Diabetic Hypertension

Type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension, once considered different entities, are now recognized to share common etiologic mechanisms and outcomes. Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system activation, insulin resistance, chronic low-grade inflammation, and oxidative stress collectively lead to endothelial dysfunction and subsequent atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. It is now possible to identify and intervene in high-risk populations, even before clinical diagnosis. Multidisciplinary management, including control of dietary patterns and increasing physical activity, as well as pharmaceutic management of hypertension and dyslipidemia, are necessary to reduce risk for cardiovascular disease and renal-disease-related events in patients who have diabetes mellitus.