Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a common and serious complication of diabetes mellitus, affecting sensory, motor, and autonomic nerves. It increases the risk of foot ulceration and falls. Management typically involves preventive strategies like patient education, risk stratification, and regular foot screenings. Exercise plays a key role in enhancing glycemic control and nerve function, reducing the risk of DPN and related complications. This search was conducted in the following databases: Pubmed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Embase, and SPORTDiscus, from the establishment of the database up to the search date. Researchers included systematic reviews and meta-analyses assessing exercise interventions in adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes and DPN.
Fourteen reviews were included, examining the effects of various exercise interventions. Duration ranged from 1 week to 12 months, and studies were conducted in multiple countries. Some meta-analyses reported significant improvements in fasting glucose and HbA1c (n = 1) and neuropathic symptoms (n = 3). Outcome assessment tools included the Biodex system (n = 9), single-leg stance (n = 8), Berg Balance Scale (n = 11), and Timed Up and Go (n = 13) for balance; nerve conduction velocity (n = 8), MNSI (n = 6), and Total Symptom Score (n = 3) for nerve function; fasting glucose (n = 3) and HbA1c (n = 5) for glycemic control.
Exercise training appears to have potential benefits for certain aspects of DPN, neuropathic symptoms, and functional capacity. However, the effects on glycemic control, fall risk reduction, and ulcer prevention remain inconclusive, with significant variability in study outcomes.
Source: Gracia-Sánchez A, López-Pineda A, Nouni-García R, Zúnica-García S, Chicharro-Luna E, Gil-Guillén VF. Impact of exercise training in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy: an umbrella review. Sports Med Open. 2025 15;11(1):75. doi: 10.1186/s40798-025-00863-4.
