Abnormal Glucose Tolerance and Hypertension

To quantify the association of abnormal glucose tolerance with hypertension and postural hypotension, 2480 men and women aged 50-89 yr from a defined population were evaluated by oral glucose tolerance and measurements of supine, seated, and standing blood pressure. In both sexes, adults with impaired glucose tolerance or non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) had increased mean blood pressure compared with those with normal glucose tolerance. These differences were both statistically (P < 0.05) and clinically (3-12 mmHg) significant and were independent of age, obesity, and the use of antihypertensive medication. Age-adjusted rates of systolic hypertension and isolated systolic hypertension were also higher in subjects with impaired glucose tolerance or NIDDM compared with those with normal glucose tolerance.