Estrogen and Diabetes

Estrogen-Mediated Impairments of Vascular Health in Diabetes

Diabetes has recently been referred to as "the epidemic of the 21st century". The reason why women with type 1 diabetes have a 2-3 fold greater risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared to men with type 1 diabetes is unknown.The purpose of this study is to investigate whether or not estrogen contributes to vascular dysfunction in premenopausal women with diabetes.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Both men and premenopausal
• Normal menstrual cycle interval of 25-35 days for at least 3 previous cycles
• All races
• Clinical diagnosis of insulin-dependent type 1 diabetes (patients only)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Clinical diagnosis of hepatic, cardiovascular, or renal disease
• Uncontrolled Diabetes (HbA1c>9%)
• Diabetic complications (i.e. macrovascular, microvascular, or autonomic)
• Proteinuria
• Uncontrolled Hypertension (>140/90 mmHg on therapy)
• Hormonal use of birth control (past 3 months)
• Pregnancy
• Oligomenorrhea
• Direct vasoactive medications (i.e. nitrates)
• Anti-estrogens (i.e. SERMs)
• Plycystic ovarian syndrome (defined by NIH guidelines-hyperandrogenic anovulation)
• Undetectable Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) following screening