Case Study: Resistant Hypertension in T2DM

Overview

Mr D attended his annual diabetes review in primary care. As part of this routine check, a series of blood and urine investigations were carried out two weeks before the consultation, and the results are now available for discussion.

The review covered all major monitoring domains:

  • Renal function and electrolytes: eGFR, creatinine, sodium, potassium, urine ACR

  • Diabetes monitoring: HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose, BMI, foot examination, retinal screening

  • Lipid profile: total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, triglycerides

  • Cardiovascular risk assessment: QRISK3 score, clinic BP, home BP monitoring, pulse, ECG if required

  • Other monitoring tests: liver function (ALT/AST), full blood count, thyroid function where indicated

These investigations provide a comprehensive snapshot of Mr D’s metabolic control and cardiovascular risk.

Initial impressions:

  • Some results are reassuring: potassium is normal (safe for spironolactone if required), creatinine is stable, liver enzymes are within monitoring limits, and his foot and eye screenings are up to date.

  • However, there are also significant areas of concern: persistently raised blood pressure, HbA1c above target, obesity, LDL-C above goal for high CV risk, microalbuminuria, and a QRISK3 score of 26% indicating high long-term risk.

Category Parameter Result / Value Comment
Renal Function & Electrolytes eGFR 55 mL/min/1.73 m² Mildly reduced renal function
Serum Creatinine 104 µmol/L Within normal range
Serum Potassium 4.3 mmol/L Safe for spironolactone initiation
Serum Sodium 138 mmol/L Normal
Urine ACR 32 mg/mmol Indicates microalbuminuria
Diabetes Monitoring HbA1c 54 mmol/mol Suboptimal glycaemic control
Fasting Plasma Glucose 7.8 mmol/L Above normal range
BMI 33.1 kg/m² Obese category
Foot Examination Completed No active ulceration
Retinal Screening Up to date Reviewed within last 12 months
Lipid Profile Total Cholesterol 4.7 mmol/L Acceptable on statin therapy
LDL-C 2.2 mmol/L Consider target <1.8 mmol/L in high CV risk
HDL-C 1.1 mmol/L Borderline low
Cardiovascular Risk QRISK3 Score 26% High 10-year risk
Clinic BP 162/92 mmHg Above target
HBPM Average 158/88 mmHg Confirms uncontrolled BP
0% Complete