Potential benefits of blood flow restriction training in patients with type 2 diabetes: A narrative literature review

Study aim: This narrative review aims to critically discuss the potential beneficial effects of blood flow restriction (BFR) training on physiological outcomes, including muscle metabolism, insulin sensitivity, glucose metabolism, body composition, and cardiovascular health in type 2 diabetic individuals.

Material and methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Google Scholar for studies published before December 10, 2025, using key terms related to BFR and diabetes.

Results: A total of 11 studies were included in this review after screening for relevance. These studies employed various BFR protocols and examined outcomes such as glycemic control, insulin sensitivity, body composition, and cardiovascular function in individuals with type 2 diabetes. BFR training was found to improve insulin sensitivity, reduce blood glucose levels, improve muscle metabolism, and positively influence body composition in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Several studies observed significant improvements in aerobic capacity (e.g., VO2 max) and fat mass reductions. Additionally, BFR training demonstrated improvements in blood pressure regulation. However, variability in BFR protocols and short-term study durations limit the generalizability of these findings.

Conclusions: Preliminary findings suggest that BFR training may be effective as a non-pharmacological intervention for improving determinant metabolic and cardiovascular health outcomes in type 2 diabetes individuals, including insulin sensitivity, glucose metabolism, and cardiorespiratory fitness. Further research is needed to determine this training modality’s optimal BFR parameters and long-term effects in diabetic populations.