The benefits of intensive blood pressure therapy for those with type 2 diabetes

A new study finds that intensive treatment to help those with type 2 diabetes reach ideal blood pressure levels helps prevent heart attacks, according to data from nearly 11,000 adults. Previous research had inconclusive or seemingly contradictory results on the therapy, but in the new study, those whose blood pressure was lowered to at least 130/80 mm/Hg — the recommended threshold set by leading cardiology groups for those with diabetes — experienced fewer cardiovascular events, including heart attack and stroke, and fewer deaths from any cause than those in the placebo group. The study authors say that further research is needed to know whether the 130/80 target is enough or whether lower levels of blood pressure will be more beneficial.