Frontiers in Endocrinology (Aug 2025)

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

  • Yawei Sun,
  • Quanzhi Li,
  • Weiqi Xue

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2025.1605253
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 16

Abstract

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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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