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Does insulin therapy have a hypertensive effect in type 2 diabetes?
N M Genev1, I T Lau, K A Willey
1Diabetes Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia.
Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology
|July 24, 1998
Summary
Insulin therapy in type 2 diabetes patients may increase blood pressure and body mass index (BMI). Higher insulin dosages were linked to greater blood pressure changes, suggesting a potential adverse effect that warrants clinical attention.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Cardiovascular Health
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Type 2 diabetes management often involves insulin therapy.
- Blood pressure control is crucial for diabetic patients.
- The impact of insulin on blood pressure requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effect of initiating insulin therapy on 24-hour blood pressure profiles in type 2 diabetes patients.
- To determine if insulin therapy leads to an increase in blood pressure.
- To identify factors influencing blood pressure changes during insulin therapy.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study monitoring 12 type 2 diabetes patients.
- 24-hour blood pressure monitoring before and at 6, 12 weeks of insulin therapy.
- Insulin dosage adjusted algorithmically based on body weight and hyperglycemia.
Main Results:
- Significant increases in systolic (134.6 to 144.8 mm Hg) and diastolic blood pressure (71.9 to 74.9 mm Hg) were observed (p=0.0001).
- Body Mass Index (BMI) also significantly increased from 27.2 to 29.6 kg/m2 (p=0.0001).
- Insulin dosage was an independent predictor of blood pressure change, accounting for 63% of the variance.
Conclusions:
- Insulin therapy may adversely affect blood pressure in type 2 diabetes.
- Weight gain associated with insulin therapy could be a confounding factor.
- Further research is needed to isolate the direct effects of insulin from weight gain on blood pressure.
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