Unveiling novel insights into Type 2 Diabetes management: a meta-analysis and statistical synthesis of nursing and physiotherapy intervention literature

Introduction: Effective management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) requires a multidisciplinary approach. This study aims to quantify the combined effect of nursing and physiotherapy interventions on outcomes in adults with T2DM. Objective: To evaluate the impact of nursing and physiotherapy interventions on key outcomes in T2DM patients. Methodology: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted following PRISMA guidelines (search conducted until July 2024) across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Google Scholar. Randomized controlled trials and controlled clinical trials involving adults with T2DM, focusing on nursing (patient education and/or self-care support) and/or physiotherapy (exercise training and/or physical therapy) interventions, were included. Eighteen studies (N=1,243) were analyzed using random effects models for mean difference pooling. Results: Key outcomes included HbA1c, BMI, physical function, and quality of life (QoL). The combined nursing and physiotherapy intervention significantly improved glycemic control (HbA1c 7.0% vs. 7.5%, weighted mean difference –0.52%, 95% CI –0.68 to –0.36, p<0.001), reduced BMI (MD –1.2 kg/m², 95% CI –1.7 to –0.7, p<0.001), improved exercise capacity (+45m in 6-minute walk, 95% CI 30–60), and QoL (+5.1 SF36 physical points, 95% CI 3.0–7.2). Conclusion: Combined nursing and physiotherapy interventions significantly improved self-care behaviors, metabolic control, and functional outcomes in T2DM patients. These findings support the recommendation for collaborative nursing-physiotherapy programs in diabetes care.