What is the preferred initial treatment for hypertension in a diabetic?

The preferred initial treatment for hypertension in a diabetic is lisinopril, which is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. ACE inhibitors like lisinopril are particularly beneficial in diabetic patients for several reasons. They help to reduce blood pressure effectively, and they have renal protective effects, which is crucial for individuals with diabetes who are at increased risk for nephropathy. Additionally, lisinopril can help to prevent cardiovascular complications, which are also heightened in diabetic patients.

In this context, the other options are less appropriate as initial treatments. While athletic conditioning and diet modification can certainly play a role in managing hypertension and overall health, they are generally considered lifestyle interventions rather than first-line pharmacological treatments. As for beta-blockers, although they can be used to treat hypertension, they are not typically the first choice in diabetic patients unless there are specific indications, such as heart failure or arrhythmias. This makes lisinopril the more suitable option for addressing both hypertension and the complications associated with diabetes.