Even a small reduction in blood pressure can provide significant protection against heart problems among patients with diabetes. The largest study ever done on the treatment of people with type 2 diabetes revealed that, among the more than 11,000 subjects in the study, just lowering blood pressure a little could reduce ones mortality risk significantly. Results of the ADVANCE trial, reported at the European Society of Cardiology Congress in September and in the Sept. 2 issue of The Lancet, showed that even a reduction of 5.6/2.2 mm Hg cut the risk of cardiovascular death by 18 percent. Researchers noted that while much attention is paid to a diabetics glucose levels, careful monitoring of blood pressure is critical. Diabetic patients should work with their doctors to maintain a blood pressure below 130/85 mm Hg.
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