Intensified BP-lowering therapy cuts mortality and major vascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes, regardless of their baseline blood pressure or CVD risk, trial results show.

In the ADVANCE trial, more than 11,000 people with type 2 diabetes and at least one CVD risk factor were randomised to either intensive antihypertensive therapy with fixed combinations of perindopril-indapamide (4mg/1.25mg) or placebo.

The previously published results of the trial showed that BP was reduced by an average of 5.6/2.2mmHg.

Compared with placebo, there was a 9% reduction in major macrovascular or microvascular events, and an 18% reduction in cardiovascular mortality with more intensive therapy.