Exercise modalities and dosages on glycated haemoglobin and exerkines in type 2 diabetes: a systematic review with pairwise, network, and dose-response meta-analyses
Systematic review evaluates exercise types and dosages on outcomes in type 2 diabetes, suggesting tailored approaches.
Key Points
This study synthesizes evidence on how different exercise modalities and dosages impact glycated haemoglobin levels and exerkine responses in type 2 diabetes.
Conducted a systematic review and Bayesian evidence synthesis of randomized controlled trials up to October 2025.
Employed pairwise, network, and model-based dose-response meta-analyses for evaluating eight exercise modalities.
Performed exploratory analyses on changes in circulating exerkines related to exercise interventions.
Mind-body resistance training and high-intensity interval training ranked highest for reducing HbA1c levels (85.9% and 78.6% effective, respectively).
An L-shaped dose-response showed significant clinical benefits at 600 MET-min/week (-0.57% mean reduction in HbA1c, 95% CI: -0.72 to -0.42).
HIIT increased adiponectin, while resistance training showed greater reductions in interleukin-6 and tumour necrosis factor-α levels.