Consequences of menopause in women with diabetes mellitus - a clinical problem

Human life was prolonged by 30 years in the past century, with the result that about 40% of a woman's life falls within the postmenopausal period. The consequences, both early and remote, in the form of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and neoplastic disease are most pronounced in women suffering from one of the most common diseases, i.e., diabetes mellitus and the metabolic syndrome preceding it. These patients are problematic for physicians, and for this reason a study of diagnostic and therapeutic management was undertaken on the basis of our own experience as well as examination based on evidence-based medicine. Prior to making therapeutic decisions it is necessary to determine cardiovascular, thromboembolic and breast cancer risk factors. Hormonal therapy may be helpful in young postmenopausal women who are free of risk factors, and its composition and route of administration are significant considerations. Women with risk factors and who are more than 10 years after menopause should be administered alternative therapy depending on the diagnosed pathology.