Effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions on metabolic control in adults with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors' conclusion
Non-pharmacological interventions provide modest cardiometabolic benefits, although heterogeneity and possible small-study effects warrant caution.
Study context
- Population
- Adults with T2D; RCTs reporting ≥3 prespecified metabolic syndrome components; searched January 2005 to June 2025
- Participants
- 9,586 adults42 trials
- Comparison
- Non-pharmacological interventions vs usual care, standard care or no intervention
- Outcome
- MetS-related metabolic-control outcomes
Methodological detailsrandom-effects models (restricted maximum-likelihood, Knapp-Hartung adjustment), Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool
- Random-effects models (restricted maximum-likelihood, Knapp-Hartung adjustment)
- Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
InterventionsMD, percentage points (95% CI)
HbA1c
−0.43(−0.55 to −0.32)
InterventionsMD, mmol/L (95% CI)
Fasting glucose
−0.57(−0.83 to −0.32)
InterventionsMD, cm (95% CI)
Waist circumference
−2.25(−3.32 to −1.19)
InterventionsMD, mmHg (95% CI)
Systolic BP
−1.66(−2.98 to −0.34)
Diastolic BP
−0.93(−1.56 to −0.30)
Further pooled results
Intervention duration (continuous meta-regression)
- No significant duration effect
Original publication
Effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions on metabolic control in adults with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Diabetes Res Clin Pract. Published 11 September 2026. doi:10.
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