Hypertension in diabetes.

Diabetes mellitus and hypertension are both major public health problems in our country, which co-exist frequently resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. The reported prevalence of hypertension in diabetes varies widely but is probably 1.5-2 times higher than that reported in the general population. In type 2 diabetics many are hypertensives at the time of diagnosis, while in type 1 diabetes, hypertension is predominantly associated with the development of nephropathy. Hypertension in diabetes is due to several pathophysiological mechanisms which include increased volume expansion, altered sodium homeostasis, increased peripheral vascular resistance, hyperinsulinaemia, insulin resistance, etc. The presence of hypertension in diabetic patients increases the mortality 4-5 folds, largely through coronary artery disease and stroke. It may also be an aetiological factor in the development of nephropathy and retinopathy. Treatment of hypertension in a diabetic has considerable therapeutic advantages and should be carried out vigorously. Lifestyle modifications have a useful role in the treatment of mild hypertension and have a beneficial effect on other cardiovascular risk factors. The choice of antihypertensive agents should be based on their potential impact on the metabolic abnormalities observed in diabetics. Amongst the currently available antihypertensive agents, ACE inhibitors and calcium channel blockers are the favoured agents.