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This systematic review and meta-analysis examined whether traditional Chinese fitness methods — specifically Taijiquan (Tai Chi) and Baduanjin — can help people living with both type 2 diabetes and depression. Researchers searched ten major English and Chinese academic databases and identified eight randomised controlled trials, all conducted in China, for inclusion in the analysis.
The pooled results suggest that these movement-based practices were associated with meaningful reductions in depressive symptoms compared to control conditions. Improvements were also seen in two key markers of blood sugar regulation: glycated haemoglobin and fasting plasma glucose. The effect on two-hour postprandial blood glucose was inconclusive due to an insufficient number of studies. Subgroup analyses exploring factors such as intervention duration, frequency, and sample size did not reveal any significant moderating effects, and sensitivity analyses broadly supported the robustness of the main findings.
However, the authors urge caution in interpreting these results. Most included trials had small sample sizes, a high risk of bias — largely because blinding of participants and practitioners was not possible — and the overall certainty of the evidence was rated as low according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation framework. All studies originated from China, which may limit how widely the findings can be generalised.
Conclusion: Traditional Chinese fitness practices show preliminary promise for easing depression and improving glycaemic control in people with type 2 diabetes and comorbid depression, but larger and more rigorously designed trials are needed before firm recommendations can be made.
Source: Tian X, Wei Y, Bo J and colleagues. Endocrinology, diabetes & metabolism (2026). View on PubMed (PMID 42967580) · doi:10.1002/edm2.70356
