Summary: Diabetes and arterial hypertension are common civilization diseases. Due to their high incidence they have become a serious social problem, which is still growing despite many preventative measures. Studies which have been conducted so far confirm that arterial hypertension occurs much more frequently in diabetic patients than in the general population. An analysis of a 30-year observation period indicates that the incidence of hypertension in patients with diabetes mellitus, type 2 is > 60% and with regards to diabetes mellitus, type 1 it is > 67%. Management of this disease is much more difficult and requires close cooperation between general practitioners and medical specialists. Nowadays, recommendations on the implementation of a therapy in hypertensive diabetics have to be tailored to the needs of a particular patient. We should always take into account the duration of diabetes and hypertension, the patient’s preferences and his/her involvement in the treatment process. Potential vascular complications as well as the expected survival period should also be considered. Hence, with regard to elderly people and concomitant diseases they suffer from, the criteria for compensation of diabetes and hypertension should be less strict so as to provide such patients with good quality of life and gradually achieve treatment goals.