Diabetes and syndrome X in hypertension--population aspects

In population-based observational studies it has been repeatedly shown that both treated and untreated hypertensives are dyslipidaemic and glucose intolerant to a large extent. Prospective studies have also indicated that hypertension is a risk factor for the development of non-insulin-dependent diabetes. Therefore, evidence is accumulating that these clinical conditions share a common background with pathophysiological mechanisms, eg, insulin resistance (syndrome X) or possible adverse conditions during fetal life. Both non-pharmacological treatment (diet, physical exercise) and new suitable drugs, such as the "insulin sensitizers', may be used to treat the metabolic and haemodynamic disturbances linked to insulin resistance. Clinical studies are needed to document the effects of such treatments for patient with "Syndrome X' and to compare them with more traditional drugs.