A new study presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) Annual Meeting in Vienna has found that people recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (T2D) can lower their risk of serious heart problems and early death by being physically active—even at light levels.
The research, conducted by a team from the Steno Diabetes Center Odense and Odense University Hospital in Denmark, analyzed over 11,000 adults with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes and no prior history of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Participants were part of the Danish DD2 cohort and self-reported their physical activity levels, which were categorized as sedentary, light, or moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA).
The study found that 18% of participants were sedentary, 62% did light activity, and 20% reported MVPA. Over an 8.4-year follow-up period, more than 1,000 participants died, and over 1,100 experienced major cardiovascular events like heart attacks or strokes.
Compared to sedentary individuals, those doing light activity had a 23% lower risk of heart events and 27% lower risk of death. Those doing MVPA had a 28% lower risk of heart events and 33% lower risk of death. Even after adjusting for blood sugar levels, cholesterol, and other health markers, these benefits remained significant.
The study’s lead researchers say the results show the powerful impact of physical activity—especially since the benefits were seen even with light movement. “Doing something is clearly better than doing nothing,” they concluded.
This study reinforces the idea that it’s never too late to start moving, especially for those with a recent diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. Just small changes in daily routines—like walking more or doing light exercises—can significantly protect heart health and extend life.
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