Journal of diabetes research
Association Between Exercise and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) Levels in Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
By Parveen R, Aizaz MAR, Sohail S and 9 others.
Abstract
Background
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder characterized by a consistently elevated blood sugar level. DM poses a major risk factor for many neurodegenerative diseases, causing a decline in cognitive function. BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) is a neurotrophin in the central and peripheral nervous systems that plays a crucial role in the development of brain circuits. Hence, disturbance in levels of BDNF is linked to the occurrence of neurodegenerative diseases and cognitive decline in diabetic patients. Physical exercise has emerged as a nonpharmacological intervention in elevating BDNF levels. Our systematic review and meta-analysis evaluate the relationship between a globally affecting metabolic disorder, diabetes, with decreased BDNF levels, and explore exercise as a promising potential intervention.
Methods
After screening 37 articles, 4 studies have been included in the systematic review and meta-analysis, out of which 3 of them are randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and 1 is a crossover trial. The search was conducted on PubMed (MEDLINE), ScienceDirect, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Central databases from inception to June 2025. PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines were followed to conduct a systematic review. Cochrane risk-of-bias tool was used to assess the quality of the studies. Data were pooled using a random effect model. The protocol for this systematic review was registered in PROSPERO.