Beneficial effects of telmisartan in an HIV+ diabetic insulin-dependent patient

Abstract

In HIV-infected patients with metabolic disorders, as in the general population, there is evidence of hypertension requiring pharmacological treatment. The presence of diabetes constitutes a cluster of particularly high cardiovascular risks in patients, both regarding diabetic damage and hypertensive damage. We used telmisartan to manage high blood pressure values in an HIV-positive patient with insulin-dependent diabetes. Surprisingly, insulin therapy had to be suspended because of hypoglycemic fits and treatment with metformin was started. In conclusion, telmisartan was effective and well-tolerated for the control of hypertension in this case and improved sensitivity to insulin. There are interesting effects of this drug in HIV-positive diabetic patients. Thus, if further studies confirm these effects, telmisartan may be the anti-hypertensive drug of first choice in HIV-infected subjects on combined antiretroviral therapy affected with diabetes and metabolic disorders. Copyright © by BIOLIFE, s.a.s.