Prevalence of Prehypertension and Its Associated Factors Among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus at a Rural Tertiary Care Hospital in Bihar: A Cross-Sectional Study
Abstract
Background: Prehypertension frequently coexists with diabetes mellitus and may contribute to an increased risk of cardiovascular and renal complications. Identification of associated metabolic and clinical risk factors may facilitate early preventive measures. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted at ESIC Medical College and Hospital, Bihta, Patna, Bihar, over 12 months. A total of 320 participants were evaluated. Blood pressure was measured using standardized methodology, and participants were categorized according to JNC 7 criteria. Demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, glycemic parameters, lipid profile, renal function and serum uric acid were assessed. Associations between these variables and blood pressure categories were analysed statistically. Results: The mean age was 47.59 ± 10.56 years, and 55.90% were males. Prehypertension was present in 202 (63.13%) participants, while 6.56% had normal BP, 28.13% had Stage 1 hypertension and 2.19% had Stage 2 hypertension. Significant associations with BP status were observed for age, residence, occupation, family history of hypertension and waist circumference. FBS, PPBS, HbA1c, triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL, VLDL and serum creatinine also differed significantly across BP categories, whereas BMI, HDL, GFR and serum uric acid did not. CAD increased from 4.8% among normotensive participants to 16.3% among prehypertensive and 30.9% among hypertensive participants. Conclusion: Prehypertension was highly prevalent and occurred alongside multiple cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors. Routine blood pressure screening with simultaneous assessment of glycemic control, central adiposity, lipid abnormalities and renal function may help identify individuals requiring early cardiovascular risk reduction. Keywords: Prehypertension; Type 2 diabetes mellitus; Blood pressure; Cardiovascular risk; Dyslipidemia; Obesity; Uric acid.