Clinical implications of hypertension in the diabetic patient

We note that diabetes mellitus and hypertension coexist at a greater rate than would be indicated by chance. The combination of these two chronic disorders increases the risk of and mortality from such conditions as peripheral vascular disease, stroke, and nephropathy. Despite the importance of high blood pressure in diabetes, the underlying physiological mechanisms in this combined condition are poorly understood. This review explores the epidemiology, cardiovascular risks, pathophysiology and evaluation of this condition as well as outlining a general approach to treatment in the hypertensive diabetic.