Aims <p>This study examined the association between adherence to aerobic physical activity (PA) and muscle-strengthening activity (MSA) guidelines with all-cause mortality (ACM) and cardiovascular disease-related (CVD) mortality in individuals with and without type 2 diabetes (T2D).</p> Materials and methods <p>Data from 31,802 participants aged ≥ 30 years were analyzed from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2007–2013). T2D status was determined using standardized criteria, and PA levels were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form. Participants were categorized into four groups: neither PA type, MSA only, aerobic PA only and both. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for ACM and CVD-related mortality, adjusting for potential confounders: age, sex, body mass index, household income, smoking status, alcohol consumption, marital status, education level, hypertension and dyslipidemia.</p> Results <p>Median follow-up of 11.5 years of follow-up, 3,600 participants died from all causes, and 766 from CVD-related. Compared to individuals with T2D who did not meet either PA guidelines, those with T2D who adhered to PA guidelines (≥ 500 MET-min/week for aerobic PA and ≥ 2 days/week for MSA) had a lower risk of ACM (HR: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.53–0.80). Additionally, meeting both PA guidelines was associated with a reduced risk of CVD-related mortality (HR: 0.50; 95% CI: 0.32–0.87).</p> Conclusion <p>Findings highlight the benefits of combined PA for reducing mortality risk and emphasize the importance of integrated exercise interventions in T2D management and prevention. Further research is needed to determine optimal exercise regimens.</p>