Obesity, physical inactivity and unhealthy diet are common risk factors in men and women for the development of diabetes. Yet some physiological and pathological conditions are unique to the women and these conditions can increase their risk of developing diabetes and its complications. In particular, the metabolic status during pregnancy may have important implications on their own well being as well as the one of their children. Therefore, it is necessary that these feature conditions become the object of screenings in order to identify women at high risk and implement effective preventative maneuvers. Though the quality and intensity of diabetes care in women does not appear to be inferior to that of men, their therapeutic response remains limited. Better understanding of gender-related pathophysiological, diagnostic, and therapeutic responses is needed in order to design specific approaches to improve outcomes in women. Women must consider the opportunity to change their eating habits and lifestyle in general, in an attempt to preserve themselves and their family.
Keywords: Woman, diabetes, gender, cardiovascular risk, prevention, life style