Objective To study the effects of Meilian Xiaoke capsule(a traditional Chinese medicinal preparation) combined with metformin for protecting islet cells and lowering blood glucose in diabetic rats. Methods Rat models with type 2 diabetes,established by high-fat and high-glucose diet combined with streptozotocin(STZ) injection, were treated with a low dose of metformin, Meilian Xiaoke capsule, or both for 4 weeks by gavage. Blood glucose level was tested in the rats, and islet pathologies and changes in isle...