Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Improving IV Insulin Administration in a Community Hospital
Published on: June 11, 2012
Management of blood pressure in patients with diabetes
Ehud Grossman1, Franz H Messerli
1Department of Internal Medicine D and Hypertension unit, The Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, affiliated to Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel. gross-e@zahav.net.il
Insights
Managing hypertension in diabetic patients is crucial for reducing cardiovascular risks. Achieving a blood pressure of 135/85 mm Hg often requires individualized combination drug therapy, alongside lifestyle changes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Hypertension is a significant, modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease in individuals with diabetes.
- Elevated blood pressure contributes to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in this patient population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the treatment goals and strategies for hypertension management in patients with diabetes.
- To emphasize the importance of individualized treatment approaches and combination therapy.
Main Methods:
- Nonpharmacologic interventions are recommended for all patients.
- Pharmacologic therapy is initiated if blood pressure targets are not met.
- Combination therapy, often involving renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) blockers and calcium antagonists, is frequently required.
Main Results:
- The primary treatment goal for blood pressure is 135/85 mm Hg.
- Many patients require multiple antihypertensive medications (three or four drugs).
- Individualized treatment considers patient-specific risk factors, comorbidities, age, and hemodynamic parameters.
Conclusions:
- Effective hypertension management in diabetics necessitates a comprehensive approach.
- Combination drug therapy is often essential for achieving blood pressure targets.
- Integrated management of lipid and glycemic levels is vital for reducing cardiorenal risk.
Abstract:
Hypertension is a major modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with diabetes. Lowering blood pressure (BP) to 135/85 mm Hg is the main goal of treatment. A nonpharmcologic approach is recommended in all patients. If BP levels remain above the target despite nonpharmacologic treatment, drug therapy should be initiated. Blockers of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) represent the cornerstone of the antihypertensive drug arsenal; however, in most patients, combination therapy is required. For many patients, a combination of RAAS blocker and calcium antagonist is the combination preferred by the treating physician. Often three or even four drugs are needed. Treatment should be individualized according to concomitant risk factors and diseases and depending on the age and hemodynamic and laboratory parameters of the patient. In order to maximally reduce cardio renal risk, control of lipid and glycemic levels should also be ensured.
Related Concept Videos
Diabetes: Management and Pharmacotherapy
Insulin remains the cornerstone of treatment for most patients with type 1 and many...
Hypertension V: Nursing Management
Hypertension IV: Drug Therapy and Lifestyle Modifications
Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure
Errors occurring during blood pressure monitoring
Several factors...
Diabetic Nephropathy