Systemic hypertension in diabetes mellitus.

Hypertension occurs more frequently in diabetics and markedly exacerbates the vascular morbidity and mortality resulting from this metabolic disorder. However, the etiology of hypertension in diabetics remains poorly understood. Like aging persons, diabetics have increased systemic resistance and a probable reduction in baroreceptor sensitivity. They also have an expanded total body sodium pool and a tendency to lower levels of plasma renin activity. Some of these factors suggest that a subtle calcium deficiency could also be of etiologic importance.