Cureus. 2026 Feb 19;18(2):e103893. doi: 10.7759/cureus.103893. eCollection 2026 Feb.
ABSTRACT
Diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension frequently coexist and together substantially increase the risk of cardiovascular morbidity, mortality, and healthcare burden worldwide. Despite growing recognition of their shared pathophysiology, clinical management often remains fragmented, creating uncertainty regarding the optimal integration of care strategies. This systematic review aimed to synthesise current evidence on integrated management approaches for adults with coexisting DM and hypertension, with emphasis on intervention models and clinical outcomes. A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for studies published between 2015 and 2025. Eligible studies included randomised controlled trials and comparative observational studies evaluating integrated or combined management strategies. Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria and were synthesised systematically due to heterogeneity in study designs and outcome reporting. Integrated interventions commonly combined pharmacological optimisation, lifestyle modification, multidisciplinary team care, and technology-assisted support. Reported outcomes included improvements in glycaemic control, blood pressure regulation, cardiometabolic risk factors, and care process indicators. The findings highlight the consistent application of coordinated care frameworks across diverse healthcare settings, reflecting a shift toward comprehensive cardiometabolic risk management. Integrated strategies demonstrate potential to enhance care coordination, patient engagement, and alignment with patient-centred care models. The evidence supports integrated management as a viable and clinically relevant approach for addressing the complex needs of individuals with coexisting DM and hypertension, reinforcing the importance of coordinated strategies in contemporary chronic disease management.
PMID:41869171 | PMC:PMC13005268 | DOI:10.7759/cureus.103893