Diabetes and High Blood Pressure
High bloodpressure(hypertension)
can lead to and make worse many complications of diabetes, including
diabetic eye disease
and kidneydisease. Most people with diabetes develop high bloodpressure during their life.
Having diabetes makes high bloodpressure and other heart and circulation
problems more likely, because diabetes damages arteries and
makes them targets for hardening (atherosclerosis). Atherosclerosis can cause highblood pressure, which if not treated, can lead to blood vessel
damage, stroke,heart failure, heart attack,
or kidneyfailure.
Compared to people with normal blood
pressure readings, men and women with hypertension more often have:
Strokes
Peripheral vascular disease (hardening of the arteries in
the legs and feet)
Heart failure
A Visual Guide to High Blood Pressure
Even blood pressure that's at the higher end of normal,
called prehypertension (120/80 to 139/89) impacts your health. Studies show
that people with prehypertension have a two to three times greater chance over
10 years of developing heartdisease.
What Should Blood Pressure Be if You Have Diabetes?
Blood pressure readings vary, but most people with
diabetes should have a reading of no more than 140/80. The first, or top,
number is the "systolic pressure," or the pressure in the arteries
when your heart beats and
fills the arteries with blood. The
second, or bottom, number is the "diastolic pressure," or the
pressure in the arteries when your heart rests between beats, filling itself
with blood for the next contraction.
When it comes to preventing diabetescomplications, normal blood pressure is as important as good control of
your blood sugar levels.
What Are the Symptoms of High Blood Pressure?
Usually, high blood pressure has no symptoms. That's why
it's so important to check your blood pressure regularly. You should get it
checked at any doctor visit and follow your doctor's recommendations about
checking your blood pressure at home, too.
How Is High Blood Pressure Treated?
ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitors and ARBs
(angiotensin II receptor blockers) are kinds of medications that are often used to treat high
blood pressure for people with diabetes. Although other high blood pressure
medicines are available, ACEinhibitors and ARBs treat
high blood pressure and also prevent or slow kidney disease in people with
diabetes.
Note: Some blood pressure medicines may make your blood sugar and
lipid levels worse. Blood pressure medicines can also cause erectiledysfunction. Talk with your doctor about the side effects of
prescribed medicines.
Other drugs used to treat high blood pressure in people
with diabetes include drugs known commonly as "water pills" or
diuretics, which help the body get rid of extra fluid.
Most doctors use ACE inhibitors or ARBs first, then add
other anti-hypertension drugs if needed.
What Lifestyle Changes Can Prevent and Treat High Blood Pressure?
To
treat and help prevent high blood pressure:
◘ Control your blood sugar.
◘ Stop smoking.
◘ Eat healthy.
◘ Limit alcohol consumption.
◘ Exercise.
◘ Limit salt intake.
◘ Visit your doctor regularly.
