Associations between physical activity and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A prospective cohort study from NHANES 2007-2018

Prim Care Diabetes. 2024 Feb;18(1):44-51. doi: 10.1016/j.pcd.2023.11.010. Epub 2023 Dec 5.

Abstract

Aims: To investigate the dose-response association between physical activity and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and the effects of replacing sedentary behavior with physical activity.

Methods: 4808 adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus were included in NHANES 2007-2018. Cox proportional hazards models were used to calculate hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Isotemporal substitution analyses were further to determine the possible benefit of replacing sedentary time.

Results: During a median follow-up of 6.58 years, 902 deaths occurred, including 290 deaths from cardiovascular disease. Compared with the inactive group, the low-active and high-active groups were associated with declined risks of all-cause mortality [HRs (95% CIs) 0.64 (0.50, 0.83); 0.60 (0.50, 0.73), respectively] and cardiovascular mortality [0.50 (0.29, 0.88); 0.54 (0.39, 0.76)), respectively]. Dose-response analysis showed a significant U-shaped curve between physical activity and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Replacing 30 min/day of sedentary time with physical activity was substantially linked to a reduced risk of 8-32% mortality.

Conclusion: A high level of PA of 40.52 and 31.66 MET-h/week was respectively related to the lowest risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Replacing sedentary time with physical activity could benefit the type 2 diabetes mellitus population.

Keywords: Cardiovascular; Dose-response relationship; Isotemporal substitution model; Mortality; Physical activity; Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cardiovascular Diseases* / diagnosis
  • Cardiovascular Diseases* / prevention & control
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2* / diagnosis
  • Exercise / physiology
  • Humans
  • Nutrition Surveys
  • Prospective Studies
  • Risk Factors