Diabetes and hypertension: an era of clarity or confusion?

In light of recent data from the UKPDS and HOT trials, it appears that intensive combination therapies are essential in the treatment of patients with diabetes and hypertension. Appropriate treatment strategies, based on effective BP reductions, will usually require two or more different antihypertensives and the addition of lipid-lowering agents. There is also an urgent need to update existing guidelines and perhaps even provide specific guidelines for the treatment and long-term management of patients with diabetes and hypertension.