Control of hypertension in Nigerians with Diabetes Mellitus: A report of the Ibadan Diabetic / Kidney Disease Study Group.

The prevalence of high blood pressure (BP) is high among Nigerians with diabetes mellitus. This study of Nigerian patients with diabetes examines the adequacy of BP control and antihypertensive therapy as a baseline for establishing conformity with current guidelines. A total of 256 patients with diabetes, aged between 21 and 83 years (mean 59.1 + 12.8 years) attending the Diabetes/Endocrine Clinic of the University College Hospital Ibadan, Nigeria were involved in the study. Fifty seven per cent had co-existing hypertension and 15.5% of these patients were not receiving any antihypertensive agent. There was a significantly higher systolic BP among females compared to males (p < 0.05). Diabetic patients with hypertension were significantly older than those with diabetes alone (p < 0.001). The body mass index (BMI) was higher than 25 in 66% of patients with both diabetes and hypertension compared to 48% in those with diabetes alone ( p <0.005). A satisfactory mean systolic (<130 mmHg) and diastolic BP (<80 mmHg) BP was obtained in only 38.5% and 42.2% of all patients respectively. The association between BMI and blood pressure was found to be significant only for the diastolic pressure (p <0.05). Only 52% of the patients with hypertension were receiving angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors as part of their treatment. The high prevalence and poor control of high BP among Nigerians with diabetes pose an increased risk of future development of nephropathy. There is need for a more intense awareness programme for doctors in developing countries regarding current blood pressure management guidelines and the need for adhering to them.