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Objectives The objective of this study was to evaluate the gender differences in the correlation between physical activity (PA) and cognitive subdomains in elderly individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI).Design Cross-sectional study.Setting The research was carried out in communities located in Fuzhou, Fujian Province and Beijing Municipality.Participants Community-dwelling elders with T2D and MCI aged 60 years or older were eligible for this study.Primary outcome measures and analyses The weekly PA score was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The cognitive subdomains were evaluated through a battery of cognitive assessments, including the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT), Trail Making Test Part B, Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST) and the Stroop Color-Word Test (SCWT). Multiple linear regression models were employed to examine the association between PA and cognitive subdomains in both male and female individuals.Results In older men, higher total IPAQ score was positively correlated with higher RAVLT (P=0.011) and SCWT (P=0.049). There was a significant interaction between the total PA score and gender in relation to RAVLT (P=0.008) and SCWT (P=0.027). Moreover, there was a positive correlation between moderate-vigorous PA level and RAVLT in older men (P=0.007). Additionally, a positive correlation was found between moderate-vigorous PA level and DSST in older women (P=0.038).Conclusion In older individuals with T2D and MCI, the association between PA and cognitive subdomains differs between men and women. This discrepancy may impact the customisation of exercise recommendations.