Sex-Specific Differential in Risk of Diabetes-Related Macrovascular Outcomes

Reports from recent studies suggest that diabetes confers a higher risk of cardiovascular disease in women compared to men. Larger studies, including meta-analyses, report that women with diabetes have a 44 % greater risk of incident coronary heart disease and a 27 % greater risk of incident stroke compared to men with diabetes. In this article, we summarize results from longitudinal studies that examine sex differences in risk factors for and rates of macrovascular complications from diabetes. We also discuss possible mechanisms for increased cardiovascular risk associated with diabetes in women compared to men, including the clustering of hypertension, obesity, and elevated triglycerides, the possible contribution of hormonal differences, and sex differences in the prescription of and adherence to pharmacologic treatment. In conclusion, diabetes is associated with a slightly higher risk of cardiovascular disease in women compared to men. Future studies should further explore the reasons underlying imperfect use of medications that lower cardiovascular risk in both women and men with diabetes.