Physical activity reduces cardiovascular risk in people with type 1 diabetes

This study investigated the relationship between physical activity and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D). It was found that physical activity decreases the risk of CVD in these patients. 

CVD is the most common cause of premature death and disability in people with T1D. Physical activity has been shown to reduce the risk of CVD in the general population, and people with type 2 diabetes. Little is known about the relationship between physical activity and CVD in people with T1D. 

This study followed 2180 people with T1D for 10 years. Their total physical activity was assessed by a questionnaire at the start of the study. The questionnaire also assessed the intensity, frequency, and duration of physical activity. Any CVD events that occurred were noted. CVD events were defined as heart attacks, strokes, or certain types of heart surgery.

Low physical activity was associated with smoking, high blood pressure, higher body mass index (BMI; a measure of weight that takes height into account), higher HbA1c (measures average blood glucose over the last 3 months), and high cholesterol.

2074 patients had not experienced a CVD event before the study. In this group, people with low total physical activity were 32% more likely than those with high physical activity to experience a CVD event. People with a low frequency of exercise were 69% more likely to have a CVD event. People with a low intensity were 53% more likely to have a CVD event. Those with a low duration of exercise were 25% more likely to have a CVD event.

106 patients had experienced a CVD event before the study.  When factors like duration of diabetes, kidney function, and sex were taken into account, those who took low intensity exercise were 81% more likely to have another CVD event than those who took high intensity exercise. Total physical activity, exercise frequency, and duration did not have an effect.

The study concluded that higher physical activity, particularly the frequency and intensity of physical activity, decreased CVD risk in patients with T1D.

The information on exercise was self-reported, and thus relied on the honesty of the participants. Physical activity was only assessed at the beginning of the study, so the authors could not take any changes into account. Physical activity at work was not assessed, and the authors did not have information on diet or socioeconomic factors. 

Talk to your physician about the relationship between physical activity and CVD risk.