Time-to-effect relationships between systolic blood pressure and the risks of nephropathy and retinopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes

The time-to-effect relationship with SBP differed for the development of nephropathy and retinopathy. The long-term effect was obvious for nephropathy and borderline for retinopathy, while the short-term effect was stronger and evident for both. Continuous SBP lowering is necessary to prevent nephropathy, whereas SBP control during the preceding 5 years seems to be important to prevent retinopathy.