Although everyone knows that cycling is good for overall health, this has now scientifically been proven for persons with diabetes.
In a longitudinal European study in 10 countries, the benefits of cycling in a large cohort of persons with diabetes (110,944 person years; 7459 persons) have been reported.
Cycling for between 1 to 5 hours per week was associated with at least 24 % lower all-cause and CVD (cardiovascular disease) mortality when compared with non-cyclists, independent of other physical activities and possible confounders. Usually 4 – 5 hours of exercise per week is the recommended time to improve health.
Taking up cycling for a 5-year period was associated with at least 35 % lower risk of all-cause and CVD mortality. These relations are stronger than the earlier reported beneficial effects of walking, probably because cycling is more intensive than walking.
Cycling should be encouraged as an activity for persons with diabetes to reduce the risk of premature death.
