BACKGROUND There is evidence indicating that blood pressure control is more effective in reducing macrovascular complications of diabetes mellitus (DM) than glycemic control. However, the reduction in BP to levels recommended by international guidelines is difficult in clinical practice. OBJECTIVE To assess the percentage of patients with both type 2 diabetes and hypertension (HBP) assisted in a tertiary hospital with adequate blood pressure control and to determine the clinical and laboratory factors related. METHODS Cross-sectional study with 348 patients with type 2 diabetes and hypertension assisted in the outpatient clinic of Endocrinology, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre. Patients underwent history assessment, physical examination, with measurement of blood pressure (BP), and samples were collected from blood and urine for laboratory analysis. Patients were divided into 3 three groups: optimal (< 130/80 mmHg), regular (130-139/80-89 mmHg) or inadequate blood pressure control (> or = 140/90 mmHg). RESULTS The mean age was 61.2 +/- 10.1 years (46% men, 80% white) and DM duration, 14.8 +/- 9.5 years. Eighteen per cent of the patients studied, 17% of patients had optimal BP value, 22% regular BP value and 61% inadequate BP value. Patients with inadequate BP control had longer diabetes duration, waist circumference and fasting glucose. The other variables were similar in 3 groups. CONCLUSIONS Most patients assessed had inadequate BP control. Higher BP values are associated with an adverse clinical profile, represented by longer diabetes duration, abdominal obesity, higher fasting glucose and chronic complications of diabetes.