Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Body Mass Index as Predictors of Cardiovascular Disease Mortality Among Men With Diabetes

Abstract
Rates of obesity and diabetes are at an all-time high among US adults, with current age-adjusted prevalence estimates of 31% and 8.6%, respectively.1,2 Both conditions are associated with increased risk of premature death from cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).3,4 Diabetes prevalence is 3- to 5-fold higher in obese than in normal weight individuals.5 Because the risk of major CVD events in patients with diabetes approaches that of those without diabetes with established CVD, diabetes has been designated a CVD risk equivalent.6