Hypertension in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Prevalence, Patterns, Determinants and Implications for cardiovascular risk prediction in Nigerian patients

Hypertension is a significant comorbidity in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), with substantial implications for cardiovascular health. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, patterns, determinants, and cardiovascular implications of hypertension among T2DM patients in Nigeria. A total of 200 T2DM patients were studied, comprising 69 non-hypertensive and 131 hypertensive individuals. There was a high prevalence of hypertension (65.5%) in the study population, predominantly driven by systemic inflammation and long-term diabetes. Hypertensive patients exhibited older age, higher systemic inflammation (elevated hsCRP), longer diabetes duration, and higher cardiovascular risk compared to their non-hypertensive counterparts. Among hypertensive patients, uncontrolled hypertension was common, with a significant clustering in Stage 2 hypertension, highlighting an urgent need for aggressive blood pressure management. Importantly, higher atherogenic risk (AIP) was observed in the uncontrolled hypertension group, emphasizing their increased vulnerability to vascular complications. Multivariate regression analysis identified serum hsCRP levels and diabetes duration as independent predictors of hypertension. These findings emphasize the major role of inflammation and chronic disease progression in the pathogenesis of hypertension among T2DM patients. Comprehensive management strategies focusing on effective blood pressure control, close monitoring of inflammatory markers, and early intervention are essential to mitigate the risk of long-term cardiovascular complications in this population.