In a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials of diabetes patients, researchers found treating those with high blood pressure, which has been extensively debated, could be dangerous in some instances, according to findings in the British Medical Journal.
"This systematic review and meta-analyses confirms that blood pressure lowering treatment is associated with reduced mortality and cardiovascular morbidity in people with diabetes mellitus, if systolic blood pressure before treatment is more than 140 mm Hg," the authors wrote. "If SBP is less than 140 mm Hg, however, we found no benefit, but potential harm, with an increased risk of cardiovascular death."
The authors concluded that the most likely biological explanation for the findings is the impairment of organ blood flow that can stem from intensive treatment. They suggest that blood pressure treatment goals should be less aggressive for patients with diabetes.