Short- and long-term observations on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) have been made in post-menopausal women who do not have diabetes mellitus. HRT in non-diabetic subjects improves climacteric symptoms in the short term and reduces osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease in long-term studies. Whether HRT is equally effective in diabetic subjects is not known, as there have been no controlled clinical studies. Hesitation regarding the long-term use of HRT arises primarily from concern about cancer risks and worsening of cardiovascular disease.