Meta-analysis of the effects of exercise intervention on glucose metabolism and body composition in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

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• Picked for Pharmacology (medical) (top studies of the week, 19 July 2026).

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To systematically evaluate the effects of exercise intervention on glucose metabolism and body composition in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODS: Relevant literature built up to May 8, 2026 was searched through Web of Science, PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases, and Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software, and the quality of the literature was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool. A total of 16 randomized controlled trials involving 1401 samples were included. RESULTS: Exercise intervention significantly reduced glycated hemoglobin in patients with T2DM (SMD = -0.46, 95% CI: -0.73 to -0.19, P = 0.0007). Subgroup analysis revealed that combined exercise produced greater improvements (SMD = -0.71, 95% CI: -0.95 to -0.47, P < 0.00001) compared to aerobic exercise alone (SMD = -0.32, 95% CI: -0.62 to 0.02, P = 0.04). Exercise intervention also significantly reduced fasting blood glucose (SMD = -0.52, 95% CI: -0.70 to -0.35, P < 0.00001). However, no statistically significant improvement was observed for the insulin resistance index (SMD = -0.18, 95% CI: -0.40 to 0.04, P = 0.11). Regarding body composition, exercise intervention resulted in a significant reduction in BMI after excluding an outlier study (SMD = -0.37, 95% CI: -0.61 to -0.12, P = 0.003) and significantly improved maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) (SMD = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.34 to 0.82, P < 0.00001). CONCLUSION: Exercise intervention can effectively improve glucose metabolism and body composition in patients with T2DM, with mixed (aerobic combined with resistance) exercise showing superior effects on glycemic control compared to aerobic exercise alone. Exercise intervention serves as an important non-pharmacological intervention for the comprehensive management of T2DM.

Abstract as published, via PubMed.