Diabetes and Hypertension

Diabetes and hypertension can often be found together. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is sometimes called the silent killer because it's often diagnosed and untreated.

People with diabetes have a greater tendency to get high blood pressure (HBP). Both diabetes and high blood pressure, individually, are risks for a variety of complications including atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), stroke, heart disease and kidney disease. When you have diabetes and HBP at the same time, your risk of developing serious health issues increases significantly.

How would you know if you have hypertension? You probably wouldn't, unless you get it checked. There are no symptoms. Ask your doctor or healthcare provider to check your blood pressure on every visit. Home monitoring kits are also available. Ask your doctor to show you how to use it properly so that you can get an accurate reading.

Diabetics should try to keep their blood pressure at 130/80 or lower. Even if you are pre-hypertensive -- readings of 120-139/80-89 -- over a continued period of time, your risk of developing heart disease can double or even triple.

Even if you have yet to be diagnosed as diabetic, you're at greater risk for high blood pressure if you have a family history of diabetes or hypertension, or if you are obese. Age doesn't matter.

Due to the combined risk of complications for people with both diabetes and hypertension, medications are usually recommended to quickly get blood pressure under control. Lifestyle changes that are part of a diabetes treatment plan, such as diet, exercise, and weight loss, are also done simultaneously to help keep both blood sugar and blood pressure well-controlled. It also helps to limit salt intake and stop smoking. Some medications have side effects, including possible effects on blood sugar, so discuss them with your doctor.

The information on this website is based on our own research and personal experience, and is not a substitute for medical advice. Questions about your health and individual situation should be directed to your doctor.

Diabetes and Hypertension - a Serious Combination