Abstract:

Background: Hypertension, among diabetic patients is a global health challenge with its frequency being almost twice that of non-diabetic patients attributing to the risk of mortality and cardiovascular events by 44% and 41% respectively as compared to 7% and 9% of these risks in people with diabetes alone. Hypertension in diabetic individuals complicates treatment strategy and increases healthcare costs.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of hypertension and its control among diabetic patients attending their follow-up clinic at Bugando Medical Center and the factors associated with the uncontrolled blood pressure. This is to clearly see the five-year change from the last research done at BMC in 2016 addressing the same issue and coming up with suggestions on what to do to tackle the problem.

Methodology: The study design was a cross-sectional in nature and was carried out at BMC among diabetic patients attending their follow-up clinic appointments.

Results: Majority of the study population were females, 59.9% and the median age was 60 years (IQR 26-98). The prevalence of hypertension among the diabetic patients was 68.2%). The odds of hypertension were high among age group of 51-65 years. A total of 66.5% of the diabetic-hypertensive patients had uncontrolled BP. Factors associated with uncontrolled HTN were BMI ≥25 kg/ m2 (AOR = 4.2, 95% CI (1.3–12.5)), poor AHA adherence (AOR = 9.4, 95% CI (2.2 – 39)) and presence of any arising diabetic chronic complication (AOR = 17, 95% CI (4.7-45)).

Conclusion: The prevalence of hypertension is still high and the majority of patients have poor blood pressure control. Therefore, different interventions to control hypertension among diabetics are still highly needed.