Objective:

To systematically evaluate the effects of exercise intervention on glucose metabolism and body composition in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Approach:

• Literature Search: Relevant literature was searched through Web of Science, PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases up to May 8, 2023.

Key Findings:

• Exercise intervention significantly reduced glycated hemoglobin (SMD = -0.46, 95% CI: -0.73 to -0.19, P = 0.0007).
• Combined exercise produced greater improvements in glycated hemoglobin compared to aerobic exercise alone (SMD = -0.71, 95% CI: -0.95 to -0.47, P < 0.00001 vs. SMD = -0.32, 95% CI: -0.62 to 0.02, P = 0.04).
• Exercise intervention significantly reduced fasting blood glucose (SMD = -0.52, 95% CI: -0.70 to -0.35, P < 0.00001).
• No statistically significant improvement was observed for the insulin resistance index (SMD = -0.18, 95% CI: -0.40 to 0.04, P = 0.11).
• Exercise intervention resulted in a significant reduction in BMI (SMD = -0.37, 95% CI: -0.61 to -0.12, P = 0.003) and improved maximal oxygen uptake (SMD = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.34 to 0.82, P < 0.00001).

Interpretation:

Limitations:

• The review is limited to studies published until May 8, 2023.
• Potential biases in the included studies may affect the overall findings, including selection bias and reporting bias.

Conclusion: