Blood pressure control and prevention of stroke in adults with diabetes

Stroke is a major complication in patients with diabetes and hypertension. Patients should be made aware of the complications and the importance of stroke-prevention strategies. Patients with diabetes and hypertension should be treated intensively to achieve a target value of 130/80 mmHg or lower, since optimum blood-pressure goals are achieved in only 5% of patients with diabetes. Target blood pressure is achievable only by active participation of patients in their care, patients’ education, involvement of multidisciplinary health workers in the community, and timely secondary-care input. Local guidelines on blood-pressure control should be implemented rigorously for stroke prevention and improved care.