Abu Taher, Nurshad Ali
Hypertension was highly prevalent among adults with diabetes in the Sylhet region of Bangladesh. Older age and both general and abdominal obesity were independently associated with hypertension, underscoring the importance of regular blood pressure screening and comprehensive weight management as integral components of diabetes care.
BACKGROUND: Hypertension commonly coexists with diabetes and substantially increases the risk of cardiovascular and renal complications. However, data on the prevalence of hypertension and its associated factors among people with diabetes in Bangladesh remain limited. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of hypertension and identify factors associated with hypertension among adults with diabetes in the Sylhet region of Bangladesh.
METHODS: A total of 295 adults with diabetes were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Data on anthropometric measurements, lifestyle factors, and sociodemographic characteristics were collected using a structured questionnaire and a review of medical records. Diabetes and hypertension were defined according to standard guidelines. Blood glucose and lipid profile parameters were measured using standard colorimetric methods. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with hypertension.
RESULTS: The overall prevalence of hypertension was 61.4% (181/295). Hypertension prevalence increased with age and adiposity, reaching 69.4% among participants aged > 55 years and 70.0% among those with obesity. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, participants aged > 55 years had higher odds of hypertension than those aged 30-40 years (AOR = 2.09, 95% CI: 1.10-3.97). Compared with participants with normal BMI, overweight (AOR = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.03-3.20) and obesity (AOR = 2.46, 95% CI: 1.24-4.88) were significantly associated with hypertension. Abdominal obesity was also independently associated with hypertension (AOR = 2.57, 95% CI: 1.41-4.65). No significant associations were observed for sex, education level, dyslipidemia, lipid parameters, physical activity, or smoking status.
CONCLUSIONS: Hypertension was highly prevalent among adults with diabetes in the Sylhet region of Bangladesh. Older age and both general and abdominal obesity were independently associated with hypertension, underscoring the importance of regular blood pressure screening and comprehensive weight management as integral components of diabetes care.