News Release

March 23, 2004

Contact: Jane Shaskan, 860-679-4777
e-mail: shaskan@nso.uchc.edu

Controlling High Blood Pressure in Those with Type 2 Diabetes

UConn Health Center Researcher Looks at Vitamin C for the Answer

FARMINGTON, CONN. – Vitamin C has been touted for many years as an effective anti-oxidant that offers a variety of health benefits. George Mansoor, M.D., associate professor of medicine and associate chief of the Section of Hypertension and Clinical Pharmacology at UConn Health Center, will be looking at Vitamin C from yet another perspective.

“According to existing research, there appears to be a relative deficiency of vitamin C in people with type 2 diabetes,” said George Mansoor, M.D. “Our study will see if a daily 500 mg dose of vitamin C can help lower blood pressure in these individuals.”

Type 2 diabetes, also known as adult onset diabetes, affects more than 17 million Americans and is the sixth leading cause of death. Currently, about 73 percent of adults with diabetes have high blood pressure. By controlling blood pressure, complications of diabetes and cardiovascular disease can be minimized.

Study participation will last eight weeks and involves taking either vitamin C or placebo. Blood pressure will be measured and ultrasound will be used to assess vascular function. Study related visits and lab tests are free.

To be eligible for the study volunteers must at least 18 years of age, have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, and on a stable regimen of treatment for at least one month. They must be relatively healthy otherwise, nonsmokers and willing to discontinue any current Vitamin C and anti-oxidant use.

For more information, or to see if you are eligible, call Patricia Keltonic, R.N., study coordinator, at 860-679-3599.

Grant funding for this research comes from the Donaghue Foundation.

The University of Connecticut Health Center includes the schools of medicine and dental medicine, John Dempsey Hospital, the UConn Medical Group and University Dentists. Founded in 1961, the Health Center pursues a mission of providing outstanding health care education in an environment of exemplary patient care, research and public service. To learn more about the UConn Health Center, visit our website at www.uchc.edu.

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