Diabetes and high blood pressure are the two most common diseases that affect millions of people in the world. In recent research, blood pressure will likely strike a person with diabetes. In this blog post, we will answer the question Does Diabetes Raise Blood Pressure?
47% of the US adult population(116 million adults) is suffering from high blood pressure problems.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a medical condition in which the body cannot regulate the glucose in the blood. Glucose is an energy source for the human body, but it requires the hormone insulin to be absorbed and used by the cells.
There are two types of diabetes Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 is a condition in which your immune system destroys insulin-making cells in your pancreas. In type 1 diabetes, people are unable to produce insulin, and they need to take insulin injections or pumps to manage their condition.
Type 2 diabetes is a condition that occurs when the body becomes resistant to the effects of insulin to maintain blood sugar levels. This type is more common in adults. As there is no cure for this disease, It can still be managed.
What is High Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is the force of blood flow against the walls of your arteries. High blood pressure is a condition that develops when the force of blood flow is increased. It is also known as Hypertension.
As the force increases the heart has to pump harder to generate more blood. This extra pressure on the heart can be risky. High blood pressure can cause heart disease, stroke, or kidney disease.
The symptoms of high blood pressure can vary from person to person. In most cases, there are no noticeable symptoms. If you suffer from high blood pressure you may experience some symptoms include
- Chest Pains
- Short Breath
- Headache
- Dizziness
We can measure blood pressure with two numbers, and we call the first number systolic pressure. This is the pressure inside the arteries when your heart fills vessels with blood. The second number is known as diastolic pressure. This is the pressure inside the arteries when your heart resting and filling with blood.
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health (NHLBI) has some guidelines for defining the levels of blood pressure. Pressure less than 120/80mm hg is defined as Normal blood pressure. Pressure more than 140/90mm hg is defined as High blood pressure.
Link Between Diabetes and High Blood Pressure
Diabetes is a condition in which the body doesn’t produce enough insulin for the functioning of the human body. Due to a lack of insulin, glucose cannot enter the cell to provide the energy it needs. Soo, it expands in the bloodstream instead. That leads to high blood pressure.
Insulin Resistance can also be the cause of high blood pressure. In type 2 diabetes, the body becomes resistant to the effects of insulin. This factor might affect both ways. People with high blood pressure are mostly resistant to the effects of insulin. It may not lead to diabetes directly but it can be one of the causes that leads to it.
In diabetes, the blood glucose level is high. High blood glucose levels can cause damage to various organs including the ones necessary to control the bloodstream. The damage to the blood vessel can lead to high blood pressure.
Both diabetes and high blood sugar affect the small blood vessels. Diabetes damages the vessels in ways that make them stiffer, and high blood pressure spoils their function. Both conditions are linked with each other.
Top 9 connections between Diabetes and High Blood Pressure:
- Shared risk factors: Both diabetes and high blood pressure have common risk factors, such as obesity, an unhealthy diet, and a sedentary lifestyle.
- Insulin resistance: Insulin resistance, a hallmark of type 2 diabetes, can cause blood vessels to tighten, resulting in high blood pressure.
- Kidney damage: Diabetes can damage the kidneys, which play a crucial role in regulating blood pressure, leading to hypertension.
- Inflammation: Chronic inflammation, often present in both diabetes and hypertension, contributes to the development and progression of both conditions.
- Endothelial dysfunction: Diabetes can cause blood vessel damage, leading to endothelial dysfunction, which may result in increased blood pressure.
- Synergistic effects: The presence of both diabetes and high blood pressure can exacerbate each other, increasing the risk of cardiovascular complications.
- Medication interaction: Some medications used to treat diabetes may affect blood pressure and vice versa, highlighting the importance of monitoring both conditions.
- Lifestyle factors: Unhealthy habits like smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and high salt intake can contribute to the development of both diabetes and hypertension.
- Stress: Psychological stress can raise blood sugar levels and blood pressure, linking the two conditions indirectly.
Managing Diabetes and High Blood Pressure
Some common factors can be useful for managing both diabetes and high blood pressure. Some of the factors include:
- Taking proper medication: Always follow your doctor’s prescription to ensure the correct dosage and timing for your medications.
- Maintaining a healthy diet: Consume a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to promote overall health.
- Get physical exercise: Engage in regular physical activities like walking, jogging, or swimming to keep your body fit and strong.
- Limited consumption of alcohol: Drink alcohol in moderation or avoid it completely to reduce the risk of health problems.
- Quit smoking: Stop smoking to improve lung function and reduce the risk of various diseases.
- Limited salt intake: Consume less salt to manage blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart-related issues.
- Monitor both conditions regularly: Keep track of your health by regularly checking your blood pressure, blood sugar, and other vital signs.
- Seek advice from medical experts and receive personalized guidance on managing your health by consulting healthcare professionals.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Diabetes and high blood pressure are the two most common diseases that affect millions of people in the world. Though these two conditions appear different, they also have a close link, as diabetes increases the risk of developing high blood pressure and vice versa.
Individuals with either condition must consult with their healthcare provider to manage both conditions. Managing this condition may involve lifestyle changes, medication management, and regular monitoring of blood pressure and blood glucose levels.
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