Objective To analyze the characteristics and rules of acupoint selection for acupuncture treatment of insulin resistance.Methods Data collections were conducted by searching references on acupuncture treatment of insulin resistance in PubMed

CNKI

VIP data base from 1991 to 2016

and acupuncture prescription data base for acupuncture treatment of insulin resistance was established.Data mining was applied to analyze the characteristics and rules of acupoint selection.Results A total of 64 papers were recruited

and 73 acupoints were selected in these papers.It was found that the acupoints as Zusanli(ST36)

Sanyinjiao(SP 6)

Fenglong(ST 40)and Taichong(LR 3)were used with highest frequencies.All acupoints selected distributed in 13 meridians

especially Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian

Foot Taiyin Bladder Meridian

and Conception Vessel with a total frequency of 58.07%.The special acupoints including five-shu points

eight confluent points and back-shu points

accounted for 56.71%.Conclusion This study excavated the regular acupoint selection and acupoints compatibility for acupuncture treatment in patients with insulin resistance

giving evidence based confirming and direction for acupuncture clinical treatment.