HYPERTENSION EDUCATION - AN IMPORTANT AND NEGLECTED PART OF THE DIABETES EDUCATION CURRICULUM

This review highlights the important role of hypertension education in reducing the impact of hypertension on the development and progressio n of diabetes-related complications. Hypertension is commonly associat ed with diabetes mellitus and can significantly affect the progression of the complications of diabetes. Lifestyle changes similar to those recommended for diabetes management can result in a lowering of blood pressure and can be maintained on a long-term basis to benefit patient s with diabetes and mild hypertension. Recently, a team approach in a hypertension clinic model similar to the team approach for diabetes tr eatment was shown to be effective in diabetes management. Increased aw areness of hypertension education may contribute greatly to reducing t he complications of diabetes. Hypertension education should be an impo rtant component of the diabetes education curriculum.