It is present in more than 50% of diabetics and may or may not be accompanied by renal (kidney) damage.

It is a major risk factor for the development of macro/micro vascular disease in diabetics.

Increased cardiovascular risk has been demonstrated in adult diabetic subject with pressure slightly greater than 130/80.

Isolated systolic hypertension is more common in a diabetic than in a non diabetic and is a risk factor for macro vascular disease.

In diabetics, the high blood pressure may be due to secondary causes which must be carefully considered and ruled out.