Underlying mechanisms of exercise protection against diabetes mellitus: a narrative review

Diabetes mellitus is a significant metabolic disorder posing a serious threat to human health. While current pharmacological therapies are relatively well-established, they are often associated with certain side effects. As an economical and low-risk intervention, exercise has emerged as a pivotal non-pharmacological strategy in diabetes management. This narrative review summarizes the mechanisms by which exercise ameliorates both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, explores its beneficial impacts on diabetes-related complications, and compares the efficacy of different exercise modalities.