Key result
Elevated creatinine linked to ~4.2-fold higher odds of hypertension in diabetic patients.
Why the study?
Despite the rising prevalence of both diabetes and hypertension in Rwanda, specific risk factors for hypertension in Rwandan diabetic populations remained poorly understood, limiting targeted interventions.
What demographic, clinical, and lifestyle factors are associated with the development of hypertension in adult diabetic patients in Rwanda?
Case-Control (n=400)
Yes
What demographic, clinical, and lifestyle factors are associated with the development of hypertension in adult diabetic patients in Rwanda?
Identifies poor glycemic control, renal dysfunction, smoking, and physical inactivity as key modifiable correlates of hypertension among Rwandan diabetic patients, supporting integrated lifestyle and glycemic management.
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
These factors were associated with hypertension in Rwandan diabetics; leaves open whether they predict outcomes or guide interventions in prospective studies.
Background Globally, 60–80% of diabetic patients develop hypertension, leading to increased cardiovascular mortality. In sub-Saharan Africa, including Rwanda, both conditions are on the rise due to urbanization and lifestyle changes. Despite high prevalence, specific risk factors for hypertension in Rwandan diabetic populations remain poorly understood, limiting targeted interventions. This case-control study aimed to identify risk factors for hypertension among diabetic patients at two tertiary hospitals in Rwanda (2020–2024). Methods This retrospective matched case-control study was conducted at two tertiary hospitals in Rwanda from January 2020 to December 2024. The cases consisted of diabetic patients with hypertension (n = 200), and the controls were diabetic patients without hypertension (n = 200), matched for gender. Medical records were reviewed using structured data extraction forms, and we conducted interviews with participants to collect data on lifestyle characteristics. Data analysis employed chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression using SPSS version 28.0. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant at 95% confidence. Results Among eligible 400 participants in outpatient clinic (200 cases, 200 controls), hypertensive diabetic patients were older (60.3 vs 48.6 years), had longer duration of diabetes (12 vs 10 years), poorer glycemic control (HbA1C 9% vs 8%), and worse lifestyle factors including higher smoking rates (21.2% vs 5.2%) and lower physical activity (17.6% vs 43.8%). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, hypertension among diabetic patients was significantly associated with family history of hypertension (AOR = 3.12, 95% CI: 2.43–22.68), elevated creatinine levels ≥ 88 µmol/L (aOR = 4.23, 95% CI: 1.02–17.48), smoking (aOR = 2.46, 95% CI: 1.15–14.60), and poor glycemic control (HbA1c > 7%) (aOR = 3.46, 95% CI: 1.96–15.81). Engagement in physical exercise was inversely associated with hypertension (aOR = 0.17, 95% CI: 0.05–0.56). Hypertensive diabetic patients also exhibited higher frequencies of chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular complications compared with controls. Conclusion It was revealed that hypertension among diabetic patients is associated with a family history of hypertension, poor glycemic control, elevated kidney function, and smoking, while regular physical exercise has demonstrated a protective effect. These findings support routine risk assessment and integrated diabetes care in service delivery by targeting these associated factors while promoting physical activity.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Nsengiyumva et al. (2026) conducted a case-control in Diabetes mellitus (Type 1 and Type 2) with or without subsequent hypertension (n=400). Elevated serum creatinine (≥88 µmol/L), poor glycemic control (HbA1c >7%), family history of hypertension, smoking, and physical exercise vs. Reference group (creatinine <88 µmol/L, HbA1c ≤7%, no family history of hypertension, non-smoking, no physical exercise) was evaluated on Hypertension status among diabetic patients (defined as persistently elevated blood pressure on antihypertensive treatment) (aOR 4.227, 95% CI 1.022-17.484, p=0.047). Elevated creatinine, HbA1c >7%, family history, and smoking increased hypertension odds in diabetics, while exercise lowered it.
Synapse has enriched 8 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: