Arterial hypertension in children with type 1 diabetes

Abstract

Arterial hypertension is a main risk factor of cardiovascular, renal and microvascular complications in diabetes. It is estimated that arterial hypertension is more prevalent among type 1 diabetic children than in general pediatric population. Arterial wall injury caused by hyperglycemia and subclinical diabetic kidney disease play a role in pathogenesis of arterial hypertension in diabetic children. Overweight and secondary insulin resistance are other factors playing role in pathogenesis of arterial hypertension. Recent guidelines recommend to perform regular blood pressure measurements and to start early antihypertensive treatment. Antihypertensive treatment in diabetic children should be based on inhibitors of converting enzyme or, in case of intolerance, blockers of angiotensin II receptor.