[Arterial hypertension as a marker for hyperglycemia in the glucose tolerance test]

A randomized representative group of 1119 males (aged 20 to 69 years), living in one of the Moscow districts, was examined. Carbohydrate metabolism was evaluated by means of the standard glucose tolerance test (GTT). The arterial blood pressure was measured 4 times using an ordinary sphygmomanometer and "floating zero" apparatus. The average values of 4 measurements were analyzed. It was found that in epidemiological studies arterial hypertension may mark only hyperglycemia 1 hour after glucose load. In mass examination on detecting diabetes cases in persons with arterial hypertension the glycemia determination on an empty stomach or 2 hours after glucose load is apparently sufficient, not influencing the information on carbohydrate metabolism condition of persons under examination. The significance of this method for epidemiological studies of diabetes mellitus is discussed.