According to NPCDCS guidelines, what is the recommended target blood pressure (in mmHg) for individuals with hypertension and comorbid diabetes mellitus?

Explanation

## NPCDCS Hypertension Management in Diabetes **Key Point:** NPCDCS recommends a target blood pressure of **< 130/80 mmHg** for individuals with hypertension and concurrent diabetes mellitus, reflecting stricter control to reduce cardiovascular and renal complications. ### Rationale for Stricter BP Targets in Diabetes 1. **Increased Cardiovascular Risk:** Diabetic patients have 2–4 times higher risk of coronary artery disease and stroke 2. **Nephroprotection:** Stricter BP control slows diabetic nephropathy progression 3. **Evidence Base:** Major trials (ACCORD BP, ADVANCE) support systolic BP targets of 130–140 mmHg in diabetes 4. **NPCDCS Alignment:** Indian guidelines adopt international evidence adapted to local context ### BP Targets by Risk Category | Population | Target BP | Rationale | |------------|-----------|----------| | General hypertension | < 140/90 mmHg | Standard guideline | | Hypertension + Diabetes | < 130/80 mmHg | Cardio-renal protection | | Hypertension + CKD | < 130/80 mmHg | Slows progression | | Hypertension + CAD | < 130/80 mmHg | Secondary prevention | **High-Yield:** The distinction between **< 140/90 mmHg** (general) and **< 130/80 mmHg** (diabetes/CKD) is frequently tested in NEET PG; memorize both thresholds. **Mnemonic:** **"Diabetes = Demanding"** — Diabetic patients demand tighter BP control (130/80) than non-diabetics (140/90). **Clinical Pearl:** Achieving < 130/80 mmHg in diabetic hypertensives often requires combination antihypertensive therapy (ACE-I/ARB + calcium channel blocker ± thiazide). [cite:Park 26e Ch 10]