Influence of telmisartan on insulin response after glucose loading in obese patients with hypertension: ARB Trial of hypertension in obese patients with hyperinsulinemia assessed by oral glucose tolerance test (ATHLETE)

Introduction The number of patients with both hypertension and obesity has been increasing in Japan. Many of these patients may also have insulin resistance. Telmisartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), selectively activates peroxisome proliferatoractivated receptor (PPAR)-gamma, and this effect is considered to markedly improve insulin resistance in obese patients with hypertension. We compared the antihypertensive and insulin resistance-improving effects of telmisartan with those of candesartan and valsartan in this patient population.