Good blood pressure (BP) control is at least as important as blood glucose control in diabetes, and may be easier to achieve. BP measurement is currently undergoing considerable change, e.g. patient empowerment is being facilitated by self-monitoring of BP at home using affordable semi-automatic devices. This article discusses some of the common pitfalls from a personal perspective. Features of best practice for BP measurement are outlined and some practical suggestions for improvement in a diabetes setting are provided.
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