A new study presented at the Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) has found that cycling could reduce the risk of cardiovascular mortality among people with diabetes. These findings offer a possible addition to existing physical activity treatment plans for patients with diabetes.
For the study, researchers from the Center for Physical Activity Research in Copenhagen, Denmark, analyzed the association between cycling and the risk of cardiovascular mortality. Changes in time spent cycling were also examined for any effects it may have on all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.
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A total of 7,513 adults participated in the study, all of which had diabetes. The initial baseline survey took place between 1992 and 2000, with participants being sent a follow-up questionnaire five years after they completed the first one. Only 5,506 participants went on to complete the second questionnaire and were selected by Dr. Ried-Larsen and his team for inclusion in their research.
The study concluded that during a total of 111,840 person-years of follow-up, there were 1,684 deaths from all causes registered among the study group. Compared to the reference group of people who reported not cycling at baseline, the all-cause mortality risks were 25%, 24%, 31%, and 24% lower for those participants who cycled for 1-59 min/week, 60-149 min/week, 150-299 min/week, and 300+ min/week.
As researchers examined changes in cycling, they found that compared to people who reported not cycling at both examinations, there was no difference in all-cause mortality compared with those who cycled and then stopped. However, mortality was 35% lower in initial non-cyclists who started cycling, and 44% lower for people who reported cycling in both questionnaires.
It was found that cycling was associated with lower all-cause and cardiovascular mortality risk among people with diabetes independent of practicing other types of physical activity.
An Addition to Existing Physical Referral Schemes
The researchers concluded, “As starting cycling decreases risk of both all-cause and cardiovascular mortality among persons with diabetes, these findings suggest that cycling could be considered as an addition to existing physical activity referral schemes to increase physical activity in the clinical care of diabetes.”
As more research becomes available about possible treatments for diabetes and symptoms surrounding the disease, studies such as this indicate that healthy lifestyle choices are helpful in managing diabetes. Many people know that a change in diet is essential for the management of diabetes but tend to forget about physical activity as part of their treatment plan. Cycling is a great way to help manage diabetes and lower the risk of cardiovascular mortality.
About eight years ago, Mat Lecompte had an epiphany. He’d been ignoring his health and suddenly realized he needed to do something about it. Since then, through hard work, determination and plenty of education, he has transformed his life. He’s changed his body composition by learning the ins and outs of nutrition, exercise, and fitness and wants to share his knowledge with you. Starting as a journalist over 10 years ago, Mat has not only honed his belief system and approach with practical experience, but he has also worked closely with nutritionists, dieticians, athletes, and fitness professionals. He embraces natural healing methods and believes that diet, exercise and willpower are the foundation of a healthy, happy, and drug-free existence.
