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Document Type

Conference Proceedings

Abstract

Objective: To examine how structured exercise interventions, alone or combined with antidiabetic medications, affect glycemic and metabolic outcomes in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses published from 2020–2025 was conducted using PubMed. Eligible studies included adults (≥18 years) with T2DM participating in structured exercise for ≥8 weeks, with or without concurrent medication therapy. Ten RCTs (2021–2025) involving ~1,200 participants (mean age 45–68 years; baseline HbA1c 7.1–9.2%) were analyzed. Interventions included aerobic, resistance, combined, yoga, or high-intensity interval training, delivered 2–5 times per week for 8–52 weeks. Outcomes assessed were HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), HOMA-IR, and VO₂max. Results: Structured exercise consistently improved glycemic indices. Aerobic and resistance training reduced HbA1c by 0.5–1.2% and FPG by 10–25 mg/dL, with combined modalities producing the largest effects. Resistance training improved HOMA-IR 15–35% and VO₂max 10–20%. Exercise performed with metformin (2 studies) yielded additive benefits in HbA1c reduction (–0.8 to –1.4%) and insulin sensitivity. Yoga and time-restricted eating interventions achieved smaller yet significant improvements. Longer, multimodal programs (≥24 weeks) produced the most sustained outcomes. Conclusion: Structured, multimodal exercise significantly improves glycemic control and metabolic health in T2DM. When combined with metformin, exercise yields additive effects on HbA1c and insulin sensitivity. Integrating supervised exercise with pharmacologic therapy may optimize long-term diabetes management.

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