Submitted by Armen Hareyan on May 21st, 2008
Blood pressure and hypertension are an issue for diabetic patients as they have an increasing need to receive adequate treatment for blood pressure, study shows.
A study by researchers from University of Michigan Medical School examined 1169 diabetes patients suffering from hypertension. These patients have been followed up by 92 primary care doctors at US Veterans Administration facilities.
At the beginning of the study blood pressure was about 140/90 mm Hg in all patients, compared to a normal measurement of 120/80 mm/Hg or even lower. The study found that only 49% of patients received adequate blood pressure treatment, such as changing hypertension drugs or dosages.
This is a significant improvement compared to previous studies showing only from 20% to 30% adequate treatment, but still blood pressure doesn't receive enough attention.
Doctors don't monitor blood pressure in diabetes patients seriously. Most of them measure it only once during the first clinical visit, or measure it several times, but don't compare the results. They also don't take into consideration home measurement results.
Blood pressure is the most serious problem receiving the less attention by doctors. In diabetes patients it can lead to heart attack, stroke, kidney problems. Blood pressure must be monitored systematically and reated adequately to avoid major health complications.
Source:
Ruzanna Haroutiunyan 