Yijinjing exercise improves glucose metabolism, reduces inflammation, and modulates gut microbiota in T2DM patients

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a complex metabolic disorder with increasing global prevalence. Beyond classical pancreatic dysfunction, the gut-pancreas-metabolism axis, involving gut microbiota, enteroendocrine signaling, and immune modulation, plays a critical role. Altered gut microbiota and gut-derived inflammation contribute to impaired glucose regulation and metabolic endotoxemia. Current standard-of-care often overlooks these gut-axis contributions, highlighting a need for interventions that address the interplay between gut health, inflammation, and glucose homeostasis.

45 T2DM patients participated in a 6-month structured Yijinjing exercise program. Researchers assessed body composition via bioelectrical impedance analysis and quantified standard biochemical indices including fasting insulin, blood glucose, lipid profiles, and HbA1c. Serum inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-10, CRP), intestinal barrier markers (D-lactate, Zonulin), and mucosal repair factor MFG-E8 were measured by ELISA. Gut microbial community structure was profiled using 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

After 6 months, participants showed significant improvements in body composition, including reductions in body weight, BMI, waist circumference, and body fat percentage, alongside increased lean mass (P < 0.05). Metabolic and inflammatory markers also improved: fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, HOMA-IR, CRP, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-8, and total cholesterol all decreased, while the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 was significantly upregulated (P < 0.01).

Gut microbiota analysis revealed increased Chao1 and Shannon diversity indices (P < 0.05). Beneficial taxa like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium were markedly elevated, while potential pathogens such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Desulfovibrio, and Candida albicans were significantly suppressed (P < 0.01). The intervention also mitigated intestinal mucosal permeability markers.