ABSTRACT
In the United States, diabetes is equally common in women and men,1 although rates may be higher in ethnic minority women in whom diabetes is more common, reflecting common sex differences in obesity in these groups.2 Diabetes increases the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) in both sexes,3 one-to twofold in men and two-to fourfold in women.4 In this chapter we review the epidemiologic evidence for sex differences in the association between diabetes and heart disease, and consider the evidence for sex differences among diabetic patients in response to interventions. The interventions reviewed are limited to data from clinical trials modifying HbA1c, Blood pressure, Cholesterol, Diet, and Exercise (the A, B, C, D, and E of clinical trial results). Trial results provide evidence for (or against) causality and inform recommendations for prevention therapies in patients with or at high risk of type 2 diabetes.
