What are the benefits of lower blood pressure levels in adults with diabetes mellitus?
Several meta-analyses of RCTs included all trials with a difference in BP levels and supported lowering BP to <130/80 mm Hg among those with diabetes mellitus. Two meta-analyses addressing target BP in adults with diabetes mellitus restricted the analysis to RCTs that randomized patients to different BP levels. Target BP of 133/76 mm Hg provided significant benefit compared with that of 140/81 mm Hg for major cardiovascular events, MI, stroke, albuminuria, and retinopathy progression. In the ACCORD trial, lowering the BP target (SBP <120 mm Hg) was associated with stroke risk reduction in the intensive BP/standard glycemic group.