Cardiovascular risk in women with diabetes

Women with diabetes have a high risk of cardiovascular disease that, almost completely eliminates the gender difference in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality between non-diabetic men and women. In this chapter we have reviewed data showing that cardiovascular risk factors are more common, more likely to cluster, or more severe in diabetic women than men; this may be due to biological or behavioural factors. Disparities in accessibility, quality and, possibly, effectiveness of care further disadvantage diabetic women. Based on available data it can be concluded that a large number of CVD deaths are preventable in diabetic women; therefore special attention should be paid to risk factors detection and correction, as well as timely CHD diagnosis and treatment in diabetic women. To meet these needs gender specific guidelines and implementation measures may be in order.