The Correlation between Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Hypertension

Abstract

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and hypertension are common non-communicable diseases that frequently coexist and significantly increase cardiovascular and renal morbidity. Their coexistence is driven by shared metabolic and vascular mechanisms.
Objective: To evaluate the correlation between T2DM and hypertension among adult patients attending a tertiary care centre.
Methods: A prospective observational study was carried out at a tertiary care hospital between January and March of 2026. There were fifty adult participants. Anthropometry, blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, HbA1c, lipid profile, and clinical history were all documented. The chi-square test, Student’s t-test, and Pearson correlation were used in the statistical analysis.
Results: Of the fifty individuals, thirty-two had hypertension and thirty-four had type 2 diabetes. Both diseases were present in 26 patients (52%). Diabetics had a considerably higher prevalence of hypertension than non-diabetics (76.5% vs. 37.5%, p=0.008). Diabetics had a higher mean systolic blood pressure (142.8 ± 14.6 mmHg vs. 132.1 ± 12.8 mmHg, p=0.012). Systolic blood pressure and HbA1c had a positive correlation (r=0.42, p=0.003). Age above 50 and obesity were important risk factors.
Conclusion: T2DM and hypertension show a strong clinical correlation and commonly coexist. Poor glycemic control is associated with higher blood pressure, emphasizing the need for integrated screening and management.