Home›Diabetes & Endocrinology› Taijiquan and Baduanjin significantly improve depressive symptoms and glycemic control in Type 2 Diabetes
Taijiquan and Baduanjin significantly improve depressive symptoms and glycemic control in Type 2 DiabetesTraditional Chinese fitness methods may help manage diabetes and depression
Endocrinology, diabetes & metabolismPublished November 2, 2026Study authors: Tian Xinyue, Wei Yiwen, Bo Jingwen, Lin Keke, Shen Yina, Liu YuPubMed ↗DOI ↗Editorial oversight: Dr. Amelia Tan, PhD · Internal Medicine & Chronic Disease
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Key Takeaway
Note that TCFMs may improve depressive symptoms and glycemic markers in Type 2 Diabetes, though evidence certainty is low.
This meta-analysis synthesized evidence regarding the effects of Traditional Chinese fitness methods (TCFMs), specifically Taijiquan and Baduanjin, on patients with Type 2 Diabetes and comorbid depression. The analysis focused on depressive symptoms and glycemic markers including HbA1c, FPG, and 2hPBG.
The meta-analysis reported significant improvements in depressive symptoms (SMD = -1.39; 95% CI [-2.22, -0.57], p = 0.001). Glycemic markers also showed significant improvements, with HbA1c showing a mean difference of -0.82 (95% CI [-1.18, -0.45], p < 0.0001) and FPG showing a mean difference of -0.70 (95% CI [-0.97, -0.42], p < 0.00001). Results for 2hPBG were inconclusive.
Several limitations were noted, including high risk of bias in most studies, lack of blinding, small sample sizes, and high heterogeneity. The authors noted low certainty of evidence and limited studies for 2hPBG. Clinical application of TCFMs for mental health and glycemic regulation in this population should be interpreted cautiously as conclusions are preliminary and require confirmation in larger, rigorously designed studies.
How this fits prior evidence
This meta-analysis extends prior evidence that non-pharmacological interventions significantly improve HbA1c, blood pressure, and waist circumference in Type 2 Diabetes. It specifically addresses the intersection of mental health and metabolic control in patients with comorbid depression, providing evidence that Taijiquan and Baduanjin may improve both depressive symptoms and HbA1c (MD = -0.82) and FPG (MD = -0.70).
Living with Type 2 diabetes while also managing depression can feel like a constant uphill battle. It is a heavy burden to manage both physical health and mental well-being at the same time. New research looks at whether traditional Chinese fitness methods, specifically Taijiquan and Baduanjin, can offer some relief.
Researchers looked at data from patients in China who faced both conditions. They found that these specific fitness methods led to significant improvements in depressive symptoms. The study also showed that these exercises helped lower HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels, which are key markers for managing blood sugar.
While these results are encouraging, the evidence is not yet certain. Many of the studies included were small or had a high risk of bias. Because the data is preliminary, these findings should be viewed with caution. Talk to your doctor about how these traditional methods might fit into your personal care plan.
What this means for you:
Taijiquan and Baduanjin may improve mood and blood sugar for those with Type 2 diabetes and depression.
Common questions
Can Taijiquan or Baduanjin help with my depression?
The study found that these traditional Chinese fitness methods led to significant improvements in depressive symptoms for patients with Type 2 diabetes and depression. However, the evidence is currently considered to have low certainty because many of the studies involved were small or had a high risk of bias.
Do these exercises help manage blood sugar levels?
Yes, the research showed significant improvements in HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) for those practicing these methods. However, the results for 2hPBG (a measure of how your body handles sugar after a meal) were inconclusive and need more study.
Is this a proven treatment for my condition?
The findings are preliminary and should be interpreted cautiously. Because the evidence is not yet certain and the studies were often small, you should talk to your doctor before starting any new exercise routine to see if it is right for you.
AIMS: To evaluate the overall effectiveness of traditional Chinese fitness methods (TCFMs)-specifically Taijiquan and Baduanjin-on depressive symptoms and glycaemic control in patients with Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and comorbid depression.
METHODS: RCTs evaluating the effectiveness of TCFMs were identified through 10 major English and Chinese databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, Wiley Online Library, ProQuest, CBM, CNKI, VIP, and Wanfang Data. Risk of bias was assessed using the revised Cochrane RoB 2 tool, and evidence certainty was graded using GRADE. Meta-analyses were conducted using the DerSimonian-Laird random-effects model. Subgroup analyses were performed by intervention duration, frequency, and sample size.
RESULTS: Eight RCTs of Taijiquan and Baduanjin were included. All studies were conducted in China, and most had small sample sizes. Most had a high risk of bias, mainly due to a lack of blinding of participants and personnel. TCFMs were associated with significant improvements in depressive symptoms (SMD = -1.39, 95% CI [-2.22, -0.57], p = 0.001). Significant improvements were also observed for HbA1c (MD = -0.82, 95% CI [-1.18, -0.45], p < 0.0001) and FPG (MD = -0.70, 95% CI [-0.97, -0.42], p < 0.00001). The effect on 2hPBG remains inconclusive owing to limited studies. Subgroup analyses revealed no significant effect modifiers for depressive symptoms or HbA1c (all interaction p > 0.05). Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the primary findings, though heterogeneity decreased substantially after excluding high-risk studies.
CONCLUSIONS: This review provides preliminary evidence that TCFMs may confer benefits on mental health and glycaemic regulation in patients with T2DM and comorbid depression. However, given the low certainty of the evidence, high heterogeneity, and methodological limitations, these findings should be interpreted cautiously. The conclusions are preliminary and require confirmation in larger, rigorously designed studies.
TRIAL REGISTRATION: The protocol of this systematic review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD420261287519).
