Clinical Pearls
1.
Hypertension is a risk factor for cardiovascular complications of diabetes.
2.
Clinical trials demonstrate that drug therapy versus placebo will reduce cardiovascular events when treating patients with hypertension and diabetes.
3.
A target BP goal of < 130/80 mmHg is recommended.
4.
Pharmacological therapy needs to be individualized to fit patients' needs.
5.
ACE inhibitors, ARBs, diuretics, and β-blockers have all been documented to be effective pharmacological treatment.
6.
Combinations of drugs are often necessary to achieve target levels of BP control.
7.
ACE inhibitors and ARBs are agents best suited to retard progression of nephropathy.