DIABETES AND SYNDROME-X IN HYPERTENSION - POPULATION ASPECTS

In population-based observational studies it has been repeatedly shown that both treated and untreated hypertensives are dyslipidaemic and g lucose intolerant to a large extent. Prospective studies have also ind icated that hypertension is a risk factor for the development of non-i nsulin-dependent diabetes. Therefore, evidence is accumulating that th ese clinical conditions share a common background with pathophysiologi cal mechanisms, eg, insulin resistance (syndrome X) or possible advers e conditions during fetal life. Both non-pharmacological treatment (di et, physical exercise) and new suitable drugs, such as the 'insulin se nsitizers', may be used to treat the metabolic and haemodynamic distur bances linked to insulin resistance. Clinical studies are needed to do cument the effects of such treatments for patient with 'Syndrome 10' a nd to compare them with more traditional drugs.