Volume 7, Number 4, December 2006

The effects of telmisartan and amlodipine on metabolic parameters and blood pressure in type 2 diabetic, hypertensive patients
Roberto Negro, Haslinda Hassan

Introduction. Hypertension in type 2 diabetes represents a strong risk factor for cardiovascular events. Either calcium channel blockers or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) may reduce insulin resistance. One of the ARBs, telmisartan (Telm) acting as a PPARγ agonist, significantly reduces HbA_1C levels. The aim of this study was the comparison of the effects on glycaemic control of amlodipine (Aml) and Telm in hypertensive type 2 diabetic patients.
Materials and methods. Forty diabetic hypertensive subjects were assigned to two groups. Group A: rosiglitazone (RSG) 4 mg + Telm 80 mg; Group B: RSG 4 mg + Aml 10 mg. All the patients were already treated with metformin, but not with antihypertensive drugs.
Results. After four months treatment, both groups showed a significant reduction of mean blood pressure (Group A: - 13.5%; Group B: - 13.3%) and a positive influence on glycaemic control and insulin resistance. Lower values of glucose, HbA1C, HOMA index and higher adiponectin levels were observed in Group A compared to Group B.
Conclusions. In type 2 diabetic hypertensive patients, the association of Telm 80 mg and RSG 4 mg seems to display a metabolic advantage compared to Aml 10 mg. The simultaneous beneficial effects on blood pressure and insulin sensitivity may confer make Telm particularly suitable in the treatment of the metabolic syndrome.

JRAAS 2006;7:243-246.

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