Physical training is recommended for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease in the general population. In patients with type 2 diabetes this is even more important, because the risk of clinical atherosclerotic disease is 2- to 3-fold that of nondiabetics and the survival rate is poorer. However, increased daily physical activity (e.g., walking for exercise) has been shown to reduce the risk of premature death from all causes and from cardiovascular disease in particular. The mechanism for the positive effect of physical training may be a reduction of known risk factors for atherosclerosis, but a direct effect on the atherosclerotic process per se cannot be excluded.