderate
Study type
RCTs
Follow-up
Medium-Term (3–12 mo)
Risk of bias
Some Concerns
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Plain-language summary
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Study focus
This study investigated the effects of auricular acupressure on sleep quality and blood glucose levels in elderly individuals with type 2 diabetes, finding significant improvements in both areas.
Improving sleep quality and managing blood glucose levels are crucial for the health of elderly individuals with type 2 diabetes. This study suggests that auricular acupressure could be a simple, non-invasive intervention that enhances overall well-being and metabolic control in this vulnerable population.
Limited sample size may affect generalizability Short duration of intervention could limit long-term applicability Subjective stress scores showed no significant differences
Published in
Publication details and source links for this paper.
Jihye N, Hyejin L, Hyojung P. Auricular Acupressure Improves Sleep Quality and Lowers Blood Glucose in Elderly with Type 2 Diabetes. Frontiers in Psychiatry. 2025;16:1677240. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1677240
Deep sleep duration increased by 12.64% (p = 0.001)
Postprandial blood glucose levels decreased significantly (p = 0.032)
Physical stress decreased in both left (p < 0.001) and right brain (p < 0.001)
Evidence network
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This study contributes evidence to Auricular acupressure and Deep sleep duration (SWS), Glucose iAUC (OGTT), Sleep efficiency, and 2 more.
This study contributes evidence to
Primary intervention
Auricular acupressure
Primary outcomes
Evidence topics
Primary intervention
Primary outcomes
Intervention and outcome relationships this study adds to the evidence network.
Editorial context
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Evidence network role
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1
Related topics
5
Evidence pairs
123
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Evidence topic
Contributes evidence
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Primary evidence
Evidence topic
matched_outcome
Core evidence
The primary outcomes reported in this study.
Auricular acupressure → Deep sleep duration (SWS)
Auricular acupressure → Deep sleep duration (SWS)
Auricular acupressure → Glucose iAUC (OGTT)
Auricular acupressure → Glucose iAUC (OGTT)
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Relationships organized using the Dediabetes Evidence Intelligence™ framework.
This study contributes to evidence on Auricular acupressure and Deep sleep duration (SWS), Auricular acupressure and Postprandial and OGTT Glucose.
This study contributes to the evidence on the following intervention-outcome relationships.
Behavioral & Lifestyle
Behavioral & Lifestyle
Curated evidence collections and hubs this study is part of.
All studies on Auricular acupressure
Contributes to Auricular acupressure evidence base.
All studies measuring Deep sleep duration (SWS)
Measures Deep sleep duration (SWS) as a key outcome.
All studies measuring Postprandial and OGTT Glucose
Measures Postprandial and OGTT Glucose as a key outcome.
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Published within the last 2 years.
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1 results
1 results
1 results
1 results
1 results
Generated from the study's connected evidence using Evidence Intelligence™.
Auricular acupressure appears to improve Deep sleep duration (SWS).
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Deep sleep duration (SWS)
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
Auricular acupressure appears to improve Glucose iAUC (OGTT).
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Glucose iAUC (OGTT)
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
Auricular acupressure appears to improve Sleep efficiency.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Sleep efficiency
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
Auricular acupressure appears to improve Stress.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Stress
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
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