Associations of Cardiocerebrovascular Risks and Exercise according to Menopausal Status in Women with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Nationwide Cohort Study
10.4093/dmj.2024.0487
- Author:
Ji-Hee KO
;
Sun Joon MOON
;
Kyung-Do HAN
;
Hye-Mi KWON
;
Se-Eun PARK
;
Eun-Jung RHEE
;
Won-Young LEE
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Diabetes & Metabolism Journal
2026;50(1):101-114
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background:Menopausal status can increase the risk of cardiocerebrovascular diseases (CCVDs) in women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Regular exercise is well-known to reduce this risk. This study explored the impact of exercise on CCVD and mortality in women with T2DM according to their menopausal status.
Methods:A total of 32,477 premenopausal and 53,690 postmenopausal Korean women with T2DM aged 40 to 60 years from a national health examination cohort (2009 to 2018) were included. We evaluated risks for stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), and mortality based on exercise intensity. Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were performed to obtain the adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) and 95% confidence interval.
Results:Exercise reduced stroke, MI, and mortality risks in women with T2DM, regardless of menopausal status. The highest effects of aHR compared to the sedentary group were 0.68 for stroke, 0.66 for MI, and 0.81 for mortality. Postmenopausal women experienced significant MI risk reductions at most exercise intensities, with the greatest reduction in the ≥1,500 metabolic equivalent of task score group unlike premenopausal women. However, stroke and mortality risk reductions in postmenopausal women were less pronounced compared to premenopausal women.
Conclusion:Exercise reduces CCVD risk in women with T2DM across menopausal status. Postmenopausal women with T2DM had more benefits from exercise on MI but fewer benefits on stroke and mortality than premenopausal women. In premenopausal women with T2DM, exercise was not associated with a lower MI risk.
