Effects of alpha and beta adrenoceptor blocking drugs and ACE inhibitors on long term glucose and lipid control in hypertensive non-insulin dependent diabetics.

Long-term glycaemic control measured by glycosylated haemoglobin concentration was compared in hypertensive NIDD's taking placebo, alpha-blockers, beta-blockers (alone and in combination) and an ACE inhibitor (enalapril) each for 4 months. Alpha-blockade caused no deterioration in long-term glycaemic control in NIDD's. Beta-blockers caused a deterioration in glycaemic control in NIDD's (with some adverse effects on lipid profile). This was especially apparent with the lipophilic beta-blocker P. Concurrent use of an alpha-blocker with a beta-blocker prevents the deterioration due to beta-blockade. The ACE inhibitor, enalapril caused an improvement in long-term glycaemic control without alteration of lipid control in NIDD's.