Type 1 diabetes is increasing in prevalence in different parts of the world. Type 1 diabetes is unique among autoimmune diseases in not having a clear female predisposition. Gender differences are present for the pattern of complications in patients with type 1 diabetes, especially with regard to cardiovascular complications. Other important gender issues to consider include pregnancy complicating type 1 diabetes as well as psychosocial issues that may complicate management of a young patient with type 1 diabetes. Copyright (C) 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel