It has been shown that exercise has a positive influence on the course of patients with coronary heart disease. However, the effect of exercise in patients with coronary heart disease and noninsulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) is unknown. The study involved 30 men 47 to 66 years old with coronary heart disease and NIDDM; their tolerance for exercise increased, the number of angina episodes decreased during daily activity, and there was a reduction in resting glycemia. A schedule of an exercise session lasting 5 minutes six times a week, which was increased by 5 minutes after every 7 to 10 training sessions, is completely safe for use in outpatient rehabilitation of these patients.