The menopause is associated with changes in body composition, with increases in visceral adiposity and total fat mass independent of age. This is attributed to declining oestradiol levels. Changes in insulin sensitivity, glucose and lipid metabolism lead to abnormalities in glucose metabolism and dyslipidaemia resulting in a higher risk of pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been shown to improve glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes as well as other cardiovascular risk factors. Drugs such as SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 agonists are widely used in type 2 diabetes. However, they have the potential to affect certain menopausal symptoms and progestogen absorption.
The presentation will cover these areas and include an HRT treatment pathway for managing patients with diabetes.

• 1. Understand how the menopause can impact the development of diabetes
• 2. Understand how the menopause can adversely affect cardiovascular risk in patients with diabetes
• 3. Understand how HRT can improve health outcomes in patients with diabetes
• 4. Understand how certain diabetes treatments can affect menopausal symptoms and HRT