Hyperglycemia Effects on Blood Pressure in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

A higher-than-normal blood glucose level characterizes hyperglycemia, the primary metabolic feature of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) caused by insulin resistance and β-cell dysfunction. As a consequence of tissue or organ damage, hyperglycemia can cause an increase in blood pressure, according to previous research. The paucity of data makes comprehending the relationship between hyperglycemia and elevated blood pressure challenging. A detailed evaluation and meta-analysis were performed to investigate how hyperglycemia influences blood pressure. In addition, this study provides information on hyperglycemia biomarkers associated with the progression of high blood pressure. This investigation utilized a systematic review and a meta-analysis following the PRISMA recommendations. A comprehensive literature search was conducted on relevant literature published between 2012 and 2022, utilizing electronic database systems such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. The random effects model was employed to combine odds ratios (OR). The meta-analysis included eleven out of the 23 studies by employing the Review Manager software. This analysis revealed the effects of hyperglycemia and normal blood glucose on blood pressure in adults (OR=2.18; 95% CI, 1.14 to 4.18). The microvascular complication (OR=1.27; 95% CI, 1.20 to 1.35) and arterial stiffness (MD=-5.93; 95% CI, -11.23 to -0.65) are factors that may contribute to the progression of hyperglycemia to high blood pressure. HbA1c was possibly the most effective biomarker for hyperglycemia (MD=1.81; 95% CI, 0.44 to 3.02). In conclusion, hyperglycemia significantly affects BP in adults, and both mechanisms identified, including microvascular complication and arterial rigidity, are associated with elevated BP in a hyperglycemic state.