Hypertension, or high blood pressure, affects the majority of diabetics. If left unmanaged, diabetes and hypertension can cause other serious health complications like stroke, heart disease or kidney failure. Since diabetics are more likely to develop these illnesses, having diabetes can significantly increase one's risk. Early detection followed by diet, exercise, and medication can help diabetics lead healthier lives.

Hypertension and Diabetes

People with diabetes are at a greater risk for hypertension because they're more susceptible to high blood glucose levels. Over time, high blood sugar can damage blood vessels, impairing blood circulation. When this occurs, blood vessels are unable to transport blood and other substances throughout the body. This can cause arteries to harden, resulting in high blood pressure. In addition to being more likely to develop hypertension, diabetics possess a high risk for stroke, heart disease, and kidney disease.

With 2 out of 3 diabetics dying from either stroke or heart disease, it's important to reduce your risk for hypertension.^[1] High blood pressure is responsible for hardening of the arteries. This can cause build up to form and later clogs your arteries. These clogged arteries can lead to stroke or heart disease. Kidney failure is another potential consequence of diabetic hypertension. Having high glucose levels for a long period of time may cause your kidneys to filter more blood than necessary. Overusing your kidneys can wear them out and cause them to leak. Over time, the kidneys become unable to filter waste. If this happens, kidney failure is imminent.

Diabetes and hypertension does not have to be a life-threatening combination. If you're at risk for hypertension, regularly scheduled doctor visits may lead to an early diagnosis, decreasing your chances for stroke, heart disease, and kidney failure. It's important to note that a reading of 120/80 to 139/89 means you're at risk for hypertension. Those with hypertension may receive a reading of either 140/90 to 159/99 or one above 160/100-this is the most serious hypertension level.

How to Prevent Hypertension

Diet can influence your blood pressure. For instance, eating foods high in sodium can raise your blood pressure. Diabetics should refrain from eating processed foods because they contain an unhealthy amount of sodium. Having too much sodium in one's system may overwork the heart, increasing your blood pressure. Unlike high sodium foods, exercise can help control your hypertension and diabetes. With the help of physical activity, your heart can pump more blood without overworking itself, causing your blood pressure to decrease.

For some, diet and exercise fail to significantly lower blood pressure. In these cases, medication may be required. Common prescription medications for diabetic hypertension include HydroDiuril, Tenorim, Inderal, Capoten, Vasotec, Zestril, Calan, Isoptin, Cardura, Minipress, and Hytrin. Since diabetes and hypertension decreases the body's magnesium levels, taking a magnesium supplement may help. Magnesium works by relaxing the blood vessels, helping to lower blood pressure and glucose levels. In addition to avoiding sodium, exercising more, and taking medication, diabetics should limit their alcohol intake and stop smoking. These factors are also known to affect blood pressure.

Diabetic hypertension is a serious health condition; however, careful planning can make it easier to manage, reducing your risk for other diseases. If you're at risk for high blood pressure, talk with your doctor to learn more about hypertension and diabetes.