The prevalence of hypertension and its progression among patients with type 2 diabetes in Jordan

BACKGROUND: Assessing the prevalence and progression of hypertension among diabetics is crucial for designing appropriate strategies for successfully managing hypertension and its life-threatening complications. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of hypertension, its progression, and its determinants among type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients in Jordan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1382 Jordanian patients with T2DM in the period from January 2019 to January 2020. Blood pressure (BP) was followed and measured every 2–3 months using standardized automated sphygmomanometer during patients’ routine visits for a total of 12 months. Data were obtained from medical records that included sociodemographic variables, anthropometric measurements, HbA1c, lipid profile, presence of T2DM complications and treatment. RESULTS: The prevalence of hypertension among T2DM patients at the baseline was 74.6% (95% CI: 72.2%, 76.9%). The one-year incidence of hypertension among T2DM patients who were free of hypertension at the baseline was 26.2% (95% CI: 21.7%, 31.1%). In the multiple logistics regression analysis, patients older than 60 years (OR = 1.3 (95% CI: 1.01, 1.7); p-value 0.045) and those with positive family history of hypertension (OR = 4.2 (95% CI: 1.2, 8.2); p-value 0.026) were more likely to have uncontrolled hypertension. Patients who were using insulin only were less likely (OR = 0.5 (95% CI: 0.2, 0.9); p-value 0.026) to have uncontrolled hypertension compared to those who were on oral hypoglycemic agents only. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of hypertension among Jordanian patients with T2DM is alarmingly high. Healthcare providers should be committed to policies or preventive strategies targeting the modifiable risk factors associated with hypertension.