Diabetes and High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, or hypertension, affects up to 60% of diabetics It can also factor into the development of complications such as eye disease and kidney disease, or make these symptoms worse if they already exist. Even if you do not have hypertension, you should be aware that diabetes can lead to high blood pressure. Diabetes can damage your arteries, making it more likely that you will develop atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, is one of the causes of hypertension.

It can be difficult to know if you have hypertension unless you regularly check your blood pressure. Some symptoms of hypertension include dizziness, blurred vision, and headaches, symptoms that may commonly be attributed to other illnesses. According to the American Heart Association, your blood pressure reading should be 120 / 80 or less. If your blood pressure is higher, consult with your doctor.

There are many steps you can take to prevent hypertension or help control it. Reducing your intake of salt is one of the most important, along with quitting smoking. Caffeine and alcohol can also elevate your blood pressure, and should be avoided or consumed only once in a while. Blood pressure is also tied to your weight; the more you weigh, the harder your heart must work to pump the blood through your body. Even losing a few pounds can help alleviate high blood pressure. Reducing your weight may also prevent the need for taking medication for hypertension.

Another important cause of hypertension is stress. Many techniques exist to help people relax and manage of stress, such as yoga or meditation. Regular exercise can also reduce stress and keep your blood pressure levels in check. These techniques and others can bring long-term health benefits to anyone with high blood pressure, including diabetics.

Hypertension that cannot be controlled through behavior modifications is usually treated with medication. Various classes of medications for high blood pressure include ACE inhibitors, diuretics, beta blockers, and others. Many people with hypertension must take more than one medication to control the condition. Diabetics should be aware that some medications do interfere with blood glucose levels. If you begin taking medication for high blood pressure, have your doctor monitor your reactions carefully over the course of time.