Hypertension in patients with diabetes - Strategies for drug therapy to reduce complications

Hypertension in diabetic patients must be treated aggressively if patients are to benefit from reduced risk of morbidity and mortality, Diabetes itsel f:must be diagnosed promptly, particularly in at-risk patients, so appropri ate lifestyle modifications can be made at the earliest opportunity, Althou gh this may reduce or delay onset of hypertension, antihypertensive drug tr eatment should be initiated in the diabetic patient with even high-normal b lood pressure; Traditional approaches to management of hypertension are in appropriate for most patients with. diabetes, While ACE inhibitors, calcium antagonists, angiotensin II receptor blockers, beta blockers, and low-dose diuretics, alone or in combination, all currently have roles in hypertensi on management, the outcomes of studies now under way may clarify some st-il l unanswered questions about the dangerous combination of:high blood pressu re and diabetes.