Outcomes are reported from a 10-year, postinterventional follow-up of the survivor cohort of the UKPDS blood pressure study that examined whether a continued benefit of earlier improved blood pressure control was evident and, if so, the degree to which it persisted. The relative risk reductions seen in the tight blood pressure control group disappeared within 2 years after termination of the trial. In addition, significant relative risk reductions seen during the trial for any diabetes-related endpoint, diabetes-related death, stroke, and microvascular disease in the group receiving tight, as compared with less tight, blood pressure control were not sustained during the post-trial follow-up period. The nonsignificant relative risk reductions observed during the trial for myocardial infarction and death from any cause were also diminished during follow-up, however, there was a significant risk reduction for peripheral vascular disease associated with tight blood pressure control.
