What condition should a 48-year-old male patient with elevated blood pressure be screened for according to guidelines?

The correct choice is screening for Type 2 diabetes, especially in a 48-year-old male with elevated blood pressure. This is crucial because there is a significant relationship between hypertension and Type 2 diabetes. Elevated blood pressure can be both a risk factor for and a result of insulin resistance, which characterizes Type 2 diabetes.

According to guidelines, individuals with hypertension are often screened for diabetes because they are at a higher risk of developing this condition. Detecting diabetes early in patients with elevated blood pressure can lead to timely interventions, potentially preventing complications associated with uncontrolled blood sugar levels and improving overall health outcomes.

In addition to personal and family history, clinicians typically look for risk factors such as being overweight or having a sedentary lifestyle, which often accompany hypertension and can further increase the likelihood of Type 2 diabetes. Therefore, this strategic screening aligns with preventive healthcare practices aimed at managing and reducing the risk of chronic diseases in individuals with elevated blood pressure.