Effects of supervised exercise on lipid profiles and blood pressure control in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

AimsOur study's purpose was to perform a systematic review to assess the effect of supervised exercise interventions on lipid profiles and blood pressure control.MethodsWe searched electronic databases and selected studies that evaluated the effect of supervised exercise intervention on cardiovascular risk factors in adult people with type 2 diabetes. We used random effect models to derive weighted mean differences of exercise on lipid profiles and blood pressure control.ResultsForty-two RCTs (2808 subjects) met inclusion criteria and are included in our meta-analysis. Structured exercise was associated with a change in systolic blood pressure (SBP) of −2.42 mmHg (95% CI, −4.39 to −0.45 mmHg), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of −2.23 mmHg (95% CI, −3.21 to −1.25 mmHg), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) of 0.04 mmol/L (95% CI, 0.02–0.07 mmol/L), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) of −0.16 mmol/L (95% CI, −0.30 to −0.01 mmol/L). Heterogeneity was partially explained by age, dietary co-intervention and the duration and intensity of the exercise.ConclusionsSupervised exercise is effective in improving blood pressure control, lowering LDL-C, and elevating HDL-C levels in people with diabetes. Physicians should recommend exercise for their adult patients with diabetes who can safely do so.