The pathogenesis of arterial hypertension in patients with type II diabetes

: The aim of the study was to define more exactly the role of high salt consumption in the pathogenesis of arterial hypertension (AH) in patients with type II diabetes. The subjects, 110 patients with type II diabetes accompanied by AH (mean age 55 +/- 1.7 years), were divided into three groups according to their salt gustatory sensitivity threshold (SGST). The comparison and control groups consisted of 134 patients with essential AH, and 30 practically healthy individuals, respectively. Among the patients with type II diabetes and AH, the study revealed patients with special manifestations such as high SGST, numerous complaints, frequent hypertonic crises, higher blood pressure (BP), and BP circadian rhythm disorder consisting in insufficient nighttime BP decrease. The study demonstrated a significant role of high salt consumption in AH pathogenesis in this group of patients.