Hypertension in patients with diabetes

PREVIEW

High blood pressure presents a major threat in patients with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes. It greatly increases the risks for such complications as end-stage renal disease, coronary artery disease, stroke, peripheral vascular disease, and diabetic retinopathy. Drug therapy can help avert these complications but often is underutilized as a treatment option. In this article, the authors discuss pharmacologic interventions and how best to use them in diabetic patients with hypertension. In the February issue, the authors discussed why aggressive treatment is essential, and in March, they examined the perceived and real barriers to effective treatment.