Hypertension is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes. If not properly managed they are likely to end up with diabetes with subsequent high risk of kidney damage.

The results of the Anglo-Scandinavian Cardiac Outcomes Trial-Blood Pressure Lowering Arm (ASCOT-BPLA) study have shown that the major predictor of new-onset diabetes (NOD) in patients with hypertension is high baseline fasting plasma glucose levels of more than 90mg/dL. The risk increases by 5.8 times for each 18mg/dl rise above 90 mg/dL.

Other risk factors are higher weight, higher blood pressure and higher triglyceride levels. Hypertensive patients on atenolol (beta blocker drug) with or without a diuretic are also at risk.

On the other hand, high BP patients on amlodipine (calcium blocker) ± perindopril (ACE inhibitor), with high good HDL cholesterol levels, moderate alcohol use and age older than 55 years are protected from developing diabetes.