Vascular Effects of Carvedilol Versus Metoprolol in Hypertensive Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

Inclusion Criteria

• Age 30-80 years old
• Documented history of type 2 diabetes
• Stable angiotensin converting enzyme/angiotensin receptor blocker (ACE/ARB) regimen 30 days before and throughout the study period
• Stable anti-diabetic regimen throughout the study period
• Body mass index (BMI) between 22-45 kg/m2
• HbA1c between 6-9% for patients on anti-diabetic treatment regimen and HbA1c between 6-8% for patients who are being controlled by diet alone
• Screening blood pressure (BP) > 130/80 (average of 3 sitting measurements), with current medications

Exclusion Criteria

• Uncontrollable or symptomatic arrhythmias
• Unstable angina
• Sick sinus syndrome or second or third degree heart block
• Decompensated heart failure
• Myocardial infarction (MI) or stroke within 3 months of screening
• Bradycardia
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with required inhaled or oral bronchodilators or corticosteroids
• Bronchial asthma or related bronchospastic conditions
• New onset/diagnosed type 2 diabetes ( 2.5 mg/dL)
• Endocrine disorders
• Use of anorectic or other diet drugs inconsistent with recommendations for type 2 diabetics
• Use of beta-blockers within 3 months of screening
• Use of corticosteroids
• Systemic disease, including cancer, with reduced life expectancy (<12 months)
• Psychological illness/condition that interferes with comprehension of study requirements
• Use of an investigational drug within 30 days of entry into study