In the UKPDS, a subgroup of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus was randomized to either “tight” blood pressure control, in which blood pressure was lowered to a mean of 144/82 mm Hg, or to “loose” control, in which blood pressure was lowered to a mean of 154/87 mm Hg. Patients were also randomized to captopril or atenolol, with diuretics added to achieve target blood pressure levels, and were followed up for 9 years.

Tight blood pressure control led to a significant reduction in diabetes-related endpoints, including diabetes-related deaths and complications related to microvascular disease. Heart failure and stroke were remarkably reduced. There was a trend toward a reduction of myocardial infarction, with a risk reduction of 21%, but it did not achieve statistical significance.

Reference:

UK Prospective Diabetes Study Group. Tight blood pressure control and risk of macrovascular and microvascular complications in type 2 diabetes: UKPDS 38. BMJ 1998;317:703-713.