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Diabetes and High Blood Pressure: How Are They Connected

Jan 18, 2023

Primary Care

Diabetes and High Blood Pressure: How Are They Connected

A person with diabetes has a more significant risk of developing high blood pressure than a diabetes-free person. High blood pressure, if left unchecked, can lead to stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. Check out this guide to learn about the link between high blood pressure and diabetes and how to keep it under control!

What Is the Relation Between Diabetes and Hypertension?

Diabetes and high blood pressure have several similar risk factors and triggers. A person with one condition is more likely to develop the other. Similarly, a person with both illnesses can discover that having one of these diseases makes the other one worse. Diabetes and hypertension commonly coexist and may have some underlying links and causes. These consist of the following:

  • Sedentary and lethargic lifestyle
  • Overweight or obesity
  • Inflammatory disease
  • Oxidative strain
  • Insulin resistance

Insulin resistance is common in people with severe type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. Consequently, one crucial link between diabetes and hypertension is insulin resistance.

Major Risk Factors for Diabetes and High Blood Pressure

Insulin resistance prevents your body from appropriately using blood sugar for energy, and is the primary cause of developing type 2 diabetes. Blood glucose “Sugar” accumulates in the blood of people with type 2 diabetes as their bodies stop responding properly to circulating insulin. Your body starts working even harder to produce even more insulin causing many significant physiologic changes. Regarding high blood pressure and diabetes, insulin increases the collection of fluids and sodium in the body, which increases your risk of developing or worsening high blood pressure. Thus hypertension in diabetes is a highly alarming condition.

Diabetes and high blood pressure have several associated risk factors. Some of these consist of the following

  • Obesity or being overweight
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Unhealthy sleep routine
  • Smoking
  • Exposure to pollutants and certain chemicals
  • Family medical history

Your chance of having a stroke or a cardiac event increases significantly if you have diabetes. Hypertension in diabetics can also contribute to the onset of disorders like dementia and vascular conditions such as heart attacks and strokes.

Can Diabetes Cause Hypertension

Many have the question, "Can high blood pressure cause diabetes?" The fact is diabetes damages the kidneys. This results in excessive salt and water retention, which raises blood pressure. Diabetes affects the small blood arteries over time, causing the walls to harden and function incorrectly. All such changes influence and cause high blood pressure levels.

Does Diabetes Increase the Risk of Hypertension?

According to the CDC, 47% of adults in the United States either have hypertension or undergo medications to treat it well. Also, the ADA report reveals that 2 in 3 adults with diabetes either report having hypertension or switch to prescription medication to decrease their blood pressure.

What Is the Recommended Blood Pressure Range for People with Diabetes?

You should not have blood pressure over 140/80 mmHg or 130/80 mmHg if you have diabetes or another condition affecting your blood flow.

Tips to Lower Your Blood Pressure If You Have Diabetes

Several choices and tips can improve your diabetes and high blood pressure management with favorable outcomes, such as:

  • Keeping a healthy weight
  • Reducing your salt intake
  • Following the DASH diet plan (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension)
  • Adopting an active lifestyle
  • Quitting smoking
  • Reducing your alcohol intake

How MI Express Primary and Urgent Care Can Help?

Incorporating healthy behaviors is a great start but may not always be enough for the best results in treating hypertension or diabetes. Managing these conditions requires thorough medical oversight and management. Tired of not feeling well due to your medical conditions? MI Express Primary Care in Ann Arbor & Canton, MI can help you get back on track and lead a healthier life using our holistic approach to treating diabetes and high blood pressure! Dr. Umayr Azimi and his primary care team strive to make the biggest impact in the lives of our patient’s wellness, come see for yourself!

Contact us today and get convenient, reliable, high-quality healthcare with a smile in no time!

Also Read:

Can High Blood Pressure Cause Headaches?

What Are the Key Warning Signs of Type 2 Diabetes

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