CARDIPP (Cardiovascular Risk factors in Patients with Diabetes - a Prospective study in Primary care) was launched in 2005 with the aim of identifying markers for cardiovascular disease to facilitate earlier and individually adjusted intervention in middle aged patients with type 2 diabetes. The patients in CARDIPP were consecutively recruited from primary health care centres in the counties of Östergötland and Jönköping, Sweden from November 2005 through December 2008. The study enrolled 761 patients with type 2 diabetes, aged 55-65 years and the participation in the study was performed as an extended annual follow up. Blood pressure was measured as the average of three seated measurements taken 1 minute apart and standard anthropometric and clinic evaluations were performed including measurement of waist circumference and sagittal abdominal diameter which is a new and promising measurement of abdominal obesity that may serve as a surrogate marker of insulin sensitivity. We also obtained a recording of 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure. The patients filled out a detailed questionnaire for evaluation of life style factors and exercise habits. Pedometer-determined ambulatory activity for three consecutive days in combination with the questionnaires was used for quantification of daily physical activity.