ABSTRACT
The prevalence of both hypertension and type II diabetes mellitus are increasing in industrialised countries. These diseases are very closely related and associated with a high incidence of cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and renovascular complications. Effective management of hypertension in type II diabetes reduces the associated morbidity and mortality. The target blood pressure in patients with type II diabetes mellitus is less than 130/80 mm Hg, with a lower levei of less than 120/80 mm Hg being recommended in the context of renal impairment or proteinuria. Ali groups of antihypertensive drugs are effective in reducing hypertension in diabetics with the individual agent, or combination of agents, used dictated by patient characteristics, including age and ethnicity, in addition to co-morbidities. Often, an ACE inhibitor or an angiotensin II receptor blocker, usually combined with a diuretic, would be first line therapy. A calcium-channel blocker, beta-blocker, or alpha-blocker may be used as additional therapy if required