The effect of Tai Chi on glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the effects of Tai Chi on fasting blood glucose (FBG), HbA1c, blood lipids, blood pressure, and inflammatory markers in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) through a meta-analysis.MethodsWe systematically searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, CNKI, CBM...

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Main Authors: Yawei Sun, Quanzhi Li, Weiqi Xue
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-08-01
Series:Frontiers in Endocrinology
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Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fendo.2025.1605253/full
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author Yawei Sun
Quanzhi Li
Weiqi Xue
author_facet Yawei Sun
Quanzhi Li
Weiqi Xue
author_sort Yawei Sun
collection DOAJ
description ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the effects of Tai Chi on fasting blood glucose (FBG), HbA1c, blood lipids, blood pressure, and inflammatory markers in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) through a meta-analysis.MethodsWe systematically searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, CNKI, CBM, WanFang, Web of Science, and Embase databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating Tai Chi interventions in T2DM patients. Statistical analyses were performed using Review Manager 5.4 software with random-effects models.ResultsCompared to the control group, Tai Chi significantly reduced: FBG(SMD= -0.57, 95% CI [-0.92,-0.23], P =0.001), HbA1c(MD=-0.73, 95%CI[-0.98, -0.49], P<0.00001), TG(SMD=-0.50, 95%CI[-0.91, -0.09], P =0.02), LDL-C(SMD=-0.70, 95%CI[-1.26, -0.15], P =0.01), hs-CRP(SMD=-0.71, 95%CI[-1.10, -0.31], P =0.0005), IL-6(SMD=-2.11, 95%CI[-2.88, -1.34], P<0.00001), TNF-α(SMD=-3.25, 95%CI[-3.25, -0.53], P =0.006). Subgroup analyses indicated optimal FBG reduction with: The standardized 24-form Tai Chi routine; Interventions ≥12 weeks in duration; Exercise frequency >5 sessions/week; Daily exercise duration ≥60 minutes.ConclusionTai Chi demonstrates clinically meaningful benefits for T2DM management. Future RCTs should explore age-specific (e.g., pediatric vs. geriatric) and sex-stratified responses to inform personalized exercise prescriptions.
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spelling doaj-art-87abc7e7fa5a4f239a63e8d05be8a43d2025-08-20T03:41:22ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Endocrinology1664-23922025-08-011610.3389/fendo.2025.16052531605253The effect of Tai Chi on glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trialsYawei Sun0Quanzhi Li1Weiqi Xue2Sports Department, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, ChinaSports Training Academy, Nanjing Institute of Physical Education and Sports, Nanjing, ChinaSports Department, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, ChinaObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the effects of Tai Chi on fasting blood glucose (FBG), HbA1c, blood lipids, blood pressure, and inflammatory markers in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) through a meta-analysis.MethodsWe systematically searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, CNKI, CBM, WanFang, Web of Science, and Embase databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating Tai Chi interventions in T2DM patients. Statistical analyses were performed using Review Manager 5.4 software with random-effects models.ResultsCompared to the control group, Tai Chi significantly reduced: FBG(SMD= -0.57, 95% CI [-0.92,-0.23], P =0.001), HbA1c(MD=-0.73, 95%CI[-0.98, -0.49], P<0.00001), TG(SMD=-0.50, 95%CI[-0.91, -0.09], P =0.02), LDL-C(SMD=-0.70, 95%CI[-1.26, -0.15], P =0.01), hs-CRP(SMD=-0.71, 95%CI[-1.10, -0.31], P =0.0005), IL-6(SMD=-2.11, 95%CI[-2.88, -1.34], P<0.00001), TNF-α(SMD=-3.25, 95%CI[-3.25, -0.53], P =0.006). Subgroup analyses indicated optimal FBG reduction with: The standardized 24-form Tai Chi routine; Interventions ≥12 weeks in duration; Exercise frequency >5 sessions/week; Daily exercise duration ≥60 minutes.ConclusionTai Chi demonstrates clinically meaningful benefits for T2DM management. Future RCTs should explore age-specific (e.g., pediatric vs. geriatric) and sex-stratified responses to inform personalized exercise prescriptions.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fendo.2025.1605253/fullTai ChiT2DMHbA1cblood lipidsinflammatory markersmeta-analysis
spellingShingle Yawei Sun
Quanzhi Li
Weiqi Xue
The effect of Tai Chi on glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Frontiers in Endocrinology
Tai Chi
T2DM
HbA1c
blood lipids
inflammatory markers
meta-analysis
title The effect of Tai Chi on glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
title_full The effect of Tai Chi on glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
title_fullStr The effect of Tai Chi on glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
title_full_unstemmed The effect of Tai Chi on glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
title_short The effect of Tai Chi on glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
title_sort effect of tai chi on glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus a meta analysis of randomized controlled trials
topic Tai Chi
T2DM
HbA1c
blood lipids
inflammatory markers
meta-analysis
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fendo.2025.1605253/full
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