Cardiovascular Disease Protection in Long-Duration Type 1 Diabetes and Sex Differences

Two recent articles describe higher morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease (CVD) at younger ages for women with type 1 diabetes compared with men in cohorts with average duration of approximately 30 years (1,2). Women in the Joslin 50-Year Medalist Study (total n = 680) have a significantly lower CVD prevalence than men (women 35.3% vs. men 51.6%, P < 0.001), suggesting a protective factor. The objective of this analysis was to investigate protective factors associated with CVD and sex-associated differences in rates in those with long-term type 1 diabetes. The Joslin 50-Year Medalist Study is a cross-sectional study of individuals with 50 or more years of type 1 diabetes ( n = 651). To be awarded the Joslin 50-Year Medal, individuals provide an original medical record from time of diagnosis, or three other forms of documentation of insulin dependence since the time of diagnosis 50 or more …