Hypertension and type 2 diabetes are two common chronic conditions that affect millions of adults in the United States. A recent study from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health has shed light on the increased risk of mortality faced by individuals who have both hypertension and type 2 diabetes.
The study, published in the journal Diabetes Care, analyzed data from nearly 50,000 adults over a span of two decades. The researchers found that the prevalence of coexisting hypertension and type 2 diabetes has doubled in the U.S. population, reaching 12% by 2018. This combination of conditions was more prevalent among older adults, individuals with lower income and education levels, and disproportionately affected non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic adults.
The study revealed that individuals with both hypertension and type 2 diabetes had the highest mortality rates. Over a median follow-up period of 9.2 years, about a third of these individuals died, compared to 20% of those with only type 2 diabetes, 22% with only hypertension, and 6% with neither condition. The risk of dying from any cause was doubled for those with both conditions, and the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease was tripled.
Even individuals with prediabetes and elevated blood pressure, which are risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes and hypertension, were found to have a higher mortality risk. This suggests that interventions should be implemented early on to prevent the progression to these chronic conditions.
The researchers emphasized the importance of routine screening for both blood pressure and glucose to identify individuals at risk. They also highlighted the need for integrated management strategies, including medication adherence and lifestyle interventions, to effectively manage hypertension and type 2 diabetes.
As the U.S. population ages and chronic diseases continue to rise, the findings of this study underscore the importance of public health interventions that address multiple cardiometabolic conditions simultaneously. By prioritizing chronic disease prevention and promoting healthy lifestyles, we can work towards extending the number of healthy years lived by individuals.
In conclusion, the study from Columbia University highlights the urgent need for innovative public health policies and interventions to address the growing burden of hypertension and type 2 diabetes in the U.S. population. By focusing on prevention and holistic management strategies, we can improve health outcomes and reduce the risk of mortality associated with these chronic conditions.
