[Options of hormonal contraceptives and substitution in female diabetic patients]

The pregnancy planning is extremely important for women with diabetes mellitus and therefore, reliable contraceptives are indispensable for such women. Generally, female diabetic patients can use the same forms of contraceptives as healthy women, however, in their case many specific circumstances must be considered, which are addressed in the first part of the overview. In particular, the selection of hormonal contraceptives for type I female diabetic patients with late complications and type II female diabetic patients is problematic as in this area very few studies are available. The other part of the overview is dedicated to hormonal substitution therapy. The author discusses its metabolic effects and possible administration to female diabetic patients. Menopause and diabetes mellitus are associated with a high risk of cardiovascular complications. Both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic control of risk factors may reduce the risk of the disease. However, a definite recommendation of hormonal substitution therapy is not possible; both the benefits and risks for a particular female patient need to be considered.