Diabetes and Hypertension
Diabetes on its own is a serious condition, especially if you are getting the complications. But if you have hypertension with it you have a major problem. Up to 75% of diabetics have high blood pressure with their diabetes. It complicates diabetes by accelerating the development of complications, especially heart and stroke.
Target Blood pressure
The target B/P for a non diabetic is lower than 120/80mmhg. For diabetics with no complications the target is 140/90mmhg, and those with complications the target is lower than 130/80mmhg.
Hypertension with diabetes is a dangerous condition.
What is Hypertension?
When the heart beats it forces blood through the coronary system. The force of the blood on the walls of the arteries and veins gives you your systolic pressure, or the top number. When the heart is at rest the pressure is called the diastolic pressure, or the lower number. An example is 120/80mmhg, which is the normal B/P for non diabetic patients.
The Hypertension Rule
(The higher the blood pressure, the greater the risk on your body.)
Symptoms of High Blood Pressure
Usually high B/P has no symptoms and is called the silent killer. It causes many complications especially strokes and heart attacks. One in four Americans has hypertension, and it is twice as high in diabetics. Obesity and insulin resistance may be the common link.
Causes of Hypertension
The cause is not clearly known. It is called "essential hypertension" and is thought to be caused by a slight narrowing of the blood vessels, which increases a resistant blood flow.
Kidney disease can also be a cause. Diabetic neuropathy damages the kidneys and can raise B/P. ( This is more common in type 1 diabetes )
It is rarely caused by other conditions, and in this case is called "secondary hypertension" This is usually caused by renal problems or hormones.
Recommendation: Have your B/P checked regularly by your physician. Even purchase a home testing monitor to keep a close eye on your B/P., especially if you are diabetic. Try to stay at your target B/P to avoid the complications of diabetes.
What is hypertension associated with?
It is associated with an accelerated progression of the complications of diabetes.
- A) Retinopathy
- B) Neuropathy
- C) Arteriosclerosis (heart attacks and strokes are 4 to 5 times more prevalent)
- D) Diabetic neuropathy is the leading cause of end stage kidney failure in the western world.
Metabolic syndrome
There is a syndrome that can lead to diabetes. It is called the metabolic syndrome. Hypertension, obesity and high cholesterol combine to create diabetes, increase strokes and heart disease. This is another reason to keep your B/P under control.
Factors in hypertension
- A) Type 1 diabetes- 3 in 10 have hypertension
- B) Type 2 diabetes- more than half have high B/P
- C) Family history of hypertension
- D) Lifestyle factors-1) being overweight
2) High salt intake
3) Lack of fresh fruit and vegetables
4) Excess alcohol
5) Lack of exercise
Recommended Treatments
Both lifestyle changes and medications are recommended as hypertension with diabetes is so dangerous. The treatment varies from person to person according to your physician
Lifestyle Changes
- 1) Monitor your food choices
- 2) Lose weight
- 3) Become more physically active
- 4) Quit smoking
- 5) Limit the amount of alcohol you drink
Medications
Aside from natural products there are several medications your physician can prescribe. Some of the recommended ones are
- 1) ACE inhibitors
- 2) ARB's
- 3) Beta Blockers
- 4) Calcium channel blockers
- 5) Diuretics
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We at diabetes-treatment-info.com recommend an all natural approach with lifestyle changes. Only 25% of people with hypertension have it under control, and this is essential if you have diabetes.
Hypavera :: Blood Pressure Aid
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