Authors:
Kristin Lutek, PharmD, BCACP, CDCES
W. Cheng Yuet, PharmD, BCACP, CDCES

Reviewers:
Seena L. Haines, PharmD, BCACP, NBC-HWC

Citation:
Ried-Larsen M, Rasmussen M, Blond K, et al. Association of Cycling With All-Cause and Cardiovascular Disease Mortality Among Persons with Diabetes: The European Prospective Investigation Into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) Study. JAMA Intern Med 2021;181:1196-1205.

The Problem

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality for individuals with diabetes.¹ Physical activity is critical to preventing and treating diabetes, and reduces cardiovascular disease (CVD) and overall mortality among patients with type 2 diabetes.² While it is known that higher levels of exercise are associated with lower mortality risk, the relationships between different types of physical activities (e.g., walking, biking, swimming) and mortality are less clearly understood. ² Although moderate-to-high intensity aerobic exercise of any type is likely beneficial, cycling is particularly attractive because it is a low impact exercise (e.g. easier on the joints) and can potentially be used as a transportation method.³