Weekend Workout Routine Linked to Lower Cardiovascular Risk in People with Diabetes

A recent large-scale cohort study has revealed compelling evidence that adults with diabetes who engage in physical activity, even if limited to weekend sessions, experience significantly reduced risk of mortality from all causes and specifically from cardiovascular diseases. The research, published in the nternals of Internal Medicine, analyzed data from over 51,000 individuals across nearly two decades.

The study categorized participants into four groups based on their activity levels: those who were inactive, insufficiently active, weekend warriors (meeting the recommended 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity in one or two sessions weekly), and regularly active individuals exercising at least three times weekly. Findings indicated that both weekend warriors and regularly active participants had approximately a 20-33% lower risk of death from any cause and cardiovascular-related deaths compared to those who were inactive.

These results emphasize that any form of physical activity, even concentrated into fewer days, can be beneficial for individuals managing diabetes. Current guidelines advocate for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, distributed over multiple days, but this study highlights the importance of flexibility and consistency in physical activity routines.

The research underscores the potential of adapting physical activity to fit individual lifestyles without compromising health benefits. It also underscores the importance of incorporating movement into daily routines to improve longevity and reduce the risk of heart-related issues in people living with diabetes.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-weekend-warriors-diabetes-cardiovascular-mortality.html