Assessment of pulse pressure in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus is frequently associated with cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension and dyslipidemia. Early identification of risk factors of cardiovascular disease will decrease the morbidity in type 2 diabetes mellitus. This study was done to assess the prevalence of isolated systolic hypertension among type 2 diabetic population. 40 cases of type 2 diabetes mellitus with duration of 8 to 12 yrs and 40 controls of both males and females in the age group of 40 to 65 years were selected. Laboratory investigations like fasting glucose and blood pressure were taken. In the present study the levels of fasting glucose was high and widening of pulse pressure was found in the type II diabetics compared to controls. Thus this study suggests the importance of early detection of isolated systolic hypertension in type II diabetes mellitus and will reduce the prevalence of complications in diabetics.