more women than men after age 60. Compared to women without diabetes, women with diabetes have from two to four times higher death rates from heart disease. (CDC - Women's Health - Diabetes, 9/15/06) While diabetes is treatable, having it still increases a person's risk of heart disease and stroke. Many people with diabetes also have high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol. This increases their risk even more. If you have diabetes, it's critical to have regular medical checkups. Work closely with your healthcare provider to manage your diabetes and reduce or eliminate any other risk factors. If you have a family history of diabetes, ask your healthcare provider for a fasting blood sugar test. Heredity and Race If your brother, father or grandfather had a heart attack before age 55, or your sister, mother or grandmother had one before age 65, you may be at risk, too. Your stroke risk is also greater if a parent, grandparent, sister or brother has had a stroke. If you've had a heart attack, you're at higher risk of having a second attack or a stroke. Talk with your healthcare provider about whether taking aspirin regularly is right for you. The risks and benefits of long-term aspirin therapy vary for each person. African Americans have higher rates of cardiovascular disease and stroke than Caucasians. This is partly because African Americans have higher risks of high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity. Compared to white women, black women have higher death rates from cardiovascular