Prevalence of diabetes is increasing rapidly and is a risk factor for vascular atherosclerotic diseases. Diabetes carries a higher risk for cardiovascular events in women than in men. Precise and reliable risk stratification is difficult. Treatment of known cardiovascular risks such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and smoking is key in decreasing the risk for cardiovascular events. Some glucose-lowering drugs may have a more positive impact on minimizing cardiovascular disease, but more research needs to be done to confirm this possibility.