Exercise may improve balance in diabetic neuropathy, but evidence remains uncertain
A review reported gains on several balance tests, while walking capacity did not clearly improve. Confidence in the evidence was low to very low.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
Exercise training showed favorable results on several tests of standing balance and movement in adults with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. The review did not find a statistically significant improvement in walking capacity. Because the evidence was rated low to very low certainty, these findings suggest possible benefits while leaving their reliability and everyday impact unresolved.
This abstract-based summary lacks intervention durations, control conditions and details of the exercise programs. The low to very low certainty ratings limit how confidently the reported test improvements can be applied in practice.
What improved
The included studies tested balance in different ways, including reaching, standing on one leg and moving between positions. The results concern performance on these tests; the abstract does not report evidence that exercise reduced actual falls.
What stayed uncertain
Walking capacity was assessed separately from balance and did not show a clear improvement. An uncertain result does not prove that exercise has no effect, but it prevents treating the balance findings as a demonstrated walking benefit.
The original publication
Exercise training and balance function in middle-aged and older adults with diabetic peripheral neuropathy: a GRADE-based systematic review and meta-analysis.
Ma R, Xu S, Kang J et al.
Front Public Health · 2026
- PubMed ID
- 41810304
- Record checked
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