This study is a randomized controlled pilot trial designed to evaluate the effects and safety of a traditional Chinese medicine formula (DKD-1) as an add-on therapy to standard treatment in patients with Diabetic Kidney Disease (DKD). Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to receive either standard care alone or standard care combined with DKD-1 for 12 weeks. Kidney function, glycemic control, proteinuria, quality of life, and traditional Chinese medicine tongue features will be assessed before and after the intervention. The study aims to provide preliminary evidence on whether DKD-1 can improve renal function, glycemic control, and quality of life in this patient population.
This study is a prospective, single-blind (data analyst-blinded), randomized controlled pilot trial evaluating a traditional Chinese medicine formula (DKD-1) as adjunctive therapy in patients with Diabetic Kidney Disease. DKD is a progressive condition with limited treatment options to slow renal deterioration and manage glycemic control. Traditional Chinese medicine is widely used as a complementary approach, but clinical evidence remains limited. After providing informed consent, eligible participants will be screened according to inclusion and exclusion criteria and randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either standard therapy alone or standard therapy plus daily oral DKD-1 (14.5 g) for 12 weeks. Baseline and post-intervention assessments include estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), serum creatinine, urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), quality of life (KDQOL-SF™ 1.3), and TCM tongue diagnosis. Adverse events will be monitored throughout the study. This trial is designed to provide preliminary clinical evidence on the potential role of DKD-1 in improving renal function, glycemic control, and quality of life, supporting future larger-scale randomized controlled trials.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
66
DKD-1 is a traditional Chinese herbal formula administered orally at a total daily dose of 14.5 g for 12 weeks. The formula consists of Astragalus membranaceus (3.0 g), Salvia miltiorrhiza (2.5 g), Chinese yam (2.5 g), Poria cocos (2.0 g), Moutan cortex (1.5 g), Schisandra chinensis (1.0 g), and Smilax glabra (2.0 g). It is used as an adjunct to standard care in patients with diabetic kidney disease.
China Medical University Beigang Hospital
Yunlin, Taiwan, Taiwan
Change in Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR)
Change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) from baseline to week 12. eGFR is calculated using standard clinical laboratory methods. The primary endpoint is defined as the difference between eGFR at week 12 and baseline (ΔeGFR = eGFR\_12weeks - eGFR\_baseline).
Time frame: From baseline to 12 weeks of treatment
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