Image: Cycling is linked to lower total mortality risk

Higher physical activity levels are related to a reduced risk of death in patients with diabetes, according to new research published online by the Archives of Internal Medicine.

Diewertje Sluik of the German Institute of Human Nutrition led a research team that looked at the link between physical activity and cardiovascular disease and total mortality.

Patients with diabetes are at a greater risk of cardiovascular disease and premature death, and the report sought to provide evidence of the benefits of physical activity in lowering that risk.

When compared with inactive participants, the lowest mortality risk was seen in "moderately active" people - hazard ratios of 0.62 for total mortality and 0.51 for cardiovascular disease.

Leisure-time physical activity - such as cycling - was linked to lower total mortality risk, with walking associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease mortality.

The report authors said: "In conclusion, evidence from the present study and from previous studies summarized by meta-analyses supports the widely held view that PA is beneficially associated with lower mortality in people with diabetes.

"Also, because not many patients with diabetes adhere to this advice, future research should elucidate the determinants of physical inactivity and design successful strategies to promote active lifestyles."

Archives of Internal Medicine is a JAMA Network publication. Click here for more information about the study.

The findings were published at the same time as another report, which found weight training reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus in men.

Image: YanLev/shutterstock.com