Treatment of arterial hypertension in patients with diabetes mellitus

The presence of arterial hypertension in patients with diabetes mellitus is very common, and it substantially increases the risk of total and cardiovascular mortality in this group of patients. Current guidelines recommend a goal for antihypertensive treatment blood pressure value < 130/80 mmHg (in patients > 65 years old, blood pressure value < 140/90 mmHg), but not lower than < 120/70 mmHg. Initial pharmacologic treatment with two antihypertensive medications as a fixed tablet (preferentially RAS blocker with calcium antagonist) with thiazide-like diuretic as an additional drug is recommend. Results from recent years confirm the role of RAS blockers as first-line treatment in patients with diabetes, because they have additionally cardio- and nephroprotective properties. Recently it was also documented that treatment with a new class of antidiabetic drugs, namely sodium-glucose

co-transporter 2 inhibitors, may reduce blood pressure with additional cardio- and nephroprotective properties.