Anti-hypertensive therapy and risk of type II diabetes

This prospective open trial investigated whether antihypertensive treatment increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

12550 adults aged 45 to 64 years were given a health evaluation. 3804 were defined as hypertensive because of raised blood pressure (systolic > 140 mmHg or diastolic > 80 mmHg) or the consumption of antihypertensive medication.

Antihypertensive medications used in the trial were thiazide diuretics, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers and ACE inhibitors. Individuals were followed up at 3 and 6 years.

Reference:

• (1) Todd W. Gress, F. Javier Nieto, Eyal Shahar, Marion R. Wofford, Frederick L. Brancati, for the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study. (2000) Hypertension and Antihypertensive Therapy as Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. N Engl J Med. 342, 905-12.