Research Summary

Taichi training improves lung function and blood sugar control in diabetes

Moderate confidence

Low bias

Last updated June 19, 2026

Key Takeaway:

This study investigated the impact of 24-week Taichi training on pulmonary diffusion capacity and glycemic control in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, finding significant improvements in several health markers.

Study at a Glance

What was studied

24-week Taichi training and Taichi plus resistance band training in patients with Type 2 diabetes.

Participants

Middle Aged (40-64)

Male, Female

with T2 Diabetes

Intervention

Taichi training, Taichi plus resistance band training

Outcomes

Pulmonary diffusion capacity, Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG), Insulin, HbA1c, TNF-α, vWF, IL-6, ICAM-1, eNOS, NO, ET-1

Funding

Non-Industry Sponsored

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Main Effects

Taichi training significantly improved pulmonary diffusion capacity.

Fasting plasma glucose levels decreased significantly in participants who practiced Taichi.

Insulin levels were significantly reduced following Taichi training.

Evidence Summary

Intervention	Outcome	Measured Change	Study Effect
Taichi plus resistance band training (Physical Activity)	Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase (eNOS) (Metabolic Health)	Increase	Strong
Taichi plus resistance band training (Physical Activity)	Endothelin-1 (ET-1) (Metabolic Health)	Decrease	Strong
Taichi plus resistance band training (Physical Activity)	Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) (Glycemic Control)	Decrease	Strong
Taichi plus resistance band training (Physical Activity)	HbA1c (Glycemic Control)	Decrease	Strong
Taichi plus resistance band training (Physical Activity)	Insulin (Glycemic Control)	Decrease	Strong
Taichi plus resistance band training (Physical Activity)	Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 (ICAM-1) (Metabolic Health)	Decrease	Strong
Taichi plus resistance band training (Physical Activity)	Interleukin-6 (IL-6) (Metabolic Health)	Decrease	Strong
Taichi plus resistance band training (Physical Activity)	Nitric Oxide (NO) (Metabolic Health)	Increase	Strong
Taichi plus resistance band training (Physical Activity)	Pulmonary diffusion capacity (Metabolic Health)	Increase	Strong
Taichi plus resistance band training (Physical Activity)	Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) (Metabolic Health)	Decrease	Strong
Taichi plus resistance band training (Physical Activity)	von Willebrand Factor (vWF) (Metabolic Health)	Decrease	Strong
Taichi training (Physical Activity)	Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase (eNOS) (Metabolic Health)	Increase	Strong
Taichi training (Physical Activity)	Endothelin-1 (ET-1) (Metabolic Health)	Decrease	Strong
Taichi training (Physical Activity)	Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) (Glycemic Control)	Decrease	Strong
Taichi training (Physical Activity)	HbA1c (Glycemic Control)	Decrease	Strong
Taichi training (Physical Activity)	Insulin (Glycemic Control)	Decrease	Strong
Taichi training (Physical Activity)	Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 (ICAM-1) (Metabolic Health)	Decrease	Strong
Taichi training (Physical Activity)	Interleukin-6 (IL-6) (Metabolic Health)	Decrease	Strong
Taichi training (Physical Activity)	Nitric Oxide (NO) (Metabolic Health)	Increase	Strong
Taichi training (Physical Activity)	Pulmonary diffusion capacity (Metabolic Health)	Increase	Strong
Taichi training (Physical Activity)	Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) (Metabolic Health)	Decrease	Strong
Taichi training (Physical Activity)	von Willebrand Factor (vWF) (Metabolic Health)	Decrease	Strong

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Evidence Suggest

Taichi training led to significant improvements in pulmonary diffusion capacity.
Fasting plasma glucose decreased significantly in the Taichi group.
Insulin levels also showed a significant reduction after Taichi training.

Who this applies to

Adults diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.
Individuals looking for non-pharmacological interventions for diabetes management.

Keep in Mind

Results may not apply to all demographics due to sample limitations.
The study focused on short-term outcomes; long-term effects are unknown.
Further research is needed to confirm findings across diverse populations.

Between the Lines

The study did not include a long-term follow-up to assess sustained effects.
Sample size and demographic diversity may limit generalizability.
Potential confounding factors were not fully controlled.

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Journal Reference

Xiaoli L, Huan Z, Yong P, Yaofeng L, Xiangrong S, Victor MM. The Effect of 24-Week Taichi Training on Pulmonary Diffusion Capacity and Glycemic Control in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. PLOS ONE. 2024;19(4):e0299495. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0299495

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