Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death among both women and men in the United States, accounting for nearly half of all deaths and considerable morbidity. Type 2 diabetes is a major risk factor for CVD and one that is particularly potent in women, increasing their risk for coronary heart disease (CHD) by 3- to 7-fold as compared with a 2- to 3-fold risk increase in men. Epidemiologic data indicate that CVD and [Page 1162]type 2 diabetes share common risk factors and are largely preventable; indeed, findings from the Nurses’ Health Study suggest that 74% of total CVD cases (82% of CHD cases and 47% of stroke cases) and 91% of diabetes cases in women could be prevented by not smoking, getting regular ...