Published online Aug 15, 2014. doi: 10.4239/wjd.v5.i4.536
Revised: May 6, 2014
Accepted: June 10, 2014
Published online: August 15, 2014
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and hypertension represent two common conditions worldwide. Their frequent association with cardiovascular diseases makes management of hypertensive patients with T2DM an important clinical priority. Carvedilol and renal denervation are two promising choices to reduce plasma glucose levels and blood pressure in hypertensive patients with T2DM to reduce future complications and improve clinical outcomes and prognosis. Pathophysiological mechanisms of both options are under investigation, but one of the most accepted is an attenuation in sympathetic nervous system activity which lowers blood pressure and improves insulin sensitivity. Choice of these therapeutic approaches should be individualized based on specific characteristics of each patient. Further investigations are needed to determine when to consider their use in clinical practice.
Core tip: Type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension are two common conditions worldwide which increase the risk of cardiovascular disease with resulting disabilities and mortality. Carvedilol and renal denervation are two promising therapies to decrease insulin resistance and lower blood pressure by attenuating sympathetic nervous system activity. This review examines the clinical reports of these novel approaches.