Original paper
Is the “white coat hypertension” a risk factor of late diabetic complications?

High blood pressure values observed in patients only in an outpatient clinic, in comparison with normal blood pressure values measured at home, is named “white coat hypertension”.
Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the coincidence of late diabetic complications in type 2 diabetes and “white coat hypertension”.
Material and methods: 120 patients with type 2 diabetes without previously diagnosed arterial hypertension were enrolled into the study. Blood pressure values using a mercurial sphygmomanometer during a clinic visit and 24h blood pressure measurements (ABPM) were taken in all patients. Patients with mean daily blood pressure value estimated by ABPM above 135/85 mmHg were excluded. “White coat hypertension” was diagnosed when “office blood pressure” values were >140/90 mmHg and ABPM day values were <135/85 mmHg. Group I comprised 43 patients with “white coat hypertension” and group II (n=49) patients with normal blood pressure values. In all patients serum creatinine, urea, microalbuminurie, ophthalmological and neurological examinations were performed.
Results: Statistical differences were observed between studied groups in systolic and diastolic pressure values measured using a sphygmomanometer during a clinic visit (p<0.05). There were no differences in blood pressure values determined by ABPM (p>0.05). There were no differences between groups in number of cases of late diabetic complications (p>0.05).
Conclusion: “White coat hypertension” is not connected with the highest prevalence of nephropathy, retinopathy or polyneuropathy in type 2 diabetic patients.