Effects of resistance training on cardiovascular risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Aims Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is prevalent worldwide, often manageable through lifestyle changes like physical activity. This meta-analysis aimed to determine the effect of resistance training (RT) on cardiovascular risk factors in adults with T2DM. Methods Four databases were searched up to March 2024. The mean difference (MD) was calculated by a random effect model with 95% confidence interval (CI). Results Forty-eight articles were included in the review. There was a significant pooled effect size for the meta-analysis comparing RT vs. control on hemoglobin A1C (MD = -0.49, 95% CI: -0.66, -0.33; P < 0.00001), fasting blood sugar (MD = -11.58, 95% CI: -18.61, -4.55; P = 0.001), insulin (ES = -1.65, 95% CI: -2.87, -0.42; P = 0.008), HOMA-IR (MD = -1.20, 95% CI: -1.85, -0.55; P = 0.0003), triglyceride (MD = -18.14, 95% CI: -30.32, -5.96; P = 0.004), and high-density lipoprotein (MD = 2.71, 95% CI: 0.78, 4.64; P = 0.006). Moreover, RT was effective for reducing body weight (MD = -0.81, 95% CI: -1.50, -0.13; P = 0.02), fat percentage (MD = -0.92, 95% CI: -1.62, -0.22; P = 0.010), and waist circumference (MD = -2.14, 95% CI: -3.00, -1.28; P < 0.00001). Conclusion RT effectively improves cardiovascular risk factors in T2DM adults, suggesting potential as treatment or prevention. Future studies can consider investigating the optimal RT regimen to achieve effective T2DM management in adults.