The application of Sheng-Mai Injection in diabetes mellitus and related complications: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder characterized by progressive β cell dysfunction. Sheng-Mai Injection (SMI), a Traditional Chinese medicine preparation, is widely used for DM and related complications. OBJECTIVE The study aims to summarize the applications of SMI in DM and related complications by meta-analysis. METHODS Eight databases were searched, and meta-analyses were performed. RESULTS Fifteen studies, including 1273 participants, were included. All studies and participants are from China. Pooled effects showed that SMI might reduce glycated hemoglobin (MD -0.46%; 95% CI -0.89 to -0.03; P < 0.01), fasting blood glucose (MD -0.83 mmol/L; 95% CI -1.30 to -0.36; P < 0.01), two-hour Postprandial glucose (MD -1.27 mmol/L; 95% CI -1.96 to -0.58; P < 0.01), 24-hour urinary protein (MD -0.28 mg; 95% CI -0.51 to -0.06; P = 0.01), blood urea nitrogen (MD -1.31 mg; 95% CI -2.08 to -0.54; P < 0.05), Scr (MD -2.60; 95% CI -3.43 to -1.77; P < 0.05), ulnar nerve motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV) (MD 1.45; 95% CI 0.03 to 2.87; P < 0.05) and tibial nerve Sensory nerve conduction velocity (SNCV) (MD 1.84; 95% CI 0.1 to 3.58; P < 0.05). There was no evidence of effect on common peroneal nervous MNCV and SNCV, tibial nerve MNCV, median nerve MNCV and SNCV. Adverse effects included less frequent gastrointestinal reactions, elevated transaminase, leucopenia, fever, and rash. CONCLUSION SMI may be effective in DM and diabetic nephropathy. For diabetic peripheral neuropathy, the effectiveness cannot yet be proven considering the inconsistency of the evidence.