Electronic blood pressure monitor

A total of 444 respondents were interviewed; however, laboratory, physical and medical information were obtained for 430 participants. Most of the participants 426 (99.1%) were undergoing treatment for only T2DM, while 4(0.9%) of them were on medication for both T2DM and hypertension. To ensure standardization of interviews and measurements, two registered nurses were trained on questionnaire administration, data extraction, and using measurement tools. Participants’ heights and weights were measured using the Seca weighing scale and stadiometer respectively. A simple tape measure calibrated in meters to the nearest centimeter was used to measure waist circumference on the bare skin at the end of normal gentle respiration. Participants were required to wear light clothing and without shoes during physical measurements. Measurement of waist circumference was taken at the narrowest indentation midway between the lowest rib and the iliac- crest.
The average of two blood pressure readings was taken after five minutes apart using Omron electronic blood pressure monitor. Measurements were taken in the sitting position after participants have had at least 15 min of rest. Participants’ blood samples were also collected and tested for glucose, triglycerides, and HDL-cholesterol level after which the results were documented in the questionnaires.

Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) = DBP + 1/3 (SBP-DBP) were determined twice a day (7 a.m. and 16 p.m.) using an Omron electronic blood pressure monitor. Patients sat quietly in a quiet environment for 5–10 min before starting BP measurements, and were not allowed to drink strong tea, coffee, or alcohol for the preceding 30 min. The subject’s arm was placed at the same level as the right atrium and abducted to 45°, and the cuff was emptied of gas using a uniform electronic sphygmomanometer with the lower edge of the cuff 2–3 cm from the elbow fossa. BP was measured again at 1–2 min intervals and values averaged. We considered the average of BP at 7 a.m. and 16 p.m.
Peripheral venous blood was collected on the mornings of Day 1 (before the run-in period), Day 8 (end of the run-in period), and Day 15 (end of the intervention period) for routine hematology, liver and kidney function, PRA, PAC, c-reactive protein (CRP), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), and troponin I (TNI) measurements. We tested serum electrolytes and 24-h urine electrolytes daily, and recorded daily water intake and fasting weight in the morning. Blood samples were kept at -4°C immediately after collection and sent for testing within 2 h.