High blood pressure values observed in patients only in an outpatient clinic, in comparison with normal blood pressure values measured at home, is named “white coat hypertension”.
Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the coincidence of late diabetic complications in type 2 diabetes and “white coat hypertension”.
Material and methods: 120 patients with type 2 diabetes without previously diagnosed arterial hypertension were enrolled into the study. Blood pressure values using a mercurial sphygmomanometer during a clinic visit and 24h blood pressure measurements (ABPM) were taken in all patients. Patients with mean daily blood pressure value estimated by ABPM above 135/85 mmHg were excluded. “White coat hypertension” was diagnosed when “office blood pressure” values were >140/90 mmHg and ABPM day values were <135/85 mmHg. Group I comprised 43 patients with “white coat hypertension” and group II (n=49) patients with normal blood pressure values. In all patients serum creatinine, urea, microalbuminurie, ophthalmological and neurological examinations were performed.
Results: Statistical differences were observed between studied groups in systolic and diastolic pressure values measured using a sphygmomanometer during a clinic visit (p<0.05). There were no differences in blood pressure values determined by ABPM (p>0.05). There were no differences between groups in number of cases of late diabetic complications (p>0.05).
Conclusion: “White coat hypertension” is not connected with the highest prevalence of nephropathy, retinopathy or polyneuropathy in type 2 diabetic patients.