Ethnic Variation in the Association of Hypertension With Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract

Lifestyle changes occurring with urbanization increase the prevalence of both type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and hypertension (HTN). Yemenites who have immigrated to Israel have demonstrated a dramatic increase in T2DM but the prevalence of HTN in diabetic Yemenites is unclear. In a cross-sectional study we evaluated the prevalence of HTN and lifestyle patterns in Israelis with T2DM of Yemenite (Y-DM) and non-Yemenite (NY-DM) origin. Y-DM (n=63) and NY-DM (n=120) had similar age (63±7 vs. 64±7 years, P=0.5), diabetes duration, diet adherence and exercise patterns. Y-DM had lower prevalence of HTN 63% vs. 83% (P<0.01). Furthermore Yemenite origin was independently associated with lower prevalence of HTN [OR 0.3 (95% CI 0.12–0.71)]. Blood pressure was well controlled with fewer anti-hypertensive medications in Y-DM than NY-DM (P<0.01). Even though life-style patterns were similar in the two groups, Y-DM have a lower prevalence of HTN compared with NY-DM and require fewer anti-hypertensive medications.

Prevalence of hypertension and determinants of poor blood pressure control in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus attending a Tertiary Clinic in Lagos, Nigeria

“…[ 8 9 10 11 12 ] Ethnic differences; whether population or hospital-based, and the tier of health facility are some of the factors responsible for the variability in the burden/prevalence of comorbid hypertension in DM. [ 13 14 15 16 17 ]…”