Nine studies (n= 405) were included in the review: three randomised controlled trials (RCT); one non-randomised clinical trial; and five uncontrolled observational studies. Study length ranged from 10 weeks to one year. Quality of RCTs was assessed as poor quality.
In two RCTs there were statistically significant reductions in HbA1c observed for groups treated with once-daily qigong and usual care (including drug therapy) compared to groups that received usual care alone (p<0.01 and p<0.05 for each trial). In one of these trials, blood glucose was significantly reduced in both groups after six months and there was a significant difference favouring the qigong group compared to the group that received Western drug therapy (p<0.01). In a third RCT, blood viscosity was significantly reduced in the qigong treatment group compared with a group that received usual care (p<0.05)
The non-randomised clinical trial showed no significant differences observed between groups receiving qigong treatment or no treatment in fasting plasma glucose, 2-hour fasting plasma glucose HbA1c or Insulin Sensitive Index.
Results from five uncontrolled observational studies showed significant changes from baseline to follow-up found in groups that received qigong treatment in fasting plasma glucose and two-hour plasma glucose.