A new systematic review and meta-analysis published in JAMA on calls into question the relaxing in the US and EU of blood pressure (BP) targets for people with type 2 diabetes. These targets were raised in recent years from a systolic BP (SBP) of 130 mmHg to 140 mmHg. However, the analysis of 40 trials and 100 354 participants showed that people with type 2 diabetes who achieved an SBP of <130 mmHg had a significantly reduced risk of death and cardiovascular (CV) events compared with those with higher SBP levels.
The study results showed that each 10-mmHg reduction in SBP from 140 mmHg resulted in significant reductions in the risk of all-cause mortality (relative risk [RR], 0.87), CV events (RR, 0.89), coronary heart disease (RR, 0.88) and stroke (RR, 0.73). Regarding microvascular outcomes, reduced SBP was associated with a lower risk of retinopathy (RR, 0.87) and albuminuria (RR, 0.83).
The lead author of the study, Professor Kazem Rahimi (George Institute for Global Health and University of Oxford), said: “Unfortunately, recent US and EU changes to the guidelines will negatively impact the treatment options for people with diabetes in the UK. We urgently call for these recent changes to guidelines to be modified and for all guidelines around the world to consistently reflect the evidence, so that patients with diabetes can receive the best possible treatment.”
Click here to read the original article in JAMA.
