Association of glycemic control with hypertension in patients with diabetes: a population-based longitudinal study
Shengliang Chen1, Yi Zhu1, Sihui Jin1
1Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, 74, Zhongshan 2nd Road, Guangzhou, 510030, Guangdong, P. R. China.
Insights
Poor glycemic control in individuals with diabetes significantly increases hypertension risk. This association is stronger in those with lower education and depressive symptoms, highlighting the need for comprehensive management.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Cardiovascular Health
- Public Health
Background:
- Diabetes mellitus is a known risk factor for hypertension.
- The specific impact of glycemic control on hypertension development in diabetic populations requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between glycemic control and the incidence of hypertension among individuals with diabetes.
- To explore potential moderating factors such as educational attainment and depressive symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) from 2011-2018.
- Categorized participants based on HbA1c levels (adequate <7% vs. inadequate ≥7%) and physician-diagnosed hypertension.
- Employed Cox proportional hazards regression models to analyze the risk of developing hypertension.
Main Results:
- Inadequate glycemic control was associated with a 1.54-fold increased hazard of hypertension (95% CI, 1.07-2.21) compared to adequate control.
- The association between glycemic control and hypertension risk was significantly modified by educational attainment and the presence of depressive symptoms (P < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- Insufficient glycemic control is a significant risk factor for hypertension in diabetic individuals.
- Educational background and mental health status (depressive symptoms) are important factors influencing this association.
- Emphasizes the importance of rigorous glycemic monitoring and holistic patient assessment in diabetes management.
Background:
Diabetes increases the risk of hypertension morbidity, but whether this association is varied with glycemic control remains unknown. We aimed to examine the association of glycemic control with hypertension among individuals with diabetes.
Methods:
Data was from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) between 2011 and 2018. Participants were categorized as having adequate glycemic control (HbA1c < 7%) and inadequate glycemic uncontrol (HbA1c ≥ 7%) by combining blood glucose tests and physician's diagnoses in 2011. Incident hypertension was ascertained through self-reported physician diagnoses from 2011 to 2018. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to examine the effect of glycemic control on hypertension.
Results:
Among 436 participants with diabetes in this study, 102 met the glycemic control standard, and 334 were insufficient glycemic control. During 7 years of follow-up, 141 individuals developed hypertension. Compared with adequate glycemic control, the hazard ratio of inadequate glycemic control on hypertension was 1.54 (95% CI, 1.07-2.21) in the multivariate model. Additionally, the influence of glycemic control on hypertension varied based on educational attainment and the presence of depressive symptoms (P for interaction < 0.05).
Conclusions:
Insufficient glycemic control was associated with a higher risk of hypertension among individuals with diabetes. Notably, the effect of glycemic control on hypertension was more pronounced among those with lower educational attainment and those exhibiting depressive symptoms. These findings underscore the significance of vigilant glycemic monitoring, educational background considerations, and mental health assessments in managing diabetic individuals.
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