Hypertension and diabetes in obesity: a review and new ideas on the contributing role of ions.

Ion metabolism in obesity-associated hypertension is reviewed. A hypothesis is presented which proposes that ion imbalances in obesity may play an etiological role in obesity-associated diabetes mellitus as well. It is suggested that the rise in intracellular calcium--secondary to reduced sodium, potassium-activated adenosine triphosphatase (Na,K-ATPase) activity--may aid in the development of increased vascular tone and decreased glucose tolerance.