Exercise Timing in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Metabolic Health
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) management involves lifestyle interventions.
• Exercise timing relative to meals is a potential factor influencing glycemic control.
• Understanding optimal exercise timing can enhance T2DM treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review literature on exercise timing and glycemic control in T2DM.
• To evaluate the impact of exercising before versus after meals on blood glucose levels.
• To synthesize evidence regarding exercise timing for T2DM management.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search across major databases (PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane, ClinicalTrials.gov).
• Inclusion of 19 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 346 participants.
• Qualitative synthesis of extracted data and quality assessment using Cochrane tools.

Main Results:

• Improvements in glycemia and insulin response were more consistent with postmeal exercise compared to premeal exercise.
• Observed benefits were largely derived from indirect comparisons between studies.
• Nineteen RCTs involving 346 participants were analyzed.

Conclusions:

• Exercise initiated 30 minutes postmeal shows potential for greater glycemic control improvements in T2DM.
• Limited direct comparative studies exist, highlighting methodological heterogeneity.
• Further high-quality RCTs are needed to confirm the optimal timing of exercise for T2DM glycemic management.