Physical Activity Associated with Lower Risk of Mortality and Heart Events in Recent Type 2 Diabetes Patients

A recent study presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) Annual Meeting in Vienna highlights the significant benefits of regular physical activity for individuals newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (T2D) who have no prior history of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The research emphasizes that engaging in physical activity, even at light levels, can substantially reduce the risks of death from any cause as well as major cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes.

Conducted by researchers Ms. Line Eriksen and Dr. Sidsel Domazet from the Steno Diabetes Center Odense and Odense University Hospital in Denmark, the study analyzed data from the Danish Center for Strategic Research in Type 2 Diabetes (DD2) cohort, focusing on over 11,000 participants diagnosed with T2D within the last two years. Participants self-reported their physical activity levels, categorizing themselves as sedentary, engaging in light activity, or performing moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA).

The primary outcomes monitored were all-cause mortality and major adverse cardiac events (MACE), which include heart attacks, ischemic strokes, heart failure, coronary revascularization, and death due to cardiovascular causes. Participants were followed until they experienced one of these events, emigrated, or the study concluded in May 2024. Those with a history of CVD were excluded to assess the impact of physical activity purely on primary prevention.

Results showed that 18% of participants reported being sedentary, while 62% engaged in light activity and 20% in MVPA. Over a median follow-up period of 8.4 years, there were over 1,100 cardiovascular events and just over 1,000 deaths. Importantly, higher levels of physical activity were linked to significant reductions in the risk of both MACE and all-cause mortality.

Adjusting for various confounding factors such as age, sex, smoking, alcohol use, waist circumference, and T2D duration, the study found that participants involved in light activity had a 23% lower risk of MACE and a 27% lower risk of death. Those engaged in MVPA experienced even greater risk reduction—28% for MACE and 33% for mortality. Further adjustments for traditional CVD risk factors, including cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar control, and kidney function, maintained these associations as statistically significant.

The key takeaway from this research is that self-reported physical activity is a strong independent predictor of reduced mortality and cardiovascular risk among recently diagnosed T2D patients without existing heart disease. Even minimal or light activity can confer meaningful health benefits, underscoring the importance of incorporating physical activity into daily routines for newly diagnosed individuals.

This study reinforces the concept that any physical activity, regardless of intensity, plays a crucial role in primary prevention of cardiovascular events and premature death in people with type 2 diabetes. Promoting movement and activity at all levels can serve as an effective strategy to improve long-term health outcomes in this vulnerable population.

source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-linked-decreased-mortality-heart-events.html