This study used an observational, retrospective cohort design to compare the presence and timing of new-onset diabetes (NOD) between hypertensive patients initiating therapy with carvedilol immediate-release (IR) and carvedilol controlled-release (CR) vs the following cardioselective beta blockers (BBs): atenolol, metoprolol succinate, and metoprolol tartrate (referred to hereafter as 'other BB').

The aim of the study was to investigate the likelihood of developing NOD among hypertensive patients initiating carvedilol therapy vs other BB therapy in a real world setting derived from data contained in a large United States (US) managed care database.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Enrollment in a plan captured in the IMS LifeLink Health Plan Claims Database between July 1, 2000 and December 31, 2007
• aged ≥18 years
• at least one pharmacy claim for a beta-blocker of interest (carvedilol immediate-release [IR]/controlled-release [CR], atenolol, metoprolol succinate, or metoprolol tartrate)
• Index date was the first chronologically occurring prescription for any beta-blocker during the enrollment period
• Continuously eligible to receive healthcare services 6 months prior to and 3 months after the index date
• at least 1 diagnosis of hypertension (International Classification of Disease, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM): 401.xx-405.xx) during this time frame.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of diabetes mellitus (ICD-9-CM: 250.xx) and/or a prescription for antidiabetic therapy in the 6 months prior to and/or 3 months after the index date

This retrospective database study identified patients aged ≥18 years with at least one pharmacy claim for a beta-blocker of interest (carvedilol immediate-release [IR]/controlled-release [CR], atenolol, metoprolol succinate, or metoprolol tartrate) identified in the IMS LifeLink Health Plan Claims Database. Index date was the first chronologically occurring prescription for any beta-blocker during the enrollment period (July 1, 2000-December 31, 2007). Patients were identified if they were continuously eligible to receive healthcare services 6 months prior to and 3 months after the index date and at least 1 diagnosis of hypertension (ICD-9-CM: 401.xx-405.xx) during this time frame.