Prevalence of hypertension among individuals with diabetes and its determinants: evidences from the National Family Health Survey 2015–16, India

Abstract

Background

The incidence of diabetes mellitus (DM) has escalated in recent decades, and the risk of diabetes-related mortality has increased dramatically due to the co-existence of hypertension (HTN). DM and HTN, having similar aetiology and disease mechanisms, are influenced by lifestyle factors and greatly contribute to critical health complications.

Aim

This study attempted to explore the co-existence of DM–HTN and the potential determinants considering the rapid upsurge of both these diseases.

Subjects and methods

National Family Health Survey data were used, which included 7092 adult diabetic individuals, to find out the prevalence rate of HTN in diabetic persons in India. Appropriate statistical analyses were performed to accomplish the study objectives.

Results

Prevalence rate of HTN in diabetic individuals was approximately 37%. Higher body mass index (BMI) was associated with DM–HTN co-existence. In males, increased age, higher BMI, alcohol consumption, poorest wealth index, and non-smoking (tobacco) were the significant determinants of the co-existence of DM-HTN, while in females, they were increased age, higher BMI, and geographical region.

Conclusions

This study unveiled the significance of healthy lifestyle maintenance and equitable health care services to prevent HTN among diabetics, along with promotion of the awareness and management of DM and HTN through appropriate pharmacological treatments.

Keywords:

• Co-existence
• diabetes mellitus
• hypertension
• India
• multilevel logistic regression
• pathophysiology

Acknowledgements

The authors thank the International Institute for Population Science and the respective authorities for their valuable support by providing the access to the data of the latest National Family Health Survey.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no competing interest regarding finance or personal relationship that could have influenced the work in this article. AS designed the study. Both AS and AM participated in data categorisation and arrangement, statistical analyses, and prepared the first draft. Both the authors reviewed the drafts and approved for final submission of the manuscript.

Additional information

Funding

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.