A Systematic Review of the Role of Recreational Activities and Dietary Management in Treating Hypertension and Hyperglycaemia in Adults in Low- and Middle-Income Countries.

In low- and middle-income countries, the burden of hypertension and hyperglycaemia is alarming. These conditions remain major, recurring public health concerns that demand alternative healthcare strategies. This systematic review critiques and synthesises the existing evidence on the roles of recreational activities and dietary management in treating hypertension and hyperglycaemia in adults in low- and middle-income countries. The aim is to create awareness for hypertensive and hyperglycaemic patients. A systematic search was conducted using the PRISMA guidelines across six online databases: PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and CINAHL. The search included peer-reviewed articles published between 2015 and 2025. Of the 12,500 identified articles, only 35 met the inclusion criteria. The evidence suggests that active recreational activities and dietary interventions are the most effective strategies for managing hypertension and hyperglycaemia when implemented properly. Current studies demonstrate that aerobic recreational activity improves vascular function, lowers blood pressure, and enhances insulin sensitivity. DASH and Mediterranean diets support cardiometabolic health in hypertensive and hyperglycaemic patients. These diets help reduce hypertension, control blood sugar levels, and lower cardiovascular risk. If sustained, these intervention strategies can effectively prevent and manage hypertension and hyperglycaemia. This review recommends that healthcare systems integrate therapeutic recreational activities with the DASH and Mediterranean diets as alternative interventions for adults with hypertension and hyperglycaemia.