Treatment of hypertension reduces risk of complications in type 2 diabetes.

Main results 16 RCTs met the selection criteria. Antihypertensive drugs were more effective than placebo for reducing the risk of TCEs (3 RCTs), all cause mortality (1 RCT), and MEPs (3 RCTs) (table). A target diastolic BP of 80 compared with 90 mm Hg reduced risk of TCEs (relative risk reduction [RRR] 51%, 95% CI 22 to 86)(1 RCT); a target BP of 150/85 compared with 180/105 mm Hg reduced risk of TCEs (RRR 34%, p=0.019) (1 RCT) and MEPs (RRR 37%, CI 11 to 56) (1 RCT); and a target diastolic BP of 75 compared with 80–89 mm Hg reduced risk of all cause mortality (RRR 49%, CI 3 to 73) (1 RCT). Conclusion In patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, aggressive treatment of hypertension reduces the risk of complications including stroke, myocardial infarction, and all cause mortality.